- What We Know
- The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 made its world debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show and the numbers are staggering, to say the least. With an estimated 620 horsepower and 595 pound-feet of torque from the all-new LS9 engine, the new ZR1 is easily the most powerful Corvette ever put into production. It's powered by a 6.2-liter version of the familiar Chevy small-block V8, fitted with an intercooled Roots-type supercharger from Eaton and mated to a new close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox with dual-disc clutch. A low curb weight of 3,350 pounds gives the new ZR1 a better power-to-weight ratio than such high-priced, 12-cylinder Italian exotics as the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and the Lamborghini Murcilago LP640. Chevy boss Ed Peper claims the ZR1 will be "the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph." Built on the same basic chassis as the Corvette Z06, the ZR1 gets standard magnetic selective ride control with track-level suspension and is capable of pulling better than 1g on the skid pad. The torque tube and half-shafts have been beefed up to handle the additional power, and Chevy has fitted carbon-ceramic brake rotors and larger calipers. The ZR1 rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires - 285/30ZR-19s in front and 335/25ZR-20s in the rear - mounted on 20-spoke alloy rims painted in bright sterling silver. Chrome wheels are one of only two options on the car. The cockpit is surprisingly low-key, considering the car's target price of just under $100,000. There are a number of pieces from the Z06, accented with a specific ZR1 gauge cluster, including a 220-mph speedo and a boost gauge, plus logo sill plates and embroidered headrests. Chevy isn't saying yet just how many ZR1s it will build, but does note that each car will carry a sequential build number and a special VIN that will identify it as a ZR1.
- What Edmunds.com says
- It's the Corvette to end all Corvettes, so expect a price tag to match.
