Chevrolet Corvette Zr1 (2008)

[andykhol23]

http://www.justmorecars.com/chevrolet/2008-corvette_zr1/

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 - an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.

"Chevrolet's goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much - and does so with exceptional driveability," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

The ZR1's basic stats:

All-new LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 targeted at producing at least 100 horsepower per liter, or 620 horsepower (462 kW), and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque (823 Nm)

Six-speed, close-ratio, race-hardened manual transmission

New, high-capacity dual-disc clutch

Higher-capacity and specific-diameter axle half-shafts; enhanced torque tube

Specific suspension tuning provides more than 1g cornering grip

Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels

Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires - P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear - developed specifically for the ZR1

Standard carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors - 15.5-inch-diameter (394-mm) in the front and 15-inch-diameter (380-mm) in the rear

Larger brake calipers with substantially increased pad area

Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control with track-level suspension

Wider, carbon-fiber front fenders with ZR1-specific dual vents

Carbon-fiber hood with a raised, polycarbonate window - offering a view of the intercooler below it

Carbon-fiber roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings with clear-coated, exposed carbon-fiber weave

ZR1-specific full-width rear spoiler with raised outboard sections

Specific gauge cluster with boost gauge (also displayed on the head-up display) and 220-mph (370 km/h) speedometer readout

Only two options: chrome wheels and a "luxury" package

Curb weight of approximately 3,350 pounds (1,519 kg)

The specialized components of the new ZR1 work harmoniously to deliver the most powerful and fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors. Performance estimates will be announced closer to vehicle's summer 2008 launch.

"Preliminary testing shows the ZR1 builds on the highly respected Corvette Z06 in every performance category, from acceleration and braking, to cornering grip and top speed," said Peper. "It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1's is exceptional - better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph."

By the numbers

In addition to the exterior cues and powertrain, ZR1 models will be distinguished from other Corvette models by their VIN. Each will carry a unique, identifying VIN digit, as well as a sequential build number. This makes it easy to determine the build number of a specific car - information treasured by enthusiasts and collectors. For example, a ZR1 with a VIN ending in "0150" would indicate it is the 150 th ZR1 built for the model year.

[RFeldes]

Always have been a vette fan, In fact I've owned three of the. 69 custom with a 71 front end, under a truck. OOPS. 84 the first of the new series, Stolen at gunpoint and later on TV during high speed chase in Miami driven by the Robber. He went away for a while, and an 05 sideways in the rain into a light pole in Ft. Lauderdale... Those were the days... ;)

[smooth1]

Yeah, the vettes have allways been nice. Although the late 80's was a very tough time for the vette, I'm glad they have turned it around and put it back in the line where it should be. My only problem with the car is it's too focused and too small, which means it could only ever be a toy car in my garage.

[denslexusgx470]

Those vettes aren't bad. But I test drove an 01 and I didn't quite like the quality of the newer Vettes....