2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

For months, Chevrolet has kept the new ZR1 hidden away at their test facilities, with occasional cars being spotted on the road. Now, the ZR1 stats and photos have been released to the public, and we know what a monster it will be. Pictures from Carwalls.com -- taken by Chevrolet Music: Shifting Gears by Lalo Schfrin (yes, it is the Bullitt music) From Chevrolet Press Release 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."

YouTube | December 24, 2007

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