The ZR1 looks beautiful sure but the LS9 aluminum-block, supercharged 6.2-Liter OHV pushrod, 2-valve per cylinder based on the 7 -liter V8 from the current Corvette gives you 638 hp. 605 lb.-ft torque, 205 mph and that feels better than it looks.
ZR1 Specs:
- Six-speed, close-ration, race-hardened manual transmission.
- Standard carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors, 15.5 inch diameter in the front and 15 inch in the rear.
- Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control with track-level suspension.
- A brand new high-capacity dual-disc clutch.
- Huge brake calipers with larger pad area.
- Weight of 3,350 lbs.
- Carbon-fiber roof panel, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings as well as the hood with a raised polycarbonate window looking into the heart of the beast.
ZR1 Power and Beauty
The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is a gorgeous 2-door hatchback coupe with a fixed roof. This car is a world-beating performance at a price that can compete with the likes of the Ferrari and Lamborghini elites. This vette does the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds at 128 miles per hour according to Car and Driver. Car and Driver's test also recorded the shortest stopping distance of a production car of 142 feet from 170 mph.
San Diego Car Show
The San Diego Auto Show had the ZR1 proudly on display next to its little siblings the standard Corvette and the Z06. The Corvette and the Z06 are great cars on their own, but are so outshined by the ZR1 people walking by barely glance in the direction of the Corvette or the Z06.
Under the Hood:
- Eaton TVS R2300 blower produces 10.5psi of boost at up to 76 percent thermal efficiency.
- 6.2 -liter LS3 block reinforced in the second and fourth bulkhead areas.
- Four-layer steel head gasket instead of the usual two.
- Swirl wings on the intake ports to increase the efficiency of combustion.
- Cylinder head is an aluminum-silicon alloy allowing for higher heat tolerance between the valves.
- 9.1:1 compression ration with pistons providing no clearance for valves.
- Titanium connecting rods.
- Microalloy steel crankshaft.
Design of Love
The ZR1 was designed by a small group of engineers at GM unlike its predecessors which were headed by legions of engineers. The love for the brand is seen in the impressive specs of the ZR1 and the innovative ways these numbers are brought about.
Affordable?
The price tag makes this car affordable only for the well-to-do and prevents the middle class from easily owning this super car. But the middle class can stretch to get this vehicle that competes with the likes of a Ferrari and a Porsche which are so expensive.
