2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The ZR1 is a 600 plus horsepower super Corvette.
By Shaun Bailey and Photos by John Lamm
provided by:
Road Track
2008 Detroit Auto Show
The ZR1 is a 600 plus horsepower super Corvette, with production is limited to just 2000 units a year. It will likely cost in the neighborhood of $100,000. The car’s platform is the already stellar Z06 Corvette that features an aluminum chassis and 505 horsepower from a 7.0-liter small-block V-8. The ZR1 takes the next step and uses forced induction by means of a new Eaton 4-lobe supercharger mounted on a revised 6.2-liter V-8. Horsepower isn’t known yet, but claimed to be well above 600.
To keep all that power in check are some massive brake rotors sourced from Brembo. In fact, they are nearly the same rotors used on a Bugatti Veyron and barely fit inside the 19-in. front wheels. The rear brake rotors fit comfortably in the 20-in. wheels and are the same as those used on the front of a Ferrari Enzo.
The Z06 is a superb track car, and the ZR1 is really pushing the Corvette envelope to the limit. But unlike the Z06, which is all about track performance, the ZR1 retains more civility thanks to Magnetic Ride control that gives varying degrees of damping—allowing the car to switch from comfort to sport with the push of a button.
You’ll recognize these on the road most easily by the carbon-fiber roof, enlarged air ducts and the clear hood window. Not to mention the smile on its owners face
