Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 Revealed

It’s here, it’s here - it’s finally here! This is the car that almost every car enthusiast has been waiting for. Rumors, spy photos, and particularly shots of the engine only added to the excitement of the ultimate Corvette, and now it’s finally here. Like kids before Christmas we just couldn’t believe our eyes to see the final product that has become the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, the most powerful, the fastest, the baddest Corvette to ever lay strips of rubber down asphalt.

Power is important when it comes to representing a legend like this. Though it isn’t the biggest engine fitted to a Corvette (the Z06 has a 7.0-liter unit), the 6.2-liter V8 is something entirely unique - it’s supercharged and intercooled. Chevrolet is still withholding the outright information regarding power and torque, but engine developers have hinted at a minimum of 100 horsepower per liter. Of course, this monster of an engine is worthy of display, which is why GM has fitted the hood with a lexan window. If Ferraris and Lamborghinis can have their high-performance engines on display, why shouldn’t Chevy?

Power like this needs an equal and opposite force for bringing it to a halt quickly. Therefore, the brakes consist of 15.5 inch discs up front and 15.0-inch units in the back, which are carbon ceramic no less. To get an idea of what kind of stopping power this provides, consider that it uses the same components as the Ferrari Enzo, but bigger and stronger. Reportedly, and somewhat intriguingly, the ultimate Corvette will have a softer suspension setup than the current range-topping Z06. The use of magnetorehological dampers (the liquid-filled ones with the metallic particles) will provide a suppler ride without compromising body control or grip, allowing for better traction on real roads with their inherent bumps and dips.

Quite obviously, a lot of time and effort has been put into crafting the ultimate Corvette, from the mechanical components to the styling. The ZR-1 is based off of the Z06, but its details are much more aggressive and even more sporting. There’s plenty of carbon fiber to behold; beautiful black weave can be observed on the pillars and the roof panels, as well as the lower lip on the body kit. Because regular carbon fiber has a tendency to yellow over time, GM invested mega bucks in creating a finish that would resist changing color. It costs about $2,000 per gallon.

Like the engine’s power output, another important detail has yet to be divulged - the price. Sources are still quoting in the neighborhood of $100,000 per vehicle, although it’s probably northwards of that mark. That might make this the most expensive Corvette ever (at least the most expensive new Corvette ever), but considering the technology, power and performance additions, something this exotic made in Italy would cost two to three times as much money. Our hats go off to GM for making the dream of the ultimate Corvette come true.