Page 1 of 8 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 106

Thread: 09 Corvette ZR-1

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    76

    09 Corvette ZR-1

    After years of speculation, spy photos, and rumors, General Motors has finally revealed its 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which will be on display at the Detroit auto show in January. As expected, the ZR1 is the most powerful and most expensive Corvette model ever.

    An all-new LS9 motor produces 620 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 595 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. Delivering 100 horsepower per liter, the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 is mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox with a new high-capacity clutch designed for the increased power. The twin-disc 260mm design provides plenty of clamping power, while maintaining a relatively easy clutch action.

    GM has not disclosed specific performance numbers, but the company admits a top speed of 200 mph is very likely. In terms of acceleration, the ZR1 will most definitely beat its Z06 counterpart, thanks to a 115-horsepower output advantage. Since the Z06 rockets to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, it's a safe bet the ZR1 will be much closer to the 3.0 mark. Final numbers will be announced in March 2008.

    "It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1’s is exceptional," said Chevy's Ed Peper. "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."

    GM used the Z06 chassis as a starting point, but further tuned the front and rear independent suspension to work with the ZR1's ultra-wide tires for increased grip. According to GM, the car achieves 1g cornering grip.

    Exotic looks, exotic materials

    The use of carbon fiber is pretty extensive throughout the ZR1. The wider fenders are made of the material, as are the hood, roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings.

    The roof and front fascia splitter have a raw carbon fiber appearance with a protective clear coat. The hood is painted like the rest of the car, but the underside is exposed carbon-fiber-weave for increased novelty.

    Another standout feature of the hood is a clear polycarbonate "window" that provides a view of the top of the engine’s intercooler, with embossed "LS9 Supercharged" lettering.

    Brakes, tires, and wheels

    The ZR1 has the largest wheels ever of any production Corvette — not just in diameter, but in width also. The rims measure 20 inches in rear diameter and 19 inches up front. Rear width is a whopping 12 inches, while the front wheels are nearly as massive at 10 inches of width.

    In terms of wheel finish, a bright silver paint coat is standard and a chrome version is optional.

    The matching Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires measure P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear. While Michelin's PS2 tires are offered on many vehicles, these were engineered specifically for the ZR1, GM says.

    The car's braking system features carbon-ceramic rotors measuring 15.5 inches up front and 15 inches at the rear. GM says the rotors are so durable they should not requiring replacement for the life of the vehicle.

    Squeezing the dics are six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, painted in ZR1-exclusive blue.

    Adjustable suspension

    The ZR1 comes with GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC) suspension system. The MSRC shocks are automatically adjusted based on driving conditions and vehicle dynamics (cornering, braking, etc) for optimal handling. The system is adjusted every milisecond to provide sharp handling during spirited driving, and a smooth ride while cruising.

    While the ZR1 is overall a more aggressive sports car than the Z06, it is actually less harsh over bumps, thanks to the MSRC technology. “The damping control of MSRC allowed for front and rear springs that have a slightly lower rate than the Z06, which enhances the car’s ride quality,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer.

    Optional premium interior features

    There is very little optional equipment on the ZR1. Aside from the aforementioned chrome wheels, the only other optional equipment is a premium interior package. The kit includes power-adjustable leather-trimmed sport seats, leather-wrapped interior elements (including the dashboard), a navigation system, and Bluetooth connectivity. The interior leather treatments are available in four colors.
    Last edited by jinst4; 12-19-2007 at 04:53 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    76

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    76

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Daphne, AL
    Posts
    75
    Its nice not crazy about the blue, but its nice.
    What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
    Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    76

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    76
    *sigh* my upload speed is so slow

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    76
    long way to go
    Attached Images Attached Images

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Calgary AB
    Posts
    1,580
    the hood is screwed up

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Posts
    76
    last one
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by jinst4; 12-19-2007 at 04:50 PM.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Daphne, AL
    Posts
    75
    Quote Originally Posted by 092326001 View Post
    the hood is screwed up
    Agree I did not see that before.
    What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
    Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    CT
    Posts
    122
    ooo.
    I hear it's gonna be great.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Barcelona
    Posts
    33,489
    The aesthetic modifications do it no favours. At least they may be functional.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Québec
    Posts
    5,749
    I like its looks, it's aggressive. I especially like the wheels. I'll take a black one please.
    Reginald *IB4R* says:
    it was a beautiful 35 seconds.
    David says:
    that's what she said

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Calgary AB
    Posts
    1,580
    the wheels,spoiler and the carbon fiber roof look good especially in black.
    the hood and the wings don't look so good

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Earth
    Posts
    4,939
    stick that in your pipe and smoke it 08 Viper
    UCP's NO. 1 Source for Enzo & 69 Camaro pic's

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Really useful performance listings...
    By Egg Nog in forum Technical forums
    Replies: 59
    Last Post: 04-18-2021, 05:13 PM
  2. all cars all years 0-60 and 1/4mile time
    By matheus in forum General Automotive
    Replies: 51
    Last Post: 04-26-2015, 06:29 PM
  3. Gran Turismo 5
    By Sauc3 in forum Gaming
    Replies: 1020
    Last Post: 05-19-2014, 03:16 PM
  4. nissan gt-r officially released...
    By roosterjuicer in forum General Automotive
    Replies: 207
    Last Post: 01-07-2009, 03:45 PM
  5. C7 Corvette Mid-Engined?
    By baddabang in forum General Automotive
    Replies: 40
    Last Post: 08-28-2007, 04:53 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •