Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 – an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fibber, 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 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
Supercharged LS9 engine
The new LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power plant the supports the ZR1's
performance capability. The enabler of the LS9's performance and refinement is a large,positive displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design. It is augmented with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for maximum performance.A sixth-generation supercharger developed by Eaton helps the LS9 make big power and torque at lower rpm and carries it in a wide arc to 6,600 rpm, as it pushes enough air to help the engine maintain power through the upper levels of the rpm band – the area where supercharged performance tends to diminish. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components enable the engine'sconfident high-rpm performance.The LS9 is hand-assembled at GM's Performance Build Center,in Wixom, Mich., and incorporates specialty processes typically seen in racing engines toproduce a highly refined and precise product. For example, cast iron cylinder liners areinserted in the aluminium block and are finish-bored and honed with a deck plate installed.The deck plate simulates the pressure and minute dimensional variances applied to the blockwhen the cylinder heads are installed, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy that promotesmaximum cylinder head sealing, piston ring fit and overall engine performance.
The new LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power plant the supports the ZR1's
performance capability. The enabler of the LS9's performance and refinement is a large,positive displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design. It is augmented with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for maximum performance.A sixth-generation supercharger developed by Eaton helps the LS9 make big power and torque at lower rpm and carries it in a wide arc to 6,600 rpm, as it pushes enough air to help the engine maintain power through the upper levels of the rpm band – the area where supercharged performance tends to diminish. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components enable the engine'sconfident high-rpm performance.The LS9 is hand-assembled at GM's Performance Build Center,in Wixom, Mich., and incorporates specialty processes typically seen in racing engines toproduce a highly refined and precise product. For example, cast iron cylinder liners areinserted in the aluminium block and are finish-bored and honed with a deck plate installed.The deck plate simulates the pressure and minute dimensional variances applied to the blockwhen the cylinder heads are installed, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy that promotesmaximum cylinder head sealing, piston ring fit and overall engine performance.
The rear axle also is stronger in the ZR1 and features asymmetrical axle-shaft
diameters that were developed after careful testing to provide optimal torque management. The axles are also mounted on a more horizontal plane that correlates with the wider width of the rear wheels and tyres.Ride and handlingThe ZR1 is built on the same aluminium-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and features similar independent SLA front
and rear suspensions, with aluminium upper and lower control arms. Where the ZR1 differs is
the suspension tuning, which was optimized for the car's steamroller-wide front and rear tyres.
Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard and tuned specifically for the ZR1. The system's
ability to deliver a compliant ride with nearly instantaneous damping adjustments enabled engineers to develop a surprisingly supple ride quality in a supercar that still delivers cornering grip of more than 1g.From a high-performance perspective, Magnetic Selective Ride Control helps the rear axle remain planted during launch for smooth, hop-free acceleration. It also helps suppress axle movement when cornering on broken or uneven pavement.Brakes, wheels and tyresCommensurate with the ZR1's engine output is the braking system, which is headlined by carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Found on only a few exotics and more expensive supercars, carbon-ceramic brake rotors are made of a carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic silicon carbide material. Their advantage comes in low mass and resistance to wear and heat. In fact, the rotors should never show any corrosion or require replacement for the life ofthe vehicle, when used in normal driving.The vented and cross-drilled rotors on the ZR1 measure 15.5
inches (394 mm)in diameter in the front and 15 inches (380 mm) in diameter in the rear – making them among the largest carbon-ceramic rotors available on any production vehicle.
Clamping down on the high-tech rotors are six-piston front callipers and four-piston rear callipers, each painted a ZR1-exclusive blue. The front pads are equivalent in size to the largest on any production car with a single-pad design – double that of the Corvette Z06's 70-sq.-cm. front pads.The brakes are visible through the ZR1's exclusive wheels: 20-spoke alloy rims that measure 19 inches in diameter in the front and 20 inches in the rear. They come standard with a bright, Sterling Silver paint finish and chrome versionsare optional. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres developed specifically for the ZR1,
measuring P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear.Exclusive exterior
The ZR1 is instantly recognizable, with perhaps the most identifiable feature a raised, all-carbon-fibre hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window. The window provides a view of the top of the engine's intercooler,
with the legend "LS9 SUPERCHARGED" embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.The underside of the hood has an exposed carbon-fibre-weave. Exposed carbon-fibre
is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker moulding and front splitter. These exterior components are protected by a specially developed glossy, UV-resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear.Widened, carbon-fibre front fenders with specific, dual lower vents, and a full-width, body-colour rear spoiler incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp, are also unique to the ZR1. All of the exterior features of the car
were developed to enhance high-speed stability and driver control.Interior details
The ZR1's interior builds on the brand's dual-cockpit heritage, with high-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality that support the premium-quality experience promised by the car's performance.The "base" ZR1 (RPO 1LZ) comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content.
The up level interior package includes unique, power-adjustable and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo);
custom, leather-wrapped interior available in four colours; navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and more.By the numbers In addition to the exterior cues and powertrain, ZR1 models will be distinguished from other Corvette models by their VIN. Each will carry a unique, identifying VIN digit, as well as a sequential build number.
This makes it easy to determine the build number of a specific car – information treasured by enthusiasts and collectors. For example, a ZR1 with a VIN ending in "0150" would indicate it is the 150th ZR1 built for the model year.
diameters that were developed after careful testing to provide optimal torque management. The axles are also mounted on a more horizontal plane that correlates with the wider width of the rear wheels and tyres.Ride and handlingThe ZR1 is built on the same aluminium-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and features similar independent SLA front
and rear suspensions, with aluminium upper and lower control arms. Where the ZR1 differs is
the suspension tuning, which was optimized for the car's steamroller-wide front and rear tyres.
Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard and tuned specifically for the ZR1. The system's
ability to deliver a compliant ride with nearly instantaneous damping adjustments enabled engineers to develop a surprisingly supple ride quality in a supercar that still delivers cornering grip of more than 1g.From a high-performance perspective, Magnetic Selective Ride Control helps the rear axle remain planted during launch for smooth, hop-free acceleration. It also helps suppress axle movement when cornering on broken or uneven pavement.Brakes, wheels and tyresCommensurate with the ZR1's engine output is the braking system, which is headlined by carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Found on only a few exotics and more expensive supercars, carbon-ceramic brake rotors are made of a carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic silicon carbide material. Their advantage comes in low mass and resistance to wear and heat. In fact, the rotors should never show any corrosion or require replacement for the life ofthe vehicle, when used in normal driving.The vented and cross-drilled rotors on the ZR1 measure 15.5
inches (394 mm)in diameter in the front and 15 inches (380 mm) in diameter in the rear – making them among the largest carbon-ceramic rotors available on any production vehicle.
Clamping down on the high-tech rotors are six-piston front callipers and four-piston rear callipers, each painted a ZR1-exclusive blue. The front pads are equivalent in size to the largest on any production car with a single-pad design – double that of the Corvette Z06's 70-sq.-cm. front pads.The brakes are visible through the ZR1's exclusive wheels: 20-spoke alloy rims that measure 19 inches in diameter in the front and 20 inches in the rear. They come standard with a bright, Sterling Silver paint finish and chrome versionsare optional. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres developed specifically for the ZR1,
measuring P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear.Exclusive exterior
The ZR1 is instantly recognizable, with perhaps the most identifiable feature a raised, all-carbon-fibre hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window. The window provides a view of the top of the engine's intercooler,
with the legend "LS9 SUPERCHARGED" embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.The underside of the hood has an exposed carbon-fibre-weave. Exposed carbon-fibre
is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker moulding and front splitter. These exterior components are protected by a specially developed glossy, UV-resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear.Widened, carbon-fibre front fenders with specific, dual lower vents, and a full-width, body-colour rear spoiler incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp, are also unique to the ZR1. All of the exterior features of the car
were developed to enhance high-speed stability and driver control.Interior details
The ZR1's interior builds on the brand's dual-cockpit heritage, with high-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality that support the premium-quality experience promised by the car's performance.The "base" ZR1 (RPO 1LZ) comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content.
The up level interior package includes unique, power-adjustable and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo);
custom, leather-wrapped interior available in four colours; navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and more.By the numbers In addition to the exterior cues and powertrain, ZR1 models will be distinguished from other Corvette models by their VIN. Each will carry a unique, identifying VIN digit, as well as a sequential build number.
This makes it easy to determine the build number of a specific car – information treasured by enthusiasts and collectors. For example, a ZR1 with a VIN ending in "0150" would indicate it is the 150th ZR1 built for the model year.
