King Of The Hill

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A few photos and details caught my fancy over at Jalopnik:

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Looks like the upgraded interior is optional

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Note that the speedo now goes up to 220 MPH instead of stopping at 200 MPH

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Very clean engine bay

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I don't regularly support forced induction, but I'm willing to give this one a try

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I think I like it best in black...

Jalopnik
All Harlan Charles, project manager for the Corvette team was able to tell us last week was the new high-powered 'Vette engine is "capable of producing at least 100 horsepower per liter. That's at least 620 horsepower, and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque." Chevrolet wasn't even able to give us a time on the 0-60. Charles was only willing to say "it's in the low three seconds."

The ZR1 gets some simply huge carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors. They're so big and are required to be so powerful they're using the same 15-inch-diameter discs found on the front of a Ferrari 599. Except on the ZR1, they go on the 20" tires in the rear. In the front, they'll be getting even larger 15.5-inch-diameter rotors.

GM Press Release
The ZR1's basic stats:

* All-new LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 targeted at producing at least 100 horsepower per liter, or 620 horsepower (462 kW), and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque (823 Nm)
* Six-speed, close-ratio, race-hardened manual transmission
* New, high-capacity dual-disc clutch
* Higher-capacity and specific-diameter axle half-shafts; enhanced torque tube
* Specific suspension tuning provides more than 1g cornering grip
* Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels
* Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires - P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear - developed specifically for the ZR1
* Standard carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors - 15.5-inch-diameter (394-mm) in the front and 15-inch-diameter (380-mm) in the rear
* Larger brake calipers with substantially increased pad area
* Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control with track-level suspension
* Wider, carbon-fiber front fenders with ZR1-specific dual vents
* Carbon-fiber hood with a raised, polycarbonate window - offering a view of the intercooler below it
* Carbon-fiber roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings with clear-coated, exposed carbon-fiber weave
* ZR1-specific full-width rear spoiler with raised outboard sections
* Specific gauge cluster with boost gauge (also displayed on the head-up display) and 220-mph (370 km/h) speedometer readout
* Only two options: chrome wheels and a "luxury" package
* Curb weight of approximately 3,350 pounds (1,519 kg)

"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."

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.

he 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 ZR1's cabin differs from the Corvette and Corvette Z06 with the following:

* ZR1-logo sill plates
* ZR1-logo headrest embroidery
* Specific gauge cluster with "ZR1" logo on the tachometer and a 220-mph (370 km/h) readout on the speedometer
* Boost gauge added to the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display

The "base" ZR1 (RPO 1LZ) comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The uplevel interior package includes unique, power-adjustable and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); custom, leather-wrapped interior available in four colors; navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and more.

I believe the ZR-1 will be the first GM car with Bluetooth...
 
Hmm... I wonder if that guy from GMi with the XLR-V will be able to get out of his lease soon.... :D
 
I'm positive hes a bit upset that he spent $100K on the Cadillac when he could have waited a bit more than a year and gotten a ZR1. Although, I do wonder about markups on this... The Z06 has largely gone without, so I would suppose it would depend on how many ZR1s they're planning on making. I'd guess right around 1500 a year, but I could be wrong...
 
That gauge may have added on an extra 20Mph, but we all know it more than likely isn't going to do it just like the Viper doesn't. :sly:
 
They add extra numbers so you can switch it between mph and kph...like most cars.
 
They add extra numbers so you can switch it between mph and kph...like most cars.


Then there's gonna be alot of Europeans running around on the Autobahn with their needle buried. :lol:
 
It looks like it comes from the factory completely ready for NFS.

I'm with Fred, although I do like that first picture's colour... but not with all these half-baked body mods. The plastic panel looks cheap, I don't understand the point in the rear lip, and overall, it just looks too fussy. People balked at the Viper ACR's questionable styling mods, and I agree, they didn't look too thought out, but this is a step backwards compared to the simpler Z06.

MSRC is capable of great things, and I do hope they pull it off, but I'm not surprised a marketing team will claim it has a great ride. We'll have to see...

Why is everyone always on about p/w ratio? It's a decent rough indicator, but that's it. It's a number, and once US companies as a whole get past the idea that numbers alone make a car, they'll start making better ones. People thought it was silly when the S2000 was being touted for it's specific output (and it was)... and now Chevy talks about there's.

Anywho, it's still an impressive feat, and I've gotta say I'm proud Chevy is finally coming through with this, it's an excellent swan song for the C6. I just never get the feeling with it (or the Viper) that they're the "total package" their Euro competitors are. They might have great numbers, they might have a great price, but they just seem to be missing some ingredient. Whatever... I'm still anticipating some pretty impressive things once the mags are let loose on it!
 
Interesting nobody has commented on the skull on the intake box.

In my books, that's right up there with the Orange County Choppers logos on the back of pickup trucks, if you know what I mean. So much for post #11's hopes of dodging those criticisms.
 
Sat in a Z06 again at the car show last week, the interior wasn't bad in any way, and I spent the show hopping in everything from a Honda Fit to Infiniti and Lexus cruisers, looks the same in the ZR1, which is fine with me.

The styling says to me "I make downforce, I need to look like this to go fast."

I'm one of those who finds the 599GTB beautiful for it's purpose driven form, so I quite enjoy the ZR1, especially in black, very sinister.

Come on 2009, we need moar road tests and videos (unless there is a better one with the engine note that I missed) of this thing!
 
Interesting nobody has commented on the skull on the intake box.

In my books, that's right up there with the Orange County Choppers logos on the back of pickup trucks, if you know what I mean. So much for post #11's hopes of dodging those criticisms.


The skull is the official logo of Corvette Racing, Badboyvettes.com came up with it. :)
 
I bet it still beats a GT-R around the track, and is just as liveable. :p

It would be an interesting compeition. You do realise the gtr has a top end of 197!
 
The skull is the official logo of Corvette Racing, Badboyvettes.com came up with it. :)

I noticed it, and I was like "is that skull there on purpose?"

Then I realized it was the racing logo...

But still awesome nevertheless!
 
It would be an interesting compeition. You do realise the gtr has a top end of 197!

And that's about all it can do next to this 'Vette to keep up. Seriously, Nissan's GT-R is already showing it's just on par with the Z06, not better, not worse. So, I highly doubt Nissan will really be taking it to the ZR-1.
 
Then again, is it really fair to compare the base model GT-R to the top model Corvette? Unless you want to see the Corvette take the easy and biased victory, hell no. Let's put the upcoming GT-R V-Spec against the ZR-1 and we're talking business.
 
I don't see why you can't compare it since all the GT-R fanboys compare it to God Himself...which obviously the GT-R comes out the winner.
 
I don't think even the V-Spec will keep up with this Corvette on a track big enough. We're talking WELL over 600HP, from a factory Corvette with a warranty. Yes, it'll be heavier than the Z06, and thus not quite as good on the skidpad, but, that blown thunder will take just about anything off the corner...

Provided it hooks up. ;)

I still compare it to the big-block 427 'vettes of old. There was a Z06 back then, too, that was even more of a racer than the C5 or C6, but you got the 427 to have the fastest Corvette on the street.

and you'd have the fastest Corvette on the street.
 
It would be an interesting compeition. You do realise the gtr has a top end of 197!

The Z06 has a top end of 197 as well. I think the ZR1 might be faster. What the V-Spec will bring, no one knows.
 
Oh, oh, I know! It'll bring a 'Ring time of 7:15!

I wouldn't outline that, seeing that stock GT-R utterly and totally spanked stock Z06. But ZR-1 is more of a poor mans version of 599/612 with it's more refined ride and such. It's heavier too.
 
Spanked? Around which track? The Ring time on the GT-R was what 7:38? The Z06 was 7:42...hardly a spanking. Seems like something affected by driver skill.

The GT-R isn't God nor is is the best car ever made like so many of you think it it. The GT-R is no doubt an amazing car but something will come along soon that is better than it and will knock it down and so on. The ZR-1 will probably be faster around the Ring although will be more expensive. But who the hell really cares, ZR-1, Z06, GT-R...all great cars that are stupidly fast which means in the end the consumer comes out the winner.
 
Also please do not forget that the Z06 in question was tested with the older suspension and steering setups. They were altered for 2007 and 2008, and consequently, the cars are faster this time around. Check the 2007 Power Lap listing in Car and Driver, note that even the "base" 420 BHP Z51 beat the 997T around VIR.

Like McLaren pointed out, the GT-R is on par with the Z06, a little ahead in some things, a little behind in others. Rarely, if ever, by much. The ZR1 will likely pound most, if not all, the competition (those being in the $100K neighborhood) into the ground without much trouble. I'm sure that the GT2 and the 599 will be the closest competition, which in all honesty, would be an incredible three-way comparison.
 
I wouldn't outline that, seeing that stock GT-R utterly and totally spanked stock Z06. But ZR-1 is more of a poor mans version of 599/612 with it's more refined ride and such. It's heavier too.

Spanked? It finished 12 seconds behind the Corvette on the Nurburgring.

As for a poor man's Ferrari 599, the ZR-1 is a car like the 430 Scuderia. Not a Grand Tourer.
 
Spanked? It finished 12 seconds behind the Corvette on the Nurburgring.

As for a poor man's Ferrari 599, the ZR-1 is a car like the 430 Scuderia. Not a Grand Tourer.

Let's put it this way.. which one would you believe in case of Carrera GT: Walter röhrl, factory driver, or some magazine's driver who has driven the car only for x amount of miles for day or two?

And if ZR-1 would be like 430 Scuderia, it wouldn't have softer suspension or more weight. it would have less weight, more spartan interior and even rougher ride.
 

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