Making its first debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto show, the new ZR1 Corvette is notably the most powerful Corvette that Chevrolet has ever made. This super-car tops the American market with an SAE-certified 638 horsepower and 604 foot-pounds of torque, which is a mere 38 horsepower more than the Dodge Viper. That puts the LS9 right at 103 horse power per liter which surpasses General Motors goal of 100 horsepower per liter.

“Chevrolet’s goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American super-car can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much and does so with exceptional drive-ability,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. The new Corvette does this with the all new LS9 6.2L V8 Supercharged engine. This small block engine is a tribute to GM’s Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mic., which typically builds racing engines and other highly refined and precise products. The LS9 is a hand assembled master piece complete with an aluminum block and cast iron cylinder liners that is finish bored and honed. The LS9 also boasts an amazing rotating assembly composed of titanium connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons and a forged steel crankshaft.

Siting atop the LS9 block is a sixth generation Eaton 2.3L positive displacement supercharger which uses a unique four lobe design. The supercharger is said to hold consistent boost all the way up to 6,600 RPM at 10.5 PSI. GM couldn’t leave at that, adding an integrated charge cooling system to reduce inlet air temperatures.

The ZR1 has a specially designed six speed manual transmission that was designed and geared specifically for the LS9. This new transmission takes advantage of its gearing, providing a steep first gear ratio to help the car launch and a well engineered sixth gear to help the LS9 push the ZR1 up to a top speed of 200 MPH. The ZR1 was also graced with a dual clutch system that provides exceptional clamping force as well as easy shifting and comfort to drive.

The ZR1 is built on the same aluminum intensive chassis as the Z06 and has similar features such as independent front and rear suspension. The ZR1 takes advantage of stronger asymmetrical axle shafts that are mounted on a more horizontal plane that provides as much traction and strength as possible. The new Corvette is equipped with Magnetic Selective Ride Control as a standard option that is tuned specifically for the ZR1. This system helps keep the rear end planted during launches providing smooth launches but also delivers incredible cornering grip and a very street-able ride quality.

Chevrolet put there new super-car on a diet, trying to get it down to 3350 pounds completely dry. A majority of the cars panels are made from carbon fiber, including the roof, hood, front spoiler, front fenders, side rocker panels and rear spoiler. The carbon-fiber parts reduced the ZR1’s weight about 35 pounds from that of the standard Corvette. The most recognizable part of this Corvette amidst all of its carbon fiber is the raised hood that incorporates a clear polycarbonate window that allows oglers to see the the top of the engine.

“Developing the LS9 involved more than simply striving for a great horsepower number. Endurance and reliability testing have shown the engine to be robust and low-maintenance, just like other engines in the small-block family,” said Sam Winegarden, executive director, engine engineering for GM Powertrain. “That it is distinguished as the most powerful engine ever from General Motors is a source of immense pride among everyone involved with the LS9.” And proud they should be, GM is looking forward to reports from the EPA who are currently testing the car. Engineers are confidant that the ZR1 will be the most fuel efficient 600 horsepower super-car on the market. If GM makes there goal of 3350 pounds that will put the Corvette just behind the Ferrari Enzo when it comes to weight-to-power ratios, and a ways ahead of the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

The Chevrolet plans on releasing the Corvette ZR1 to the public in the fall. An estimated price tag for this car is $100,000 which is considerably less then its European competition. We can look forward to the new ZR1 becoming the undisputed king of American sports cars.

Tags: 2009 corvette, chevrolet corvette, corvette, LS9, zr1, zr1 corvette

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 27th, 2008 at 11:39 am and is filed under Auto Shows, Auto Types, Automakers, Chevrolet, Coupes/2dr, Detroit Auto Show, Sports Cars. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.