2009 Corvette ZR1

One of the most anticipated vehicles GM has produced in the last 20 years -- an outrageous, fire-breathing Corvette pushing some 650 horsepower will be called ZR1 and will be a 2009 model not a 2010 Corvette.

The ZR1 first appeared in January 2008 at the Detroit auto show, with the production version set to go on sale in late 2008 as a 2009 model. GM has been developing the car for several years, using a supercharged version of the new 6.2-liter small-block V-8 used in the 2008 Corvette, which  will be called the LS9.

Annual production numbers are expected to be in the 1500-1750 range. When the all-new ZR1 hits production, look for the price tag to bump up over $100,000.

The LS9 is a 6.2-liter, supercharged, small-block V-8. Output figures haven't yet been finalized, so look for it to come in somewhere in the 600-650 horsepower range. The engine will utilize an integrated intake manifold intercooler, and it will reportedly scream from 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds. The engine will be built at GM's Performance Center in Wixom, Michigan. 

Multiple weight-saving measures are being used for the ZR1 to shed pounds including carbon fiber in the body (A and B pillars and the roof) in addition to a polycarbonate "window" in the hood. The rocker panels, as well as other body panels, will be crafted from carbon fiber as well.

With an expected top speed in the 200+ mph range, a more aggressive lip spoiler has been added that runs the entire length of the car to increase downforce and keep the massive tires glued to the road. Speaking of rubber,  GM is switching from Goodyear to Michelin tires for the vehicle. The rear tires are massive 335/25Z/20s. A peek behind the rubber reveals a huge set of a carbon-ceramic cross-drilled brake rotors and an equally large set of calipers .

GM also considered such names as Z07, Blue Devil and Super Sport for the ultra-low-volume car. Price will be much higher than the 505-horsepower Z06, and Chevy will continue production of that car when the ZR1 launches.

Chevy first used the ZR1 moniker for a reported eight cars built in the 1971 model year with a 370-horsepower, 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) small-block V-8. The option cost $1010, while a 425-horse 454 was $1221. The '71 ZR1 came with no special bodywork or badging.  

Chevy revived the name in 1990 for a 32-valve Lotus-designed, Mercury Marine-built 375-horsepower quad-cam V-8. That car had a wider tail to accommodate P315/35ZR17 Goodyears on 11-inch wide wheels and was built through the '95 model year. Badges included a hyphen, as in ZR-1, which doesn't fit GM RPO nomenclature. GM has never confirmed nor denied rumors that "ZR" stands for "Zora's Racer."

The blown 6.2 also looks like the engine that will power the next Cadillac CTS-v, rather than something based off of GM's new high-feature overhead cam V-8 debuting in '09.

   

 

   

 

Kid Rock and the 09 ZR1