Corvette ZR-1 unveiled

[janstett]

Originally Posted by Jalopnik

This is it. The speculation, rumors and lies can now be set aside -- this is the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, officially revealed for all the world to see. Powered by a supercharged LS9 6.2L small-block engine, the ZR1 hasn't even received an official horsepower number from the engineers toiling away at the General. All they can say is the new high-powered 'Vette engine is capable of producing at least 100 horsepower per liter, or 620 horsepower, and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque. Chevrolet still hasn't The small-block engine under the hood is only able to hit those massive numbers due to the addition of the positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design plus an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for increased performance. That's the "go" end, but the "whoa" end is just as impressive. 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. Full press release after the jump.
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

CHEVROLET ENTERS THE WORLD OF SUPERCARS WITH 2009 CORVETTE ZR1

New, Supercharged LS9 V-8 is the Heart of the ZR1

DETROIT - Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 - an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, 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 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)

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's confident 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 to produce a highly refined and precise product. For example, cast iron cylinder liners are inserted in the aluminum 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 block when the cylinder heads are installed, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy that promotes maximum cylinder head sealing, piston ring fit and overall engine performance.

Transmission and axle

The LS9 engine is backed by a new, stronger six-speed manual transmission and a twin-disc clutch that provide exceptional clamping power, while maintaining an easy clutch effort. ZR1-specific gearing in the transmission provides a steep first-gear ratio that helps launch the car, and top speed is achieved in sixth gear - a change from the fifth-gear top-speed run-outs in the manual-transmission Corvette and Corvette Z06.

As the term implies, the twin-disc clutch system employs a pair of discs, which spreads out the engine's torque load over a wider area. This enables tremendous clamping power when the clutch is engaged, while also helping to dissipate heat better and extend the life of the clutch.

The twin-disc clutch system also contributes to the ZR1's exceptional driving quality, with smooth and easy shifting. The twin-disc system's design enables a 25-percent reduction in inertia, thanks to smaller, 260-mm plates, corresponding to a pedal effort that is similar to the Corvette Z06's 290-mm single-disc system.

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 tires.

Ride and handling

The ZR1 is built on the same aluminum-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and features similar independent SLA front and rear suspensions, with aluminum 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 tires.

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 tires

Commensurate 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-fiber-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 of the 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 calipers and four-piston rear calipers, 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 versions are optional. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires 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-fiber 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-fiber-weave. Exposed carbon-fiber is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker molding and front splitter. These exterior components are protected by a specially developed glossy, UV-resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear.

Widened, carbon-fiber front fenders with specific, dual lower vents, and a full-width, body-color 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 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.

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 150 th ZR1 built for the model year.

http://jalopnik.com/cars/detroit-aut...lly-334923.php

[eddysdaman]

620hp (462kw) and a speedo that goes to 220 (370kmh) ? Sounds like a recipe of yumminess to me.

[FATMOUSE]

Finally, 100hp/liter. Now the pointless people on supercars.net who make pointless comparisons to the Honda S2000 can stfu.

[janstett]

15.5" ceramic brakes!

Lots of high res pictures here:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-corvette-zr1.html

[NZ_Pat]

This is gonna be epic

[BerserkerCatSplat]

DO FUCKING WANT.

[cdbob]

Damn, If this thing weighs what they said it would (3000 lbs), it should be faster then the Enzo. The first mass produced hyper car ever, will slay anything withen $300,000 of it.

[argatoga]

Originally Posted by BerserkerCatSplat

DO FUCKING WANT.

X2.

[IceBone]

Originally Posted by FATMOUSE

Finally, 100hp/liter. Now the pointless people on supercars.net who make pointless comparisons to the Honda S2000 can stfu.

The s2000 doesn't have a big honking supercharger on it, but is naturally aspirated. Not yet, yank, not yet.

/me puts his flame retardant suit on

Don't worry, you'll get it right some day.

[ViperVX]

Don't want any of this... It does look cool, but this much power & performance needs much more wild looks, plus men who will be driving it will probably have like the smallest penis.

Also i am 100% sure it will work on the road even worse than Z06 & of course it will be "American built car", which is almost never a good start...

And another thing is, GM is in about 19bn debt, so there might be an issue of cost-effectiveness when it comes to actualy releasing the car in 09, so they'll just probably drop the whole thing.
It's also is in a Seriously Uncool section of the CoolWall.

[BlaRo]

More photos (as that one isn't very flattering):















The shitty interior

And the most important picture:





Holy crap. It's like the release of Halo 2 and 3, the iPhone, every video game system ever made, and the birth of baby Jesus combined.

[thedguy]

It's got more braking power than a fucking Enzo! I think my Avatar kind of says it all about this car.






I'm with BCS DO FUCKING WANT except no exposed carbon fiber (except maybe on the black one).

IBit'sstillgotashittyinterior

[American TG Man]

Originally Posted by BlaRo

More photos (as that one isn't very flattering):

*snip*

Holy crap. It's like the release of Halo 2 and 3, the iPhone, every video game system ever made, and the birth of baby Jesus combined.

Forget "DO FUCKING WANT..."

ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY FUCKING WANT!



/Fuckety funkin' fuck crap!
//obligatory swear overload

[Redliner]

Ok, ok, THIS ONE got me excited...the Z06 didn´t. Maybe it´s because it´s so fucking mental, or maybe it has those differences that make it more apppealing (to me, at least).
Also: "Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires - P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear - developed specifically for the ZR1" This must be some kind of record! Talk about "low profile tires"...

[Lurch0001]

Holy. Freaking. Shit.

I'm not normally one for big American iron, but you can consider me converted. The exterior looks fantastic in that dark grey and I could even live with the fairly ordinary interior. And you can keep the clear window in the bonnet. That is some seriously desirable shit.

[Peter3hg]

I don't know what it is exactly but it looks "old", not that that is a bad thing but it doesn't look modern for some reason, even compared to the normal C6 and the Z06.
The perspex power bulge is disgusting but mechanically it sounds good.

[bartboy9891]

Originally Posted by BlaRo

More photos (as that one isn't very flattering):

That's the best exterior shot, it looks kind of ugly in every other picture. The numbers more than make up for it though.

And is this a symbol of something? Or just some cool looking skull with the Corvette emblem?

[GraemeH]

I love it. Looks incredible. I know it's only subtle changes in looks from the Z06, but it's the perfect balance between agression and sleekness.

I'd take this over any Ferrari anyway, and most of its other competitors, even if they were priced the same. The 599 just got even uglier and more pointless.

Don't like the wheels though, but I'm really nitpicking (I'd just swap some Z06 ones on).