2008 Detroit Preview - 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1

December 22, 2007 - By John LeBlanc

More ZR1 pics here

WARREN, Mich.–If you were betting on Mako Shark, SS, Z07 or Blue Devil as the final nomenclature for Chevrolet's long-rumoured "super Corvette," sorry, and thanks for coming out.

Instead, Chevrolet has resurrected the historic ZR1 badge, last seen on a new 'Vette more than 12 years ago.

The 2009 Corvette ZR1 was driven onstage by General Motors vice-chairman Bob Lutz during a media preview of GM vehicles set to debut at next month's Detroit auto show.

The ZR1 once again claims "King of the Hill" status in the Corvette pecking order, with its new, supercharged 6.2 L V8 pumping out 620 hp and 595 lb.-ft. of torque.

Prices start at $100,000 (all figures U.S.).

That's more than double the cost of a 430 hp Corvette coupe and about $30,000 more than the suddenly second-banana 505 hp Z06 'Vette.

Chevrolet says its ruling rear-wheel-drive, hatchback coupe bests the Z06 in every performance category – from acceleration and braking to cornering grip and top speed.

Count on 0-to-100 km/h times in the mid-three-second range and an expected top speed of more than 320 km/h. Apparently, the ZR1's power-to-weight ratio betters the Porsche 911 GT2, Ferrari 599 and Lamborghini LP640.

GM likes to cite ZR1 rivals with price tags comparable to a downtown Toronto two-bedroom condo.

But Dodge's recent upgrade to its own bang-for-the-buck champ – the $98,110, 600 hp Viper SRT10 American Club Racer – clearly created a bit of motivation at Chevrolet as well.

Lutz also suggested that enthusiasts should get their ZR1 while they can. With the future of all high-performance cars in doubt because of high fuel prices and environmental concerns, he predicted that in five years time, the ZR1 "will be seen as a high-water mark for Corvettes."

You could have said the same of the 1990-96 ZR1. GM owned Lotus at the time. It had the small British engineering outfit create an aluminum-block V8 with overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder to replace the traditional pushrod V8. Active air suspension was another asset.

The reborn ZR1 seems to be equal to the task of being a state-of-the-art technology statement for parent GM. Lutz boasted that it's "the least expensive car with the most technology."

To back that claim, the ZR1's steering, grip and brakes have also been worked on extensively.

Standard carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors – 394 mm in the front and 380 mm in the rear – are a GM and Corvette first.

In fact, the ZR1 engineers were proud to point out that the rear brakes for their super sports car were first developed for the $1 million Ferrari Enzo, while the fronts can be found on the $1.5 million Bugatti Veyron.

Wrapped around those pizza-size rotors are Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires – P285/30ZR19 in front, P335/25ZR20 steamrollers in the rear – developed specifically for the ZR1.

Suspension tuning provides "more than 1 g cornering grip," Lutz said. "We tightened up the standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control with a track-level suspension. This allowed us to soften the springs."

The ZR1 "actually has a nicer ride than the Z06," he added.

A close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission will be the only choice. The unit's twin-clutch disc spreads out the engine's torque load over a wider area.

To make up for the added weight of the new supercharger, and to also lower its centre of gravity, about half of the ZR1 fibreglass bodywork was replaced with carbon fibre.

The result is a curb weight of 1,519 kg. That's about 90 kg more than a Z06, but 35 less than a Viper.

GM says it's the first automaker to put a clearcoated, exposed carbon-fibre weave into production. Normally, ultra-violet sunrays break down the weave over time. The company has developed a clearcoat paint that costs $2,000 a gallon and is using it for the first time.

From a distance, the ZR1 stands out from its kin thanks to its widened bodywork and full-length rear spoiler inspired by the Corvette C6R race car.

Internally, the car was dubbed the Blue Devil in honour of the sports teams at GM boss Rick Wagoner's alma mater, Duke University.

Blue trim details remain on the production bodywork and engine intercooler that can be seen though a clear panel on the engine hood.

Inside, the ZR1 is to Z06 spec, including lightweight seats and content. The unique instrument cluster includes a boost gauge and a 370 km/h speedometer.

A $10,000 optional interior package provides such goodies as power-adjustable, leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo, naturellement); leather-wrapped custom touches available in four colors; a navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity.

GM plans to offer 1,500 to 2,000 ZR1s for worldwide sale next year.