2009 ZR1 is OUT

2009 ZR1 is OUT ! This is it. The speculation, rumors and half-truths 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 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 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, simply breathtaking to see up-close. This new Corvette used to be called the "Blue Devil", Z07, and a few other names while in the preparation stages before being announced as the ZR1 to the public. 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."
"The 2009 ZR1 is a total performance package!"