General Motors has confirmed that the Corvette ZR1 will return to claim its King Of The Hill title in summer 2008 as a 2009 model!
Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 dubbed LS9, the ZR1 will produce at least 620 horsepower, with at least 595 foot-pounds of torque. A Gen. VI Eaton blower displacing 2.3 liters and pushing 10.5 pounds of boost is partially to thank for those ridiculous power levels. How does 115 MORE horsepower than a Z06 grab you?
The ZR1 will be based on the Z06's chassis. Weight-saving measures come in the form of carbon fiber, including the hood panels, roof panel, fenders, and C-pillar roof bar, though it will still be a couple hundred pounds heavier than a Z06. Quicker acceleration is a no-brainer. However, huge carbon-ceramic brakes, stylish 19x10 front/20x12 rear rims, and 285 front and positively massive 335mm rear rubber––along with recalibrated shocks-–should allow the ZR1 to easily out-brake and out-handle the Z06 as well.
A new Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual trans sporting a twin-disc clutch system and a 2.29 first gear ratio will sit behind that monster mill. Sixth gear is 26 percent shorter so the 200-plus mph top speed will be achieved in this gear. Additional drivetrain mods will be incorporated to hopefully keep it intact.
For a low-volume vehicle with an estimated price of a hundred large, GM is making sure to throw in a few more custom touches: the polycarbonate "window" in the ZR1's bulging hood shows off the massive intercooler/supercharger setup, and fenders, front spoiler, rocker extensions, roof panel, and rear spoiler all set the ZR1 apart. look for custom ZR1 embroidery and--of course--a sweet boost gauge with 220-mph speedo in the cluster!
How fast will this thing be? With any kind of traction it should improve on the Z06's sub-4-second 0-60 time, and go 10s in the quarter with 130-plus trap speeds. Stay glued to www.gmhightechperformance.com for breaking ZR1 news!