GM @ NAIAS '08: 2009 Corvette ZR1: Overview

[Chris_Doane]

For release: Dec. 20, 2007, 12:01 a.m. EST.

HEIR APPARENT: 2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1 RECLAIMS DOMINION AS THE ‘KING OF THE HILL’

New, Supercharged LS9 V-8 is the Heart of a Bedeviling Performance Experience

DETROIT – The rumors are true. The speculation ends. And the UFO sightings on desert highways were not of extraterrestrial craft – but they were of a low-flying object capable of seemingly otherworldly performance.

Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 – an American supercar that not only establishes new benchmarks for production-based power and performance, but challenges global competitors with a world-beating driving experience that also comes with a world-beating price of entry.

“The king has returned,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The new ZR1 upends the notion of what an American supercar can deliver, with performance that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much – and does so with the driving ease of a daily commuter.”

Dispensing with the formalities and getting right down to business, here are 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 bests 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 phenomenal power plant the supports the ZR1’s performance capability. The enabler of the LS9’s phenomenal 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 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 provides 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. It also dissipates heat better and extends the clutch life (in normal driving).

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.

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[Chris_Doane]

http://69.89.21.67/~pittsbu4/cheersandgear...showtopic=21590

[Camino LS6]

This thing is so amazing in every way, that I simply have no idea what to say about it.

[PurdueGuy]

No pictures yet? Sounds sweet. Plus we know what one of the 30 cars w/bluetooth is. lol I can't get too excited... cuz I'll never own one.

[Camino LS6]

No pictures yet? Sounds sweet. Plus we know what one of the 30 cars w/bluetooth is. lol I can't get too excited... cuz I'll never own one.

There are 3 threads worth of pics

[smk4565]

I like the clear hood, no one else has that. But I like the Z06's look more, some of the air vents and spoiler and that lower front air dam look a little tacky. This thing has too look as sleek as a Ferrari or Aston Martin, and parts look a little plasticy. The original ZR1 I thought had a great look, nothing on it looked like a tacky add on in a Fast and Furious movie.

I am glad they brought the ZR1 back though, they needed an elite car like that. The Nissan GT-R looks like the real deal, it is almost hard to believe how fast it is (beats a Z06 on Nurburgring and in 0-60 time). Hopefully the ZR1 can out perform it and maintain the Corvette as the best performance per dollar car.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

Nice that AutoBlog is pretty much saying this is the end of the performance line because of CAFE

[Z-06]

Nice that AutoBlog is pretty much saying this is the end of the performance line because of CAFE

Do you disagree? I don't. I was waiting to say that to the dude who sings rap music about twin turbo V-8 from BMWs.

I thought that last year that the peak of the horsepower war was seen or about to be seen.

The new CAFE bill will accelerate the decline of the already peaked out competition of horsepower war at least in America. It won't be catastrophic, but certainly will not be in 2020.

Good for us, as it will only let us buy the V-8s we want at a cheaper price.

[smk4565]

CAFE my stop the ZR1, but I think they'd keep the Z06 at least. These are low volume anyway, they should be able to offset it with Volts, E85s, etc. One way to help CAFE is kill Hummer, they have sold like 33,000 trucks all year. I'd rather see them dump Hummer which has very low demand and build more sports and luxury cars that people want.

[big blue]

Holy crap. If only KITT could be one of these I'd be an insanely happy man. Heck, I'd be insanely happy if I had the keys to one of these.

[smk4565]

Do you disagree? I don't. I was waiting to say that to the dude who sings rap music about twin turbo V-8 from BMWs.

I thought that last year that the peak of the horsepower war was seen or about to be seen.

The new CAFE bill will accelerate the decline of the already peaked out competition of horsepower war at least in America. It won't be catastrophic, but certainly will not be in 2020.

Good for us, as it will only let us buy the V-8s we want at a cheaper price.

BMW's twin turbo V8 is expected to average only 1 mpg less than a CTS or Malibu V6. Plus BMW has 35 mpg cars coming here, and already sell stuff that gets 40-50 mpg in Europe.

There will always be V8s and fast cars regardless of CAFE. Automakers are still going to make what people are willing to pay for.

[hyperv6]

The only thing CAFE will do is give us smaller more efficent engines in much lighter cars that will cost a butt load more money to pay for the more expensive lighter materials they will need to use to build them. This may usher in the affordable mass produced carbon fiber car era.

Performance will not die it will just be more expensive.

Hell I can bulid one heck of a fast Electric RC car with tighter wound electric motors and better battery packs. It thats what it will take on future hybrids then so be it.

We will still be fast just we will have to do it in new ways.

Besides I expect this bill to get watered down over the next few years. This was more a show for the politicians in a election year trying to show they care about conservation and the eviroment. Claifornia was to have a great percentage of electric cars too but ithe law was recended when it could not be met.

[Z-06]

BMW's twin turbo V8 is expected to average only 1 mpg less than a CTS or Malibu V6. Plus BMW has 35 mpg cars coming here, and already sell stuff that gets 40-50 mpg in Europe.

There will always be V8s and fast cars regardless of CAFE. Automakers are still going to make what people are willing to pay for.

We'll see.

[Z-06]

The only thing CAFE will do is give us smaller more efficent engines in much lighter cars that will cost a butt load more money to pay for the more expensive lighter materials they will need to use to build them. This may usher in the affordable mass produced carbon fiber car era.

Performance will not die it will just be more expensive.

Hell I can bulid one heck of a fast Electric RC car with tighter wound electric motors and better battery packs. It thats what it will take on future hybrids then so be it.

We will still be fast just we will have to do it in new ways.

Besides I expect this bill to get watered down over the next few years. This was more a show for the politicians in a election year trying to show they care about conservation and the eviroment. Claifornia was to have a great percentage of electric cars too but ithe law was recended when it could not be met.

Long term you are probably right. But in shorter goals and achieving them we will definitely see a decline in the horsepower war if not total annilation. Like I said I did not mean that we will see 90 hp vehicles, but will are not going to see BMW beat Infiniti, then getting beaten by Lexus who in turn is beaten by Caddy by 5 hp every 6 months.

GM tacitly admitted the chance of this regulation passing through by

1. Pushing Volt, alternate fuel vehicles

2. Delaying RWD

I think it was a great foresight. It is bad for us, but a good decision for GM's survival. I am sure, others will follow the suit. As much as we blame GM and American manufacturers in general, nearly 50% of our market is SUVs., trucks, crossovers, etc., if only 48% of the whole market is occupied by big three, who supplies the rest? All the others do. When they feel the heat of this law, do you think they will still keep beating this pseudo war of a number that does not mean anything substantial in real world?

Not trying to correlate with one isolated case, but the decline of hp started with rise of fuel prices, drop of stock market, start of recession in 1970s. After 35 years we are seeing similar pattern. But again that does not mean we will see it happen the exact same way. This is not doom and gloom.

Oil needs a competitor. It will not only help the consumers but also the oil. People fail to realize the fact that more than gasoline, lot of important medical, civil engineering products, etc. come from oil and will have no alternative if crude vanished. By whoring it out on transportation, when other options are easily possible if researched you will be helping yourself in long term.

I will still reiterate, push for alternate fuels will only help in keeping oil till we die and having fun vehicles that run on it.

[K.C.]

Damn, this thing is pure rolling around, moaning and grunting pig sex for me. Just balls out and not thinking about anything just tire spinning good times. Nice!

[prinzSD]

I still have not seen any official pricing on the ZR1 in the latest info. Is it still $100,000. With dealer markups it will be very INTERESTING to see how high the price gouging will be. Some are saying perhaps $200,000 with markups. I am also sure we will hear all the crap about the interior is not up to par with other cars in it's price range and that you still have to take it to a Chevy dealership for service where you will get the usuall crappy Chevy service for this utlra expensive CHEVY. Who cares, I would buy one if I could afford it and humiliate all the uber exotics out there and be able to drive it everyday.