2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - Spyshots

It's arguably one of the most anticipated vehicles GM has produced in the last 20 years -- an outrageous, fire-breathing Corvette pushing some 650 horsepower. These are the latest and greatest spy shots of Chevrolet's ultimate Corvette, which we recently reported will be called ZR1.

The ZR1 will first appear in January 2008 at the Detroit auto show, with the production version set to go on sale later next year as a 2009 model. GM has been developing this car for several years, using a supercharged version of the new 6.2-liter small-block V-8 used in the 2008 Corvette, which reportedly will be called the LS9.

Annual production numbers are expected to be in the 1500-1750 range. When the all-new ZR1 hits production, look for the price tag to bump up into the $100,000 range.

The LS9 is a 6.2-liter, supercharged, small-block V-8. Output figures haven't yet been finalized, so look for it to come in somewhere in the 600-650 horsepower range. The supercharged V-8 will utilize an integrated intake manifold intercooler, and it will reportedly scream form 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds. The engine will be built at GM's Performance Center in Wixom, Michigan. The spy photographer reported that the exhaust note coming from the vehicle was mean - very, very mean.
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PorschinatorPorschinator - 9/19/2007 2:04:31 PM
+2 Boost
Going to be a true monster!!! American Muscle at its finest. I truly hope for $100K the interior has the leather interior standard (Great interior when upgraded) and improved support seats. Ferrari's, Porsches, and Lambos have to worry...better performance for lower costs...NOOOoooo :)


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 9/19/2007 5:55:47 PM
+1 Boost
The standard Corvette can't touch the Gallardo or R8, but the others, definitely.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 9/19/2007 6:06:48 PM
+1 Boost
now cant touch is a giving the gallardo, and r8 to much credit. the gallardo consistently is running low 4's(regular model) with a 500hp V10, the base corvette is running the same numbers from a 400hp v8. the R8 with less power has out ran the gallardo so not really a good example. the Z06 has gotten to 60 in less than 4 seconds, this new vette with 600+hp is going to be a beast for sure.


Threepoint1415926Threepoint1415926 - 9/19/2007 2:28:30 PM
-1 Boost
We will have to see whether this is a higher performance car or a Z06 with a bigger engine.


pushrod27pushrod27 - 9/19/2007 2:47:32 PM
+1 Boost
what's the difference? (between a higher performance car and a Z06 with a larger engine.) Wouldn't a Z06 with more horsepower be a higher performer???


Threepoint1415926Threepoint1415926 - 9/19/2007 2:56:14 PM
+1 Boost
When one doesn't see the difference, it suggests to me that to him, performance only equates to power. I for one, would like to see better brakes, suspension, steering feel and weight distribution. Better drag times and 0-60 numbers don't alone make a performance car. I will grant you that the Z06 is an amazing performer. A Z06 with more power though... it's still just a Z06. Might as well just make some power modifications yourself and save a whole lot of money.


lenkunlenkun - 9/19/2007 2:52:42 PM
0 Boost
Sure the ZR1 is going to be fast, but will it be able to hang with any of the following?

Porsche 911(997) GT2
Ferrari F430 Scuderia
Dodge Viper SRT (8.4L V8 = 600bhp)
Ford GT

And how much slower is the ZR1 compared to the true supersports car?
Ferrari FXX
Lamborghini Reventon
Bugatti Veyron 16.4
Mercedes-Benz SLR 722


golfer38golfer38 - 9/19/2007 3:06:04 PM
+2 Boost
The Z06 already is +/- a tenth on the viper, F430, Ford GT. I'm sure the Scuderia and the GT2 will be a little faster than their stock counterparts but nothing like the ZR1's advantage, at least on paper. Its going to have a 100+hp advantage over the Z06 along with what seems like a lighter curb weight possibly under 3000 lbs. Its not quite the power to weight ratio of the mighty Veyron, but its not to far off. This will be the highest performing vehicle the big 3 has ever made.


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 9/19/2007 3:34:41 PM
+2 Boost
It should be able to hang with those first 4 cars, no problem. I think the current Z06 already out performs the Ford GT, so you can figure this will too. As far as your so-called "true supersports cars", I don't think I'd go so far as to call a Veyron a supersports car; more like a god-like touring machine.

If you're going to get all crazy with your list, you might as well include the Mclaren F1 and the SSC.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 9/19/2007 5:58:08 PM
-1 Boost
Oh, the Z06 just shouldn't be compared to the Ford GT. It's super-fast but a very different, more dull experience (is that the right word?). A friend who collects cars gave me a ride in his GT- and I was blown away. What an amazing ride!


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 9/19/2007 6:10:47 PM
+4 Boost
the current Z06 can run with alot of those cars, and at $70,000???? it takes the other brands 2-what 12 times more to get this kind of performance?? the corvette is a hard car to beat, because what seperates it from the other cars listed is that it is also a daily driver, the new ZR1 may not be, but the other 2 vettes are. It is an amazing value, if not the best performance value out there to compete with cars that are so much more expensive than it is


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 9/19/2007 5:59:17 PM
0 Boost
We don't know much about the Reventon's performance. The ZR1 will be faster than the normal Murciélago (the Z06 can hang with it), and will probably be able to keep up with the LP640, but not the Reventon.


SevorbeupstryIsBackSevorbeupstryIsBack - 9/20/2007 7:53:44 AM
+2 Boost
Performance of the Reventon and LP640 are identical I presume. There is only a 10hp power advantage for the Reventon.


CorsisCorsis - 9/19/2007 3:07:28 PM
+3 Boost
Well according to published reports the ZO6 was already as fast a 911 turbo, Ford GT and Viper. Now that the viper got a boost up to 600hp, and the vette to 650. I see no reason the car wont be faster than all the cars you mentioned. Handling is the question, as the Ferrari and Porsche are probably superior.

As to the supercars you listed. I would imagine the ZR1 will hand with the Reventon, and SLR. But not the Bugatti or FXX.

Not bad considering it is 300,000+ less than the cars your comparing it too.


BMW995BMW995 - 9/19/2007 3:11:34 PM
+1 Boost
I guess Chevy is giving up on the idea of a mid-engined model for the Corvette. This proposed auto would be too expensive in my view to be successful. This ZR-1 will be good enough.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 9/19/2007 5:56:14 PM
-1 Boost
This is ridiculous. I don't see the need to have anything faster than the Z06.


germeezy2germeezy2 - 9/19/2007 10:06:41 PM
+3 Boost
The Reventon only gets a balanced version of the 6.5 good for 650 hp, so yes the ZR-1 will spank it soundly. I personally drive a 620 hp 665 lb ft nitrous Corvette which has ran a very traction limited 11.1 1/4 mile. IMO your not going to get much faster 0-60 or 1/4 mile times with anything over 600-650 hp because of available traction. But over 100 mph is where my car and the Z06 and the ZR-1 seperate the men from the boys. The present Z06 absolutely pounds the F430 Scuderia and 911 Turbo over 100 mph.


turbo28turbo28 - 9/20/2007 2:28:52 PM
+3 Boost
Two things

1. The "value" greatly diminishes when the price tag hits the other side of $100k. Those shoppers typically aren't looking for bargains.

2. It's been stated before but if those other cars (GT2, Viper, ect) have traction issues why wouldn't a supercharged V8 (instant torque) have the same if not bigger issues.


germeezy2germeezy2 - 9/20/2007 5:07:56 PM
+1 Boost
The Viper actually isn't as bad, but the ZR-1 is getting the same 345 width Pilot Sports as the Viper. Also the Z06 can do 60 in first gear and I would imagine the ZR-1 to have even taller gearing.


truckmentruckmen - 9/22/2007 3:01:09 AM
+1 Boost
Look at the size of those brakes! Impressive!
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