2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - First Look

Asked the question, "Why do a ZR1?" Corvette Vehicle Line executive Tom Wallace shoots back, "Because we can. We have the technology inside General Motors to do a car that can go up against any supercar from around the world," he continues, punctuating the thought with this threat: "I can't wait to take on any Porsche with this car, and we're going to be right in there with the Ferrari [599s] and Lamborghini [Murcilagos]." Whoa, ease off the Red Bull, Tom. This is a just a souped-up C6 Corvette, right? Or did you slip a mid-engine V-12 in without the blogosphere noticing?

An hour with chief engineer Tadge Juechter reveals that this is indeed a Z06 upgraded with the best tech in GM's arsenal. A ZR1 was never part of the original C6 plan, but, at an early program review, the Z06's proposed aluminum frame, carbon-fiber parts, and LS7 engine so impressed CEO Rick Wagoner that he reportedly wondered aloud, "Geez, if that's what you can do with $60,000, I wonder what a $100,000 Corvette would look like?" With no more formal authorization than that, Juechter's posse launched a skunkworks effort dubbed "Blue Devil"-a nod to the boss's Duke alma mater.They started with turbochargers for efficiency's sake, but switched to supercharging when Eaton unveiled its latest four-lobe Roots-type blower. This new unit boasts thermal efficiency of nearly 76 percent (up from some 60 in the best three-lobe blowers)-near turbo efficiency with no lag.

Asked the question, "Why do a ZR1?" Corvette Vehicle Line executive Tom Wallace shoots back, "Because we can. We have the technology inside General Motors to do a car that can go up against any supercar from around the world," he continues, punctuating the thought with this threat: "I can't wait to take on any Porsche with this car, and we're going to be right in there with the Ferrari [599s] and Lamborghini [Murcilagos]." Whoa, ease off the Red Bull, Tom. This is a just a souped-up C6 Corvette, right? Or did you slip a mid-engine V-12 in without the blogosphere noticing?

An hour with chief engineer Tadge Juechter reveals that this is indeed a Z06 upgraded with the best tech in GM's arsenal. A ZR1 was never part of the original C6 plan, but, at an early program review, the Z06's proposed aluminum frame, carbon-fiber parts, and LS7 engine so impressed CEO Rick Wagoner that he reportedly wondered aloud, "Geez, if that's what you can do with $60,000, I wonder what a $100,000 Corvette would look like?" With no more formal authorization than that, Juechter's posse launched a skunkworks effort dubbed "Blue Devil"-a nod to the boss's Duke alma mater.They started with turbochargers for efficiency's sake, but switched to supercharging when Eaton unveiled its latest four-lobe Roots-type blower. This new unit boasts thermal efficiency of nearly 76 percent (up from some 60 in the best three-lobe blowers)-near turbo efficiency with no lag.
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EL34 - 12/19/2007 11:16:45 PM

-2 Boost

There's my next Vette ;)

Bmw8ter - 12/20/2007 10:39:18 AM

+4 Boost

since when did Italy become Germany.....you putz

Shredmo - 12/20/2007 10:40:48 AM

+6 Boost

Carguy,
We have met our quota of ignorant fan boys for 2007.
Thanks,
-Shred More, Automotive Enthusiast.

EL34 - 12/20/2007 11:01:31 AM

-3 Boost

You Nissan fanboys are the ones that are finally rejoicing with that car that looks like a squid growing out of a fish mouth.

Shredmo - 12/20/2007 11:55:15 AM

+3 Boost

^This thread is about the Corvette.

Regarding interior quality, well, it is not a grand tourer, so IMO, why bother with an extravagent interior? I am sure it's interior is just fine compared to other equally performing $100,000 vehicles.

Obliv - 12/20/2007 3:26:49 PM

+3 Boost

^^
INstead of using baseless insults, why not put down why you dislike the corvette? (other then the fact that it threatens you, which is blatantly obvious)
Has one embarassed you recently on the inetrstate or at the strip?

Obliv - 12/20/2007 8:21:54 PM

+3 Boost

Have you ever considered that maybe the problem would be your own self esteem, rather then the car?
It must really be a burden to be you.

Obliv - 12/20/2007 3:33:01 PM

+2 Boost

Edmunds may not make the best articles, but their numbers should be in the ballpark. People like the GT-R because its something new and exciting. I dont see anything wrong with that. Putting up supercar numbers for half the price, but with something other then a v8. The GT-R and the vette have some simularities, and both deserve respect for their relative "budget" performance to the cars they go up against. I myself would prefer the Z06, but I think the GT-R is a very impressive car, especially to the people who arent in to v8's for some unknown reason (theyre crazy!)
Even if edmunds is on Nissans payroll, thats neither here nor there. Their numbers will be proven or they will be rebuked hard for it.

Obliv - 12/20/2007 8:27:49 PM

+2 Boost

But what im trying to say Kaiser is the fact that you keep saying that they are lying, when you yourself have no idea what is truth. You havent driven the car. You probably never will. But your so caught up on this car and are using edmunds as a scapegoat to discredit it, which doesnt make sense due to the fact that they and they only have the only numbers out right now for the car.

Obliv - 12/20/2007 8:32:38 PM

+3 Boost

And kraut, you dont make any sense. Who is bubba? If you had a bad experience during your brief stint in jail, please dont make us privy to your, erm, shortcommings. Go on the View or something where someone might make you feel better about your unpleasant experiences. In the mean time, leave the discussions to the less, um, tainted, folk.

no1listensanyway - 12/19/2007 11:46:53 PM

+1 Boost

Wow, Im speachless.

CLK63BlackSeries - 12/20/2007 12:32:52 AM

-6 Boost

how many more scoops can they squeeze into that damn body...

DaHarder - 12/20/2007 12:54:02 AM

+7 Boost

New Corvette... Same (looking) As The Old Corvette...

But it sure does promise some Outstanding Performance!

Designer1 - 12/20/2007 12:54:13 AM

-5 Boost

The Corvette was and never will be able to compete with Ferrari/Lamborgini. The car costs $60,000 but has interior quality of a $15,000 car. Look at the steering wheel, they just ripped it off from the Pontiac Vibe (which is Toyota Matrix), look at the nobs, the usual cheap GM nobs, and if you keep stairing at the dashboard you'll see youreslf sitting in an S10 pickup.

I want to see the Vette to compete with the top super cars, but not in this way. You can always cramp more power under the hood, but what about balance and quality that when people sit in it they don't want to leave, and when they drive it they go wow, this car is glued to the road. This said, there is something about the Vette's design, until today the rear end of the car is still light and you can lose control if hamered hard, I don't see any change to the weight distribution, other than adding more power to the same body.

My advice for GM, leave the Corvette in its own class and just come up with a true super car, a brand new design, and please don't copy the Viper!

lewishamiltonpimp - 12/20/2007 7:30:14 AM

+6 Boost

I disagree. How much is an entry level Lambo or Ferrari???

Even the $100K Vette will not have the interior of a finely crafted euro-exotic but it is not supposed to. The money is in the engine and suspension. And the interior of the 2008 C6 is a lot better than you describe. As for the handling, my advice, go drive a base 2008 C6 and then come back. I have a 335i ZSP and an 07 C6 and the C6 surprises every hater who drives it.

Just try it and realize it costs about as much as a moderately optioned 3 series BMW coupe.

Obliv - 12/20/2007 3:25:03 PM

+2 Boost

The corvette blatantly competes with Lambo/Ferrari. How does it not, when it puts almost identical numbers (even surpassing some) while beating it throughly in price? These cars are made for PERFORMANCE, I couldnt care less about how fine the leather is, or how well the steering wheel is stitched.

Designer1 - 12/21/2007 9:27:45 AM

-2 Boost

Not true, look at Porsche it has one of the best interior quality + its performance that what makes it famous car, same with Ferrari/Lambo and the rest. How long has the Vette been in the market? And giving it power numbers wasn't problem to reach those or close to the Lamob/etc... but did it put it along with them? No, that's when the craftsmanship come into play guys, anyone can add power, ANYONE. Take your Ford Escort to a simple tune up shop and they'll add power to it, but can they craft it so it becomes a Lexus quality? No again. So this is the point, for GM to want to compete with Lambo/Ferrari/etc... numbers aren't the only thing it needs, it has those for long time and didn't get it anywhere, it needs quality, craftsmanship.

blacklabel504 - 12/21/2007 12:48:18 PM

+3 Boost

wait... "will never be able to compete"? lol have you watched lemans recently???

Obliv - 12/22/2007 1:10:46 PM

+1 Boost

Id say the interior of the 08 vette is right on par with BMW 3 series. So its not the greatest, but its decent. Definitley acceptable given the performance that, yes, competes directly with Lambo/Ferrari.

CLK63BlackSeries - 12/22/2007 9:58:40 PM

+1 Boost

Lexus quality LMFAO... since when is Lexus quality when we are speaking of supercar interiors from ferrari's and lambos? There is not one inch of leather on the dash of even the most expensive luxury sedan coming from Lexus, the LS600HL. You would think that they would have leather dashes and alcantera galore, yet I see plastics. Until the interiors are 100% Leather/Alcantera or suede Lexus cannot claim to have the interior quality of say an S600 or a 760il. Luxury interiors my ass...

bmwfan1513 - 12/20/2007 7:33:14 AM

+1 Boost

I love this car other than the wheels.

golfer38 - 12/20/2007 10:19:39 AM

+3 Boost

I love this car, and I think the wheels actually make this car. The vents work for me as well. The power to weight ratio is almost that of a superbike. It will be incredibly fast if it can hook up, but I'm wondering how it will run at the ring. It will inevitably be compared to the GT2 from a performance and set up aspect but the GT R has already posted a heck of a number to shoot for...

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 12/20/2007 9:43:07 AM

+3 Boost

Screw the GT-R! This thing is faster, louder, better looking and probably more pure to drive!

I WANT ONE

_43LE - 12/20/2007 10:36:42 AM

-2 Boost

You've got to be joking...

EL34 - 12/20/2007 11:02:50 AM

-2 Boost

The GT-R looks like a mutated fish.

Must be like Godzilla.

_43LE - 12/20/2007 11:27:41 AM

+4 Boost

Wow, we've never heard you say that before!

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 12/20/2007 1:29:16 PM

-2 Boost

I was kidding. GT-R >>>> ZR-1

no1listensanyway - 12/20/2007 2:41:41 PM

+2 Boost

Sevor, Are you serious? Did someone hack into your account? Its not European, you know that right.

SHOWTIME - 12/20/2007 10:48:05 AM

0 Boost

Will there still be a Z06?

SHOWTIME - 12/20/2007 2:27:53 PM

+1 Boost

Sure, who wouldn't

Hantra - 12/20/2007 11:08:06 AM

+2 Boost

This is an absolutely fantastic vehicle. The technology employed is world class, and it's nice to know that we can still do that in the United States.

With only two drive wheels, I hope they can get the traction they need to smoke that new GT-R.

lenkun - 12/20/2007 12:21:12 PM

-8 Boost

The tacky carbon fiber, hood scoop, and that window on the hood makes this ZR1 a RICE.

Hopefully with 620hp, it'll finally be able to keep up with the newly released 600hp Viper.

We'll have to see if it can match the driving dynamics and acceleration of the 997 GT2 and Nissan GT-R which runs to 60mph in the low 3 seconds.

Obliv - 12/20/2007 2:23:29 PM

+1 Boost

Rice is actually defined by accessories that are for looks only, and ridiculous ones at that. All the scoops on this car are fully functional, and nothing looks ridicious imo.
And the new viper was very minimally quicker then the current z06 (I believ the 0-60 it was .1-.2 secs quicker?) with 100hp more. With the Zr-1 having 50hp more, it will most likely destroy it with ease, and they will cost around the same. The Z06 certainly already sounds better :P

Obliv - 12/20/2007 8:33:49 PM

+1 Boost

So does your FACE

topneuro - 12/20/2007 12:48:19 PM

-2 Boost

I am sure is loud and fast in a straight road but what will happen when it has to turn?
Without state of the art AWD/VSC assist regardless how excellent is the driver most of the driving laptime in Nurburgring will be spend on the brake pedal.
No doubt is may be the biggest street legal p***s you can buy.
Looks wicket even in the rearview mirror of a 2009 Nissan GT-R.

lenkun - 12/20/2007 12:52:40 PM

-1 Boost

Yes indeed. Without the advanced AWD like the GT-R, this ZR1 will still be slower just like the Viper and 997 GT2 is slower than the GT-R.

Edmunds.com already tested the GT-R at 3.3sec from 0-60mph and said it could be even quicker.

Then Autoweek's article(toward the end) said, "Chevy has not released performance numbers, but 0-to-60 mph should be less than 3.5 seconds--if you can put the power down efficiently."

Therefore, the GT-R's sub 3.3sec is still faster than the ZR1's 3.5sec. Chevy needs to go back to the drawing board for a ZR-2 perhaps?

jasonhutchcraft - 12/20/2007 2:25:39 PM

+2 Boost

I think that people are trying to look past the fact that GM has spent over 4 years on this car already.. I just can't see this thing not being brilliant. Look at how the C6 R is doing. Even with ridiculous restrictions being placed on it, due to how dominating it is, it still beats Aston Martin, Saleen, and other high end sports cars all the time. That car has amazing handling and hooks up just fine, with out traction control, awd, etc...

Porschinator - 12/20/2007 2:43:58 PM

+4 Boost

Apparently allot of you are clueless about the Corvettes handling. The Z06 in Car and Driver was the quickest around a 4.2 mile track, beating a new Porsche Turbo and GT3! Actually it was the fasting thing out on the track beating the Audi R8! Trust me I was surprised too.

http://wheeltalk.fancal.net/?p=767

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/12372/2007-chevrolet-corvette-z06-vs-2007-lotus-exige-s-vs-2007-porsche-911-gt3.html

The Corvette's interior is very nice when opting for the all leather package. Of course the interior will not match that of the Ferraris and Porsches; but what is the price difference? I understand fan boys so no biggie. I am sure all the fan boys here would love to race the ZR1 in their Honda with short shifter....lol...

jasonhutchcraft - 12/20/2007 3:17:52 PM

+3 Boost

I agree with this guy. The car is said to handle over 1g in the corners. That is more than enough traction for anybody. The brakes are tremendous, and the car is very well balanced. Maybe not 50/50 but good for a production automobile. I detect a little bit of stereotyping with this car. everybody thinks that it handles like the Old Stingray used to. Its 2007, im sure they fixed the handling since then. And porschinator is right, the zr1 was the fastest at the track that day.

Htay7500 - 12/20/2007 5:13:04 PM

+4 Boost

the base C6 can even out handle the base 911.

Porschinator - 12/20/2007 2:53:14 PM

+2 Boost

As for the GT-R. The numbers do not add up for a 3800lb car with 473BHP to go 3.3 in 60!?! Something is up with that or the track is on a decline...lol. Heard it was a PRIVATELY OWNED JAPANESE SPEC GT-R. Hmmm...any secret sauce in there? Even with launch control. Gotta see to believe 8-)

Need4Speed - 12/20/2007 5:13:51 PM

+2 Boost

Hey Kraut...is it true the GT-R comes with a PS2 controller instead of a steering wheel...and your key is actually a memory card so that you can download your skill level so that other people think you can driver better than you actually can? I figured you would know better than anybody else!

lewishamiltonpimp - 12/20/2007 6:01:18 PM

+2 Boost

Ahh...Kraut uses the old 'leaf spring' arguement without having the slightest clue about how the leaf springs are used on the Vette.

He pictures your old 1967 Ford Truck.

lewishamiltonpimp - 12/21/2007 9:07:49 AM

+1 Boost

Kaiser I would think that the leaf spring costs more to make than a conventional coil since it is made from some kind of composite.

The reason that it is used (and always has been on the Vette) is that it allows the car to sit much lower and have a lower CoG than it would if it had to use traditional coil over suspension while still being able to use double wishbone set up on each corner.

The spring is also about 1/4 the weight of a coil - remember it replaces two of them.

The spring also takes some of the job away from the anti roll bar which ergo, allows the roll bar to be lighter.

Anyone who confuses the transverse leafspring set up on a Vette with a solid axle/leafspring set up is plain ignorant of modern vehicle engineering.

KillBot - 12/20/2007 3:15:37 PM

+5 Boost

This is going to be the most affordable super car on the planet, whether or not you like US made cars, What's not to like about this beast?

M53R - 12/20/2007 5:16:06 PM

+3 Boost

I have a feeling this car will put everyone to shame... Just look at how the Z06 embarasses the F430 and the gallardo..

johnklik - 12/20/2007 7:54:52 PM

+2 Boost

hey carguy, your the real redneck. corvettes are for real americans that want to drive a real american sports muscle car. why don't you go live in europe and live with the people your suck up to. you are what the real americans call a sell out. take your sell out shit some where else. people like you give all americans a bad name.

johnklik - 12/20/2007 8:04:19 PM

+2 Boost

hey kraut master, this forum is for men not little girls. go find a rice forum or something.

germeezy2 - 12/21/2007 11:52:45 PM

+1 Boost

Where I am from strangely enough rednecks can't afford $100k cars. And its amazing how all the fanboys who can neither afford or handle the ZR-1 post up all these rude comments. Those with performance cars know that 0-60 means nothing. Shortly after 60 mph even the standard Z06 would show the GTR its tail lights.

germeezy2 - 12/22/2007 5:38:00 PM

+1 Boost

I agree both cars are amazing, but the GTR is not a Z06 killer in any way shape or form. But both cars have individual talents, the GTR's being that its got to be one of the fastest point to point cars on the planet. The Z06's being that its a high speed terror!