ZR1 Press Release

["Backyard Mechanic"]

Model:
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Body styles / driveline:
2-door hatchback coupe with fixed roof; rear-wheel drive

Construction:
composite and carbon-fiber body panels, hydroformed aluminum frame with aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis components

Manufacturing location:
Bowling Green , Ky.




Engine
6.2L SUPERCHARGED V-8 (LS9)

Displacement (cu in / cc):
376 / 6162

Bore & stroke (in / mm):
4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92

Block material:
cast aluminum

Cylinder head material:
cast aluminum

Valvetrain:
overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder

Fuel delivery:
SFI (sequential fuel injection)

Compression ratio:
9.1:1

Horsepower / kW:
620 / 462 (est.)

Torque (lb-ft / Nm):
595 / 823 (est.)

Recommended fuel:
premium required

EPA estimated fuel economy:
TBD




Transmission
close-ratio six-speed manual

Application:
std

Gear ratios (:1):


First:
2.29

Second:
1.61

Third:
1.21

Fourth:
1.00

Fifth:
0.81

Sixth:
0.67

Reverse:
3.11

Final drive ratio:
3.42




Chassis / Suspension


Front:
short/long arm ( SLA ) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper & lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber

Rear:
short/long arm ( SLA ) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper & lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber

Traction control:
electronic traction control; active handling (Magnetic Selective Ride Control)




Brakes


Type:
front and rear power-assisted carbon-ceramic disc with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers, cross-drilled rotors; ABS std.

Rotor diameter (in / mm):
front: 15.5 / 394
rear: 15 / 380

Wheels & Tires


Wheel size:
front: 19-inch x 10-inch

rear: 20-inch x 12-inch

Tires:
Michelin Pilot Sport 2
front: P285/30ZR19
rear: P335/25ZR20

Dimensions


Wheelbase (in / mm):
105.7 / 2685

Overall length (in / mm):
176.2 / 4476

Overall width (in / mm):
75.9 / 1928

Overall height (in / mm):
49 / 1244

Curb weight (lb / kg):
3350 / 1519 (est.)

Interior


Seating capacity
2

Interior volume (cu ft / L):
52 / 1475 (all models)

Headr oom (in / mm):
38 / 962 (all models)

Legroom (in / mm):
43 / 1092 (all models)

Shoulder room (in / mm):
55 / 1397 (all models)

Hip room (in / mm):
54 / 1371 (all models)

Capacities

Cargo volume (cu ft / L):
22 / 634

Fuel tank (gal / L):
18 / 68.1

Engine oil (qt / L):
12.5 / 11.8

["Backyard Mechanic"]

PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN DESIGN SUPPORTS THE CAPABILITY OF THE CORVETTE ZR1 – AND GIVES IT AN UNMISTAKABLE ATTITUDE
In 1990, the Corvette ZR-1 caused a stir with its wider quarter panels, convex rear fascia and squared taillamps. They were the visual clues that identified the special car, enhancing its status as an instant legend.

Spotting the '09 ZR1 at a glance is a snap, too, with its unique, carbon-fiber dual-port fenders, exposed carbon-fiber roof panel, rockers and front splitter, as well as a unique rear spoiler. Also exclusive to the ZR1 is a raised, carbon-fiber hood with a polycarbonate window that provides a view of the supercharged engine's intercooler that proclaims “LS9 SUPERCHARGED.”

Enthusiasts may consider the ZR1's hood a crystal-clear glimpse at the soul of the ultimate Corvette.

“There is nothing subtle about the ZR1,” said Kirk Bennion, exterior design manager. “It is a car that isn't shy about its capability.”

While the exposed carbon-fiber elements and windowed hood symbolize the car's character, there are numerous other design details that are less obvious yet no less important to the ZR1's performance. They include:

Carbon-fiber front fenders widened to accommodate the ZR1's larger front wheels and tires
ZR1-specific twin vents in the front fenders
Full-width rear spoiler with raised outboard sections incorporates the center high-mounted stop lamp
ZR1-specific 20-spoke alloy wheels in Sterling Silver (chrome available)
Nineteen-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels inspired by C6R racecars
Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires; P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear
ZR1-specifc blue-painted brake rotors visible through the wheels
“The ZR1 has a performance-driven design,” said Bennion. “There is an aesthetic element to all of the unique features, but they were developed first and foremost to support the car's performance capability.”

Bennion cites the front splitter and rear spoiler as prime examples.

“Because of its top-speed and handling capabilities, the ZR1 requires more downforce than the Z06, and the splitter and rear spoiler were carefully shaped and wind-tunnel tested to meet that requirement,” he said. “The front fenders were widened to cover the wider wheels and their new, twin-outlet vents provide a path for hot air to escape.”

The ZR1 shares the front fascia with the Z06, but the brake-cooling ducts are revised to channel more air to the brakes. Even the front suspension's A-arms were aerodynamically optimized – they feature air deflectors that direct air to the carbon-ceramic brake rotors.

The ZR1 is available in seven exterior colors, including: Black, Velocity Yellow Tintcoat, Victory Red, Atomic Orange Metallic, Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and two new colors – Blade Silver Metallic and Cyber Gray Metallic.

Exposed carbon-fiber

A lightweight material pioneered in racing circles, carbon-fiber has an undeniable air of exoticness and only a few production cars have ever employed the relatively expensive composite in their exterior panels. The 2004 Corvette Z06 Commemorative Edition featured a carbon-fiber outer hood and the current Z06 has carbon-fiber fenders and floor panels.

On the ZR1, the roof panel, roof bow, lower rocker moldings, front splitter and the underside of the hood feature exposed-weave carbon-fiber. The other carbon-fiber parts of the ZR1 include the front fenders and hood. The front fascia, doors, rear fenders and rear fascia are made of various other composite materials and all are painted body-color.

The carbon-fiber panels contribute to the car's visual identity – particularly the exposed-weave panels – but they also serve an important purpose: They save weight. The carbon-fiber roof panel and roof bow, for example, weigh about 7.7 pounds (3.5 kg) less than the already lightweight composite panels on the Corvette Z06.

Ironically, the identifiable and intricate weave pattern of carbon-fiber on most production cars is hidden beneath a shell of paint, because the weave is very susceptible to ultra-violet (UV) light damage, which can cause yellowing or a generally dull appearance. But thanks to a specially developed material that ensures a deep, lustrous and long-lasting finish, the '09 ZR1's exposed-weave panels feature a clear coat that protects like paint.

“The clear coat is applied to the exposed carbon-fiber panels that are exposed to sunlight,” said Mark Voss, designing engineer. “In addition to preventing damaging UV rays, the coating has the chip and scratch resistance of conventional paint.”

The special clear coat, which is a proprietary product developed by a GM supplier for the ZR1 program, gives the carbon-fiber parts a shiny, almost wet finish that adds to the visual depth of the weave pattern.

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

["Backyard Mechanic"]

CORVETTE ZR1: IT'S GOOD TO BE THE KING
DETROIT – Few new cars have ever caused the stir that whipped up around the 1990 Corvette ZR-1. It started with fuzzy spy photos and Detroit gossip about a high-powered, “King of the Hill” model. Chevrolet was coy, neither confirming nor denying the grist of the rumor mill.

Rumor became fact at the 1989 Geneva Auto Show, when the ZR-1 officially debuted. It was a time when performance cars were only beginning to regain some of the performance enjoyed during the heyday of the muscle car, and the ZR-1's 375-horespower (280 kW) LT5 V-8 engine – with its DOHC configuration and four-valve heads – was an intoxicating breath of high-octane excitement.

The all-aluminum LT5 engine's design was a collaboration of GM and Lotus Engineering, sharing only a 5.7-liter displacement with other small-block engines. The engine was built by Mercury Marine, which was renowned for its aluminum machining capability. Engineers were justifiably proud of the LT5's refinement and smoothness; so much so that it was claimed a nickel placed on its end on top of the engine wouldn't fall over when the engine was started. The challenge was immediately taken up – and the LT5 roared to life while the nickel remained standing.

The ZR-1 was more than merely a more powerful Corvette – it was a complete performance package that included wider rear bodywork to accommodate humongous rear tires and a unique, convex rear fascia with rectangular taillamps that made the car recognizable at a glance. The distinctive exterior elements contributed to the car's mythical status among enthusiasts and auto critics. At its launch, the ZR-1 was found on the cover of just about every automotive publication around the globe, with Car and Driver dubbing it the “Corvette from Hell.”

Proving the ZR-1's performance lived up to its instant legend status, a production model was sent to a high-speed test track at Fort Stockton, Texas, and set seven world speed records – the most notable being a 24-hour endurance run that averaged 175.8 mph (283 km/h) and recorded more than 4,200 miles.

During 1990, the premium ZR-1 recorded 3,044 sales. Subsequent model years didn't quite match the buzz created by that first year, even with a horsepower increase to 405 (302 kW) in 1993. This was due partly to all Corvette models from 1991 through 1995 – the ZR-1's 1995 final year – wearing convex rear fascias that made them almost indistinguishable from the higher-performance “King of the Hill” models. Total production of the 1990-95 ZR-1 was 6,939.

The new king

With features such as unique , exposed carbon-fiber body panels, a raised hood with a window to the LS9 engine and massive 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, there's little chance the new ZR1 will be mistaken for any other model. It also wears distinguishing blue accents, including the engine cover visible through the hood window, the brake calipers and the rear fascia badge – the only rear fascia badge affixed to current-generation Corvettes.

Nineteen years after its initial release, a new ZR1 is set to reclaim the title as the king. Interestingly, the standard 2008 Corvette has more horsepower than the 1990 ZR-1, but the new ZR1's approximate 620 horses is 45 percent more than the base model's 430 rating. That's roughly the same advantage the LT5 carried over the standard 1990 Corvette's 250-horsepower engine.

By the way, historians and detail-minded enthusiasts will note the '09 ZR1 is spelled without the hyphen that designated the 1990-95 ZR-1. This is because GM has changed its naming convention and the un-hyphenated “ZR1” corresponds with the current rule for alphanumeric designations

[spiceman]

Originally Posted by JIM KILL

CHEVROLET ENTERS THE WORLD OF SUPERCARS WITH 2009 CORVETTE ZR1

New, Supercharged LS9 V-8 is the Heart of the ZR1

DETROIT - Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 - an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.

"Chevrolet's goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much - and does so with exceptional driveability," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

The ZR1's basic stats:
LET me see if I have this correct? We (USA Corvette) has won the
2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and came in second after being blasted from behind at over 180 MPH and had the race lasted 20 more mintes, Corvette would have taken 1st. again.
Let me see if this is correct..........Corvette has won the CHAMPIONSHIP's for 1999, 2000, 20002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and this year's 2007 GT1 IMSA.
So now Corvette is good enough to enter the SUPER CAR Field ?
IS this after Ferrair, Porsche, Aston Martin, and the rest of the European makes DROPPED out of GT1 because they couldn't cut it against the CORVETTE'S the so called EURO SUPERCAR'S. What a joke.

* 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."

Supercharged LS9 engine

The new LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power plant the supports the ZR1's performance capability. The enabler of the LS9's 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, in Wixom, Mich., 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 provide 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, while also helping to dissipate heat better and extend the life of the clutch.

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.

what a joke