2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Thread

[PanterroR]

Corvette ZR1 production set at 2,000 units worldwide



Corvette ZR1 chief engineer Tadge Juechter recently sat down to participate in a live chat on GMNext to answer questions about Chevy's new supercar, with topics ranging from fuel-economy to production numbers.

GM hasn't run its fuel economy test yet, but in a previous release from the General, it expects the ZR1 to be the most fuel-efficient 600-hp vehicle on the market. Juechter did say that the ZR1, "will be somewhat less [fuel-efficient] than a Z06," which is currently rated at 15/24 by the EPA, "and we expect a small gas-guzzler tax [on the ZR1]." Production will be limited to 2,000 units each year for worldwide consumption and pricing will be revealed sometime this month.

Juechter went on to say that ZR1 accessories wouldn't be made available for lesser Corvette models, so buyers won't be able to option up for carbon-ceramic brakes or Michelin tires on their Z06s. When asked if engineers considered all-wheel-drive for the ZR1, he emphasized that making the vehicle as lightweight as possible was a top priority and that an AWD system "would have added too much mass." And on the topic of price gouging by dealers, Juechter said only one thing: "We're strongly encouraging dealers to charge MSRP." Good luck on that.


Source: Corvette ZR1 production set at 2,000 units worldwide - Autoblog

[Just_me]

I heard the price in Sweden for ZR1 is 1.5 million kronor, similar to a 997 Turbo.

[Merc1]

We knew the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 was likely going to be priced right around 100 grand when it finally hit the showroom floor, and GM hit the target.

The ZR1's base MSRP of $103,300 (including an $850 destination charge) moves the $105,000 number thanks to a $1700 gas guzzler tax, but we're guessing no one lining up to buy the fastest and most technically advanced production Corvette of all time will mind in the least.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 priced at $105,000, hits 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, quarter mile in 11.3 - Auto News - Motor Trend

M

[Just_me]

When are we going to see actual tests of this beast?

[CarGuy]

• $103,300 MSRP (including $850 destination charge)
• $105,000 ($1,700 gas guzzler tax)
• EPA-estimated fuel economy of 14 city and 20 highway
• 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds
• 0-100 mph in 7.0 seconds
• Quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.3 seconds at 131 mph
• 205 mph top speed

[siko]

Corvette ZR1 Laps the Ring in 7:26.4, Beats the 2009 Nissan GT-R

GM’s 640Hp and $103,000 Corvette ZR1 has posted one of the fastest times ever recorded on the Nurburgring race track for a totally stock production car: 7 minutes and 26.4 seconds. And yes, the ZR1 has shaved almost three seconds off the 2009 Nissan GT-R’s official time of 7:29.03.

According to Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge J. Juechter, the ZR1 tested was bone stock with the exception of the communications and safety equipment. The tires were production Michelin Pilot Sport 2 which have been developed specifically for the ZR1 while chassis alignment and vehicle height were set to factory specs. -Continued


Likewise, Juechter said that the engine calibrations were absolutely stock, emissions compliant and the car ran on pump (not racing) fuel. In other words, it was the same vehicle as the ones that will roll off the production line in Bowling Green, Kentucky and sold around later this summer.

[Source: CarScoop]

[bmwrules]

Gauntlet thrown: Corvette ZR1 laps the 'Ring in 7:26.4 - Autoblog

Tadge J. Juechter, Corvette's chief engineer, announced this morning that Jim Mero, GM's development engineer, drove the ZR1 around the Nurburgring in 7:26.4. According to the GMNext blog, the run took place earlier this morning and that conditions were good on the track, with the exception of a strong headwind down the main straight. Mero mentioned that he felt there were a few places where he could have gone faster, although no details were provided about why and where.

Juechter makes it clear that the ZR1 that lapped the 'Ring was instock trim, with the exception of safety and communications equipment. As such, the ZR1 was wearing the same Michelin Pilot Sport 2s found on the production model, the chassis alignment and vehicle height were set to factory specs and the unmodified engine was running on pump gas.

The lap began with a rolling start – which falls in line with current industry practices – and the time was confirmed both through an electronic timing system and two hand-held stopwatches. The ZR1 team will be posting a video of their run when they return from Germany and we'll be keeping our eye out for it when it's online the week of July 7th.

[Monster]

I am pretty surprised that the ZR1 managed to go this fast around the track, with this much torque going through the rear wheels, it will be pretty scary to get this beast around the Ring at this kind of speed. Does the ZR1 retains the standard leaf spring rear suspension layout?

This is pretty exciting new because the pressure is now on the Nissan engineers to further improve their GTR V-spec and leave the competition behind.

[dr Dunkel]

Great! Now we have a 'production' car battle between Nissan and GM!

[CarGuy]

Wow the ZR1 is pretty much full game both in the straight and on the twists.

But we already have had the ZO6 for over 2 years so it's interesting to see what this car can do.