German Car Zone

What is it?

The long-awaited boss Corvette (code-named Blue Devil) powered by a supercharged and intercooled 6.2-litre V-8 that kicks out 638bhp at 6500rpm.

Lightweight materials are used to minimize the weight gain over a Corvette Z06. Magnesium is used in the front subframe, steering column and roof reinforcements, the space frame is made out of aluminum, molded carbonfibre makes up eight exterior panels, the floor is balsa wood, and the Brembo brakes are carbon-ceramic.


What’s it like?

The exhaust report is audible in the next county when the throttle is down and muffler bypass valves are open for maximum performance.

Driven in a sane fashion, the ZR1 is no noisier and more comfortable than the Z06 that preceded it thanks to electronically adjustable magnetic dampers, larger anti-roll bars, and softer spring rates.

Michelin Pilot Sport 2 radials provide stupendous grip while the Brembo brakes eradicate speed like an aircraft carrier’s arresting cable.

The ZR1 demonstrates a hearty appetite for apexes and long straights. There is mild understeer, but momentarily relaxing center-pedal pressure brings the nose back in line.

Charging 100mph sweepers with the throttle down steps the tail slightly wide, a twitch that’s easily gathered up with a few degrees of counter-steer or a small throttle adjustment. The steering is quick and communicative with heft that rises linearly with cornering ferocity.

The one interior flaw is a set of sorry bucket seats totally deficient in lateral restraint.

Should I buy one?

With the ZR1, Corvette has provided Ferrari Enzo performance at less than half the price of the flagship prancing stallion.

Furthermore, its manners are sufficiently benign for relaxed daily driving. Anyone who can grab one before the strictly limited supply of first-year editions is depleted should do so without hesitation. This the most entertaining Corvette ever coined.


Corvette ZR1 - Picture Gallery - Autocar.co.uk


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