2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 Caught on the Road
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 Caught on the Road
By Ed Hellwig, Edmunds
Date posted: 09-26-2007
It's been more than a year now since the first spy photos of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 began to circulate, but now check out the first running footage of the super 'Vette on the road.
Not surprisingly, the 2009 Corvette ZR-1 looks roughly the same as the numerous other prototypes we've seen before. There's the front cover that hides the new power bulge on the hood, plus camouflage covers for the larger vents in the front quarter panels. The dark roof and A-pillars suggest the use of carbon fiber up top to keep the center of gravity low, while the carbon-ceramic brake rotors shave some weight at each corner.
It's hard to miss those fender flares, as they extend even farther out than those used on the current Z06 Corvette. The extra coverage is needed for the bigger wheels and tires, which are now pushing the extremes for a production car. Zooming in on one of the 20-inch rear wheels reveals 25-series Michelin Pilot Sport tires with a 335mm tread.
Control of the huge rubber might be helped along by Delphi's magnetic suspension technology. We spotted a ZR-1 prototype months ago at one of Delphi's test tracks in Europe, testing alongside a Ferrari 599, another supercar that uses the same technology. The Delphi system is currently used for the standard Corvette to enhance overall ride quality, but the ZR-1's setup could be retuned purely to enhance traction and stability at high speeds.
We already know what's under the hood thanks to one fearless shipping clerk who snapped some now-famous spy photos of the ZR-1's engine bay. They revealed an integrated supercharger sitting on top of what looks like Chevrolet's 6.3-liter LS3 V8. The combination should give this Corvette more than 600 horsepower and a top speed above 200 mph.
As far as the name designation goes, ZR-1 hasn't been confirmed just yet. It's merely the latest in a series of rumored nameplates that include SS, Stingray and ZL-1. Attaching the ZR-1 label would make sense, as this new Corvette flagship is guaranteed to command a big-time price for its major-league performance. We'll know for sure in a few months, as the new 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 will make its world debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January.
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Print | posted on Wednesday, October 03, 2007 4:48 PM