The all-new ZR1 is a performance-tuned variant of the highly acclaimed Chevrolet Corvette. Though Chevy also offers a performance-tuned Z06 trim, the ZR1 is significantly more powerful. Some say that it's even in an entirely different league of sports car than the base Corvette and Z06. Road and Track explains: "The ZR1's performance is so over-the-top, it's no longer America's sports car. It's America's supercar, on a level beyond reproach by all but the most exotic of machinery." In fact, the ZR1 is often pitted against Lamborghinis and Ferraris in performance road tests -- where it often proves that it can hold its own.

 

The Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 is a high performance version of the Chevrolet Corvette C6. It is currently one of the fastest and most powerful production vehicles in the world. Both the C3 from 1969–1971 and C4 Corvettes from 1990-1995 had ZR-1 models. However, the C6 variant is officially labeled as the "ZR1" while previous variants had a dash between the ZR and 1, as in "ZR-1".

 

The chassis, similar to the 2008 Z06, is made of aluminum. To cut weight, many panels are made of carbon fiber. Panels made of carbon fiber are the fenders, hood, roof, splitter, and rocker extensions. To prevent the sun from damaging the carbon fiber, panels are protected with a special paint treatment.

 

The rear wheels are the largest ever mounted on a production Corvette with 335/25 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires on ultra-light 20 in (510 mm) wheels.The official curb weight of the 2009 ZR1 was released to be 3,352 lb (1,520 kg).

 

The ZR1 engine is a heavily modified version of the LS3, designated the LS9, producing 638 hp (476 kW) and 604 ft·lbf (819 N·m) of torque, it is the most powerful production Corvette to date. The LS9 has a sixth-generation Eaton TVS R2300 roots 4-lobe supercharger with an intercooler. The supercharger's four-lobe design offers improved efficiency over three-lobe models. To avoid changes to the hood appearance, the supercharger's output was split into two halves. Each cylinder bank has an intercooler. The intercoolers are from Behr, utilizing an air-to-water, dual-brick design.The LS3 engine block is used because the cylinder walls of the LS3 are thicker than the Z06's LS7 since the LS3 has smaller bore. Oil injectors, for improved cooling and noise reduction, are used for the first time in a production Corvette. Connecting rods and the inlet valve are made of titanium. Heads are from a special heat resistant aluminum alloy from the LS9's manufacturing process. The camshaft lift was reduced from the LS7's to improve idle quality. With the addition of the supercharger to the 6.2 liter LS9, the higher lift camshaft was no longer necessary to achieve horsepower targets. Oil squirters under each piston help lubricate the pistons and cylinder walls.

 

The ZR1 flywheel has been improved over the 2008 Z06. The flywheel was upgraded by going from six to a nine bolt design and cutting off nearly 9.8 ounces (278 grams) for improved throttle response and acceleration.The transmission is a 6-speed manual Tremec TR6060 with a MH3 gearset. The 2008 Z06 featured the MM6 gearset. Unlike the Z06, the ZR1 hits top speed in 6th gear

 

The ZR1 comes with GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC) suspension system. The MSRC shocks are automatically adjusted based on driving conditions and vehicle dynamics (cornering, braking, etc) for optimal handling. The system is adjusted every milisecond to provide sharp handling during spirited driving, and a smooth ride while cruising.