
The Corvette ZR1 arrived in late-summer 2008 and is the ultimate Corvette. It was designed to show what an American supercar can deliver, but at a price far less than its competitors. The ZR1 does not disappoint. With a top speed of 205 mph, and 638 horsepower, it’s the fastest vehicle ever produced by General Motors.
ZR1 highlights
- The Corvette ZR1 features a supercharged LS9 6.2L V-8 engine with 638 horsepower and approximately 604 lb.-ft of torque that produces a top speed of 205 mph.
- Impressive braking power comes from a standard Brembo carbon-ceramic, four-wheel disc brakes.
- Specific to the ZR1 are twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, in either sterling silver finish or the optional chrome.
- Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires were developed specifically for the ZR1.
- Special exterior design features include: a carbon-fiber raised hood with a polycarbonate window that offers a view of the intercooler; a full-width, body-colored rear spoiler; carbon-fiber body panels and duel-port front fenders.
- Only two options exist for the ZR1: Chrome wheels and a luxury package, that includes premium appointments such as heated sport seats, a Bose premium audio system, navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity.
Supercharged performance
The exceptional performance of the ZR1 is made possible by its new LS9 6.2L V-8 small-block engine. The engine is hand-assembled at GM’s Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan, and incorporates technology typically see in racing engines.
Paired with the engine is an upgraded, six-speed manual transmission and twin-disc clutch that gives the ZR1 exceptional driving quality. It is built on the same chassis as the Corvette Z06, but differs in its suspension tuning, which is optimized for the ZR1’s wider front and rear tires.
The ZR1’s brakes, wheels and tires round out its performance prowess. Aligned with its powerful engine is a powerful braking system, which is lead by Brembo carbon-ceramic brake rotors. They are extremely resistant to wear, and under normal driving conditions should never require replacement over the life of the vehicle. Exclusive ZR1 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are paired with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires.
Corvette style
The ZR1’s most recognizable feature is its raised, all-carbon-fiber hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window that provides a view of the top of the engine’s intercooler. “LS9 Supercharged” is embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.
The ZR1 includes extensive use of carbon-fiber elements including the roof, roof bow, rocker molding, hood and front splitter. Widened, carbon-fiber front fenders with dual lower ports as well as a full-width, body-color rear spoiler are exclusive to the ZR1.
The car’s interior builds on the Corvette dual-cockpit heritage, with premium materials, craftsmanship and functionality. It features special ZR1-logo sill plates and headrest embroidery, as well as a ZR1 gauge cluster and boost gauge.
The standard package comes with the same lightweight features as the Z06 Corvette. The premium package includes power-adjustable, heated and leather-trimmed sport seats, side air bags, a Bose premium audio system, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and more. |





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