Car of the Day - 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Car of the Day - 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1t

Chevrolet finally delivered a true American SuperCar with the 2009 ZR1. With the Z06 Corvette; Chevrolet had vastly improved the brand and since it’s launch has gained more global credibility as an all-round competent sportscar than any model in the past. It also doesn’t hurt that it looks fabulous either.

The ZR1 is a true exotic with carbon-fiber in abundance and a power-to-weight ratio that exceeds the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and Lamborghini LP640 at considerably less than half the price of any.

The heart of the ZR1 is the new LS9 6.2L small-block engine handbuilt at GM’s Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Michigan. It features a large Roots-type supercharger with four-lobe rotor design. The supercharger gets an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature. The unit is a sixth-generation blower from Eaton and provides high power output and torque at low rpm and continues through a wide band to 6,600 rpm.

The engine is assembled using full race car practices such as having the cast iron cylinder liners inserted in the aluminum block and then finish-bored and honed with a deck plate installed, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy with maximum cylinder head sealing, piston ring fit and overall engine performance.

Coupled to the LS9 is a new six-speed manual transmission and a twin-disc clutch The unit gets a steep first-gear ratio to help launch and provide the stunning 0-60 times. The transmission ratios ensure acceleration continues throughout all gears with top speed achieved in sixth rather than 5th as is the case in the manual-transmission Z06.

The twin-disc clutch provides excellent driving quality and smooth, easy shifting and a 25 percent reduction in inertia.

The ZR1 is based on the same predominantly aluminum chassis as the Z06 and independent front and rear suspensions, however the ZR1 gets aluminum upper and lower control arms and a significantly upgraded braking system featuring carbon-ceramic brake rotors.

The rotors are made of a carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic silicon carbide and are vented and cross-drilled. The fronts measure 15.5 inches (394 mm) in diameter and the rear are 15 inches (380 mm). The ZR1 blue painted calipers have six-piston in front and four at the rear The front house pads double the size of the Z06 with 70 sq cm of surface area.

The wheels are 20 spoke alloy, 19 inch at front and 20 at rear. Michelin developed the Pilot Sport 2 tires specifically for the ZR1, the sizes are P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 at rear.

Visually the ZR1 stands out with the all-carbon-fiber bonnet with clear polycarbonate panel that displays the LS9’s intake cover to the world. The underside of the large panel is exposed carbon-fiber-weave, which is also the case on the roof, roof bow, rocker molding and front splitter. The carbon-fibre gets a specially developed glossy, UV resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear. The widened front fenders are also carbon-fiber and get new dual lower vents.

Quality materials are used throughout the cabin which gets appropriate ZR1 labelling with, ZR1 logo sill plates, ZR1 logo headrest embroidery, ZR1 logo on the tachometer and the 220 mph (370 km/h) speedometer.

Chevrolet have catered to the hardcore enthusiast and assisted future collectors by providing a unique VIN. Each gets an identifying VIN digit, plus a sequential build number. A nice touch for a unque model from one of the worlds largest manufacturers - still - thankfully.

Rod Halligan