2009 CORVETTE ZR1
The King is back atop the Hill
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2009 Corvette ZR1 LS9
The King is back atop the Hill - 2009 Corvette ZR1
CHEVROLET ENTERS THE WORLD OF SUPERCARS WITH 2009 CORVETTE ZR1
New, Supercharged LS9 V-8 is the Heart of the ZR1
DETROIT - Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 - an American
supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber,
ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.
"Chevrolet's goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can
deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as
much - and does so with exceptional driveability," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet
general manager.
The ZR1's basic stats:
* All-new LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 targeted at producing at least 100
horsepower per liter, or 620 horsepower (462 kW), and approximately 595 lb.-ft.
of torque (823 Nm)
* Six-speed, close-ratio, race-hardened manual transmission
* New, high-capacity dual-disc clutch
* Higher-capacity and specific-diameter axle half-shafts; enhanced torque tube
* Specific suspension tuning provides more than 1g cornering grip
* Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels
* Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires - P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the
rear - developed specifically for the ZR1
* Standard carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors - 15.5-inch-diameter
(394-mm) in the front and 15-inch-diameter (380-mm) in the rear
* Larger brake calipers with substantially increased pad area
* Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control with track-level suspension
* Wider, carbon-fiber front fenders with ZR1-specific dual vents
* Carbon-fiber hood with a raised, polycarbonate window - offering a view of the
intercooler below it
* Carbon-fiber roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings
with clear-coated, exposed carbon-fiber weave
* ZR1-specific full-width rear spoiler with raised outboard sections
* Specific gauge cluster with boost gauge (also displayed on the head-up
display) and 220-mph (370 km/h) speedometer readout
* Only two options: chrome wheels and a "luxury" package
* Curb weight of approximately 3,350 pounds (1,519 kg)
The specialized components of the new ZR1 work harmoniously to deliver the most
powerful and fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors. Performance
estimates will be announced closer to vehicle's summer 2008 launch.
"Preliminary testing shows the ZR1 builds on the highly respected Corvette Z06
in every performance category, from acceleration and braking, to cornering grip
and top speed," said Peper. "It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and
the ZR1's is exceptional - better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and
even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first
production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph."
Supercharged LS9 engine
The new LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power plant the supports the ZR1's
performance capability. The enabler of the LS9's performance and refinement is a
large, positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor
design. It is augmented with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces
inlet air temperature for maximum performance.
A sixth-generation supercharger developed by Eaton helps the LS9 make big power
and torque at lower rpm and carries it in a wide arc to 6,600 rpm, as it pushes
enough air to help the engine maintain power through the upper levels of the rpm
band - the area where supercharged performance tends to diminish. Heavy-duty and
lightweight reciprocating components enable the engine's confident high-rpm
performance.
The LS9 is hand-assembled at GM's Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Mich., and
incorporates specialty processes typically seen in racing engines to produce a
highly refined and precise product. For example, cast iron cylinder liners are
inserted in the aluminum block and are finish-bored and honed with a deck plate
installed. The deck plate simulates the pressure and minute dimensional
variances applied to the block when the cylinder heads are installed, ensuring a
higher degree of accuracy that promotes maximum cylinder head sealing, piston
ring fit and overall engine performance.
Transmission and axle
The LS9 engine is backed by a new, stronger six-speed manual transmission and a
twin-disc clutch that provide exceptional clamping power, while maintaining an
easy clutch effort. ZR1-specific gearing in the transmission provides a steep
first-gear ratio that helps launch the car, and top speed is achieved in sixth
gear - a change from the fifth-gear top-speed run-outs in the
manual-transmission Corvette and Corvette Z06.
As the term implies, the twin-disc clutch system employs a pair of discs, which
spreads out the engine's torque load over a wider area. This enables tremendous
clamping power when the clutch is engaged, while also helping to dissipate heat
better and extend the life of the clutch.
The twin-disc clutch system also contributes to the ZR1's exceptional driving
quality, with smooth and easy shifting. The twin-disc system's design enables a
25-percent reduction in inertia, thanks to smaller, 260-mm plates, corresponding
to a pedal effort that is similar to the Corvette Z06's 290-mm single-disc
system.
The rear axle also is stronger in the ZR1 and features asymmetrical axle-shaft
diameters that were developed after careful testing to provide optimal torque
management. The axles are also mounted on a more horizontal plane that
correlates with the wider width of the rear wheels and tires.
Ride and handling
The ZR1 is built on the same aluminum-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and
features similar independent SLA front and rear suspensions, with aluminum upper
and lower control arms. Where the ZR1 differs is the suspension tuning, which
was optimized for the car's steamroller-wide front and rear tires.
Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard and tuned specifically for the ZR1.
The system's ability to deliver a compliant ride with nearly instantaneous
damping adjustments enabled engineers to develop a surprisingly supple ride
quality in a supercar that still delivers cornering grip of more than 1g.
From a high-performance perspective, Magnetic Selective Ride Control helps the
rear axle remain planted during launch for smooth, hop-free acceleration. It
also helps suppress axle movement when cornering on broken or uneven pavement.
Brakes, wheels and tires
Commensurate with the ZR1's engine output is the braking system, which is
headlined by carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Found on only a few exotics and more
expensive supercars, carbon-ceramic brake rotors are made of a
carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic silicon carbide material . Their advantage comes
in low mass and resistance to wear and heat. In fact, the rotors should never
show any corrosion or require replacement for the life of the vehicle, when used
in normal driving.
The vented and cross-drilled rotors on the ZR1 measure 15.5 inches (394 mm) in
diameter in the front and 15 inches (380 mm) in diameter in the rear - making
them among the largest carbon-ceramic rotors available on any production
vehicle.
Clamping down on the high-tech rotors are six-piston front calipers and
four-piston rear calipers, each painted a ZR1-exclusive blue. The front pads are
equivalent in size to the largest on any production car with a single-pad design
- double that of the Corvette Z06's 70-sq.-cm. front pads.
The brakes are visible through the ZR1's exclusive wheels: 20-spoke alloy rims
that measure 19 inches in diameter in the front and 20 inches in the rear. They
come standard with a bright, Sterling Silver paint finish and chrome versions
are optional. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires developed
specifically for the ZR1, measuring P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the
rear.
Exclusive exterior
The ZR1 is instantly recognizable, with perhaps the most identifiable feature a
raised, all-carbon-fiber hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window.
The window provides a view of the top of the engine's intercooler, with the
legend "LS9 SUPERCHARGED" embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine
cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.
The underside of the hood has an exposed carbon-fiber-weave. Exposed
carbon-fiber is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker molding and front splitter.
These exterior components are protected by a specially developed glossy,
UV-resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear.
Widened, carbon-fiber front fenders with specific, dual lower vents, and a
full-width, body-color rear spoiler incorporating the center high-mounted stop
lamp, are also unique to the ZR1. All of the exterior features of the car were
developed to enhance high-speed stability and driver control.
Interior details
The ZR1's interior builds on the brand's dual-cockpit heritage, with
high-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality that support the
premium-quality experience promised by the car's performance. The ZR1's cabin
differs from the Corvette and Corvette Z06 with the following:
* ZR1-logo sill plates
* ZR1-logo headrest embroidery
* Specific gauge cluster with "ZR1" logo on the tachometer and a 220-mph (370
km/h) readout on the speedometer
* Boost gauge added to the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display
The "base" ZR1 (RPO 1LZ) comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including
lightweight seats and lightweight content. The uplevel interior package includes
unique, power-adjustable and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the
ZR1 logo); custom, leather-wrapped interior available in four colors; navigation
system, Bluetooth connectivity and more.
By the numbers
In addition to the exterior cues and powertrain, ZR1 models will be
distinguished from other Corvette models by their VIN. Each will carry a unique,
identifying VIN digit, as well as a sequential build number. This makes it easy
to determine the build number of a specific car - information treasured by
enthusiasts and collectors. For example, a ZR1 with a VIN ending in "0150" would
indicate it is the 150th ZR1 built for the model year.
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