2009 Corvette ZR-1

UPDATE: The 2009 Corvette ZR1 has now been officially revealed!These appear to be the best non-engine bay shots yet of the new-for-2009 up-charged Corvette ZR-1 (or SS, Mako Shark, Blue Devil, or whatever folks want to call it these days). Although one thing we do know is if it's going to be called ZR-1 with that new 6.2L supercharged small-block nuclear reactor powerplant that's expected to be under the hood, then the name probably could stand for "Zee Really fast 1." We're expecting this new 'vette to bow at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Full scoop from spy shooter Brenda Priddy after the jump — more pictures coming momentarily. UPDATE: Full gallery up below.

Spy Photos - 2009 Corvette ZR-1

These are likely the best and maybe the last pictures of what is commonly referred to as the Blue Devil Corvette, before it's makes its official debut in January at the NAIAS in Detroit.

For the last two years the media has called the supercharged Corvette everything from Blue Devil to SS, Z07 and Sting Ray, but Motor Trend recently stated that it will officially be called the ZR-1.

At a quick glance this might look like an 'ordinary' Z06 with a vinyl-clad hood, but this Corvette is anything but ordinary!

Power for this beast will come from GM's new LS9 motor. The LS9 is a 6.2L, supercharged, small-block V8. This powerplant will put out anywhere from 600-650 horsepower. The supercharged V8 will utilize an integrated intake manifold intercooler, and it's expected to run a 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds. The 6.2-liter V8 will be built at GM's Performance Center in Wixom, Michigan. Our photographer reported that the exhaust note coming from this monster was "VERY mean....VERY angry."

The super-hot ZR-1 will weight even less than the Z06, utilizing more carbon fiber in the body (notice A and B pillars, and the roof), as well as polycarbonate "window" in the hood. The rocker panels, as well as other body panels, may be carbon fiber as well.

With speeds reaching, and possibily exceeding, 200mph, a wider, taller, lip spoiler has been added to the back of this Corvette. The spoiler now runs almost the entire length of the car to increase downforce and keep those massive tires glued to the road.

In the past few months, rumors have circulated that GM would be switching from Goodyear tires to Michelin tires for this Super Vette. We can now confirm this as this test car is sporting Michelin Pilot Sport ZP tires. The rear tires appear to be a whopping 335/25Z/20 size! A quick look inside the tires also reveals a huge set of cross-drilled rotors and an equally large set of calipers. We believe it to be a carbon-ceramic brake set-up.

Production of the supercharged Corvette will start in July of 2008 (as a 2009 model). Annual production numbers expected to be in the 1500-1750 range. When the all-new ZR-1 goes to production- expect the price tag to be in the $100,000 range.

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