Jalopnik
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.
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.
Comments
Yeah, that'll do.
GM to Porsche and Ferrari:
"Check."
Yay.
God bless GM and their LS engine. Nardelli & Mulally just became Wagoner's bitches.
Hot!
I love it. However, I can't help but feel a little disappointed that it's super- and not turbo- charged. Lag shouldn't be a big problem with 6.2 liters of exhaust air feeding a blower.
I thought this was the new Corvette...
@dculberson: Horse Power Sells Cars But Torque Wins Races.
I'm so glad they're making this, but at the same time, i don't get it. there's pretty much no public road where you can use this to any more advantage than a Z06 (or even regular vette).
when they get this awesome, i wonder why they even bother to make them street legal. that said, i love horsepower wars.
i love cars.
Nicknick,
Who said that the people who buy this car intend to drive them ONLY on public roads? There are few things more satisfying than having a machine that you can drive to & from your local track.
If you don't "get it", then you're not yet a true enthusiast. This appears to be lighter and more responsive than any Corvette in history -- which is exactly what true drivers want. Bye, bye Viper.
@my favorite car is a motorcycle: Amen my brutha! This is a halo car if I've ever seen one. GM did it b/c they can.
That said, I do track work too, and this car has Road Racing written all over it! It would be a shame to use this to drag. Some F-Body with a blower and long tubes would prolly stomp it. This puppy is too classy for that.
@geeteeoh: A good turbo setup can net as much torque or more than a super.. at much higher efficiency. So I'm confused by your statement. (Or do you mean the ZR1 is marketing-biased?)
I missed the first round of horsepower wars. My youth's performance rivalries were filled with comparisons of 200hp Fox body 5.0s and Ugly As Sin F-Bodies.
Looking back and the absurd (absurdly awesome!) vehicles of 68-72, I couldn't understand why Detroit (or anyone else) wouldn't want to go there again...or how the public could be so jaded as to pass up 440 six-packs with 4 speeds in favor of 3 spd autos and 318s that didn't run on premium.
But...now I get it. We are so jaded to as to "meh" 600hp RS6s, and 600-700 Mustangs and Vettes. With a new round of mileage standards set to bring on Malaise 2.0, we'll look at the late '00s as the peak of ICE powered uber-vehicles.
@geeteeoh: "classy?" i've no doubts about its handling prowess, but i don't know if "classy" and "corvette" could ever be used in a sentence without making me wince. and i agree with nicknick; aside from justifying it on halo-car grounds, can there really be that many people out there for which the ZO6 is not enough car?
@Mad_Science: I agree completely, and yet I'm embracing the change. I'm kinda looking forward to the displacement of ICE (pardon my pun) by electric / hydrogen / fusion / whatever, as far as generic transportation appliances go.
I have some faith that Malaise 2.0 will still offer some hot ICE (I kill me) action for those times that only the synchronicity of eight well ordered explosions will do.
I'll be able to afford one of these when it gets a little rusty.
oh, wait... damn.
@dculberson: totally marketing based. Supers (especially roots type) make boost right off idle. Also, most of the time it's easier for Joe Smith to modulate boost delivery of a super vs. turbo setup. Unlike a turbo which usually begins 1500-2000 rpm....I think Joe Smith would "appreciate" feeling the kick in the ass of 600+ ponies right now for $100 grand.
On your haunches! No need to think I was flaming you. However, I'd argue with efficiency. On the street a super is much more efficent with power delivery under the curve. It's only when you talk about boost production that efficiency comes into play.
@milo_carrera: yes. Go to a real corvette show (no Vin Diesel section) and you will be shocked at the number of forced induction C5s or C6s making over 500hp at the wheels easy. I even saw a few Z06s with FI.
GM obviously wants their pound of flesh.
Memo from GM engineering:
Suck my wake.
I'm a bit disappointed baffled by the fact that they didn't just bolt a supercharger onto the 7.0 LS engine in the Z06, as opposed to making a smaller 6.2. I'm sure they had their reasons....
I want a mid-engine Corvette.
why do it with a heavier LS 7 when you can kick butt with a smaller lighter next gneration 6.2 Same issue that Porsche has not gone to a V-8--why?
now thats a car!
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