Jalopnik: 2009 chevrolet corvette zr-1

Rumor Busted: Corvette ZR1 Production NOT Canceled

Ray Wert — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:25:52 EDT

UPDATE: Rumor busted! Chevy PR tells us ZR1 production has NOT been canceled. DigitalCorvettes was, as we'd claimed most likely the case, wrong on this story.

DigitalCorvettes is reporting a rumor that production on the Corvette ZR1, Chevy's new super car we just drove a month or so ago, has been halted at the Bowling Green Corvette plant. We knew the Corvette plant was on shutdown this week, but we fully expected the plant to resume production next week. Digital Corvettes is now reporting that's now not the case. We've got no evidence to substantiate this rumor other than what the Corvette-lovers over at DigitalCorvettes are reporting. To be fair, we can't believe this is true, and we've put in a call to Chevy PR to confirm or deny the rumor. We expect to hear back from them by the morning at the latest. Full rumor report below the jump:

FACTS

1. ZR1 production has been halted at Bowling Green despite orders to fill.
2. There is nothing wrong with the ZR1 itself. No production line issues that warrant it being stopped.
3. There is no official word from GM yet. Key word, 'official'. But, there is 'word' and we are hearing it.

INFO COMING IN

1. The ZR1 model itself may be on the chopping block, or has already been cancelled.
2. GM is losing their butts on each one.
3. This is a management decision and for financial reasons only.
4. Major changes coming for Corvette production.

[via DigitalCorvettes.com]

GM Hates The UK, Sets Corvette ZR1 Pricing At Over $200,000

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT

GM has released UK pricing for the Corvette ZR1 at £109,000 — roughly equivalent to $200,167, or about OMG,WTFBBQ,NFW,ROFLCOPTER!!1! in internet dollars. If you aren't a very good forex trader, or one of the eleven remaining hedge fund managers with a job, there's no reason for you to read this if you live in Britain, unless of course you're one of those creepy self-flagellating monks from the Da Vinci Code. In any of the above cases, it sucks to be you, and us 'mericans will happily keep our 638 HP mega-Vette all to ourselves. [Carscoop]

Top Gear Reviews 2009 Corvette ZR1, America's Reputation At Stake

Mark Arnold — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:30:00 EDT

Hopefully we'll all have the chance to see a full Top Gear top test of the 2009 Corvette ZR1 by Jeremy Clarkson, complete with big powerslides, loud proclamations of "Powwah!" and a power lap by the Stig. However, for the moment you'll have to be happy with Top Gear Magazine's Paul Horrell, who recently spent time behind the wheel of the new super-Vette. So does Horrell confirm our sentiments on the ZR1? Not quite. Horrell reckons "the dynamics are better than an Aston DBS, but you don't get the delicious precision of a (Ferrari) 599." Fair enough, but it's a good start for the ZR1 across the pond. Especially considering whether or not the rest of the European press agree with his overall positive assessment will likely play a big role in not just the success of the ZR1, but the European perception of American cars in general. The ZR1, in many ways, is our ambassador. And a hell of an ambassador it is.

[Top Gear]

Can You Afford A Corvette ZR1?

Mark Arnold — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EDT

If you're looking to justify the purchase of a 2009 Corvette ZR1, Suze Orman may not be the best person to call. That's what one potential ZR1 buyer found out when he called into the "Can I Afford It?" segment of Orman's financial advice show on CNBC.

But Dan, the caller, isn't exactly some penniless chump dreaming beyond his means: He's got $150k just chillin' in his savings account. Now, we know the ZR1 starts at $103,300, but Dan was figuring on spending $120,000. Of course, Orman apparently doesn't understand just how special the ZR1 is, claiming that its value will drop like a brick as soon as it pulls off the dealer lot. We're not so sure, what with the first car being auctioned off for a cool $1,000,000. Not to mention, if Dan can actually find a ZR1 for $120k, with all the inevitable dealer mark-ups, he'll be getting quite the bargain. [via CorvetteBlogger]

First 2009 Corvette ZR1 Rolls Off Assembly Line To Thunderous Media Silence

Andrew Stoy — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EDT

The much-anticipated 2009 Corvette ZR1 began production, as the first unit finished the assembly process and was delivered to Chevy dealer Dave Ressler during a press event in Bowling Green on Monday. What, you didn't notice? Well, it seems the build coincided with the unveiling of the new Chevy Camaro, forcing the ZR1 news under the radar. Guess those promotions budget cuts only allow one high-profile unveiling per week, eh?

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Dave Ressler, the new owner of the first 2009 ZR1 — the rights to which were sold at Barrett-Jackson, with proceeds going to charity — also happens to be the owner of the oldest known Corvette, a 1953 model. So what does Ressler do for a living? Why, he's a Chevy dealer, of course, and the owner of a large 'Vette collection in North Dakota. Ressler hasn't announced his plans for the new car, which has unique blue paint and a special VIN, but we hope he doesn't squirrel it away in his barn. North Dakota farm roads and ZR1s seem made for each other. [via VetteTube]

Video From Yesterday's Corvette ZR1 Long-Lead Drive Seeps Out, Shows Magazines "Driving" Blue Devil

Ray Wert — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:40:00 EDT

We'd heard the long-lead media "drive" for the 2009 Corvette ZR1 was yesterday and it looks like the first in-car driving footage is now out on the web, less than 24 hours later. We obviously weren't there, primarily since we'd heard it was all magazines there. Frankly, we just don't need as much time as the glossies to put out a good story. We don't have character blocks to set in the printing press, no ink to squirt out and no parchment to unroll. So we guess it makes sense that we wouldn't need an invite to an event this far out. Of course, we also expected the invited media reps from the big n' bad buff books would, you know, drive the cars themselves. UPDATE: The video's from Motive Mag, an online publication. Who knew they needed extra time too? Slow pokes.

Instead, we're treated to GM test engineer Jim Mero — we think — driving one of the invited journalists around the road course at the General's Milford Proving Grounds. We know Mero's a pretty damn good driver — he shot the ZR1 'round the Nubrugring in record time. Maybe he was just having a bad day today, but how many cones did he hit on this particular run 'round the "Lutz Ring?" Probably a lot less than the number whoever he was driving would have had he gotten behind the wheel himself.

Not to say he didn't. Whoever it is in the passenger seat probably did get a few minutes of limited driver seat time. We just hope this video won't cast aspersions on "test drives" coming out of the event. [More over at VetteTube]

2009 Corvette ZR1 Spotted On Vacation In Elk Rapids, MI

Ray Wert — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:40:00 EDT

Jalopnik reader and tipster Kyle spent the July 4th vacation up near Michigan's pinkie finger in Traverse City. On a quick jaunt down to Elk Rapids, a town not too far away from there, he ran across a yellow 2009 Corvette ZR1 sitting pretty at the roadside in the resort town. Maybe it's just tired and taking a vacation over the summer GM shut-down. Although we did notice there's no manny plates on it, that may just be because it's a "captured test fleet" vehicle. In all fairness, we're still not quite sure we get the distinction between "captured test fleet" and you know, a "test vehicle." Maybe there's no distinction. Anyone want to take us up on our question — drop a note into the comments below.

The Fastest Laps Of The Nurburgring: How The ZR1 Stacks Up

Mark Arnold — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EDT

Now that the 2009 Corvette ZR1 has set a lap time of 7:26.4, we've been trying to wrap our heads around just how fast that really is. Sure, it's faster than the GT-R, but we're wondering if there's anything that can make the ZR1 look slow. With the caveat that lap times vary depending on track conditions and driver skill, let's take a look at some of the fastest lap times around the the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and see what's what.

7:29.03 - Nissan R35 GT-R
The calling card of the new Nissan GT-R is technology witchcraft. On paper, you wouldn't expect much from a 3800lb car with a V6. But on the track, the grip of the trick AWD system channeling 480 HP from the twin-turbocharged engine is pure magic.

7:26.40 - Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The instant legend. Keep in mind, there was reportedly a strong headwind on the main straight, which could have actually slowed things down a bit. Could the ZR1 possibly set an even faster time in the future?

6:55 - Radical SR8
With only about 360 HP, the Radical is not about raw power. Its strengths instead are a race-style chassis, complete with real downforce-generating spoilers. Or course, since the car only weighs about 1430 lbs, the Radical has an incredible power-to-weight ratio. A slightly less powerful 320 HP Radical SR3 Turbo has even run a 7:19 lap. Though we doubt you'll find one being valet-parked at the country club, the Radical is technically streetable. As such, it is the fastest road-going car around the Nordschleife.

6:11.13 - Porsche 956
If the ZR1 is fast, then this is warp speed. it's the fastest official lap time ever recorded on this configuration of the track. What makes it even more amazing is that this was 25 years ago, back in 1983.

[lap times]

Corvette ZR1 Laps Nurburgring In 7:26.4

Mark Arnold — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:35:00 EDT

Today, the 2009 Corvette ZR1 officially stepped up the global war for Nürburgring supremacy, as General Motors development engineer Jim Mero drove a stock ZR1 around the Nürburgring in a time of 7:26.4. That's significantly faster than the 7:29 lap set by the Nissan GT-R. We can't wait to see what the rest of the world's supercar competitors are gonna do now to step up their game.

GM assures us that the lap time was set by stock ZR1, fitted only with extra safety and communications equipment. Everything else, from the production-spec Michelin Pilot tires, to the factory-spec ride height and suspension settings were untouched. Even the fuel was normal pump gas, though that stuff is still probably like $500 per gallon in Germany, right? None the less, this is the same spec car that people all across the country are going to buy at an inflated price, and inevitably hide away in their garage only to be driven on Sundays. Let's hope some this isn't the last we'll see of the ZR1 ripping up a racetrack.
[General Motors]

Ashley Van Dyke Is NOT Driving A Corvette ZR1 In The Bullrun

Ray Wert — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:30:38 EDT

A quick glance at the very graphical press release from Ashley Van Dyke, the motor-loving mistress of the Bullrun TV show, and you'll think perhaps she'll be driving the new $413,000 ($105,000 minus dealer markup) and 638 HP 2009 Chevy ZR1 in this week's Bullrun road rally. It's hard not to. It's right there at the top of the press release. For a moment there we thought maybe Chevy was throwing down the ZR1 for some road rallying hype — like the Z06 before it for the Frankl twins. A quick e-mail to Chevy was enough to tell us they certainly didn't give her one and according to our friends at GTSpirit, we've found out what she is driving. They tell us the lovely lady's driving a Corvette Z06. While the Z06 is a blast to drive, we don't think it's quite the horsepowergasm of the upcoming ZR1. Mostly because it's not so powerful we're simultaneously pissing our pants and giggling like a schoolgirl at the thought of getting behind the wheel. So, while there's no ZR1 on the 'run, self-promotion is still running rampant. Hit the jump to see the press release in its entirety. [Ashley Van Dyke, Bullrun]

Dealer Gouging Reportedly Sends 2009 Corvette ZR1 To Amazingly Insane Price Of $413,000

Ray Wert — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EDT

The 2009 Corvette ZR1, GM's new mega-powered super car, will reportedly only be offered to the top 338 Chevy dealers nationwide. That effectively shuts out the other 3,594 from the chance of offering one to enthusiastic fans of the bowtied brand. We guess that explains the four-times-the-price gouging we're hearing about from potential customers. That's right, although the 638 HP 2009 ZR1 gets a price tag of $103,300 ($105,000 with the $1,700 gas guzzler tax) and Corvette engineers asking dealers to respect the MSRP, we've received at least one report from a reader of being told that despite his down payment 2 1/2 years ago, he'd have to put up between two and four times the MSRP to get one in his garage. If that number is accurate, the street price will be somewhere between $206,600 and $413,200 for Zee Really fast One. Full report from our tipster looking for recourse from someone — anyone — after the jump.

"I put a deposit down for the 2009 ZR1 about 2 1/2 years ago at "my" chevy dealer from whom I have bought many GM cars, including trucks, vettes. I have probably bought 15+ GM vehicles over the years. I was told 2 1/2 years ago that the price for this "iffy" car would be around the same ratio as the 5K overcharge I paid for my 2006 Z06.
I was called to order my ZR1 yesterday since I was #1 on the allocation list of this dealer's 4 allocations. I was told that by the way the price would be between 2-4 times the MSRP. Tadge Juechter, the Chief of Corvette Engineering, has urged GM ZR1 dealers to respect the MSRP. I am very upset with the greed and disregard for customer loyalty in a down economy. Is there any recourse?"

We wish there were — although we'll be forwarding on your complaint to the good folks at Chevy to ask them their thoughts. At the very least it definitely shows a demand for the highest priced car in the General's storied history, doesn't it? (Hat tip to Roger!) [via Automotive News (sub. req.)]

Mommy, Where Do Corvette ZR1s Come From?

Mark Arnold — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:45:00 EDT

There comes a time in a legendary sports car's life when the buyers start wondering where all those machines come from. If you're Ferrari or Lamborghini, you whisk your customers off to Italy to show them the hand-assembly lines. But if you're GM, you show off your production line in good ol' Bowling Green, Kentucky, and for real too — without the CG trickery found in their LS2 assembly video. People have been taking delivery of their Vettes straight from the factory for years, but now with a 2009 Corvette ZR1 costing over $103,000 we have a feeling people will be even more critical of how their babies are made. Video of all the hot Corvette construction action after the jump.

[General Motors]

2009 Corvette ZR1 pricing released: 638 HP For $103,300!

Wes Siler — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:55:01 EDT

It's official, the 2009 Corvette ZR1 starts at $103,300. That's $161 per horsepower or $502 per mph; the ZR1 will hit 205mph. Other numbers include 0-60 in 3.4 seconds and a 1/4 mile time of 11.3 seconds at 131mph. Click through for the full numbers.

That $103,300 (plus a $1,700 gas guzzler tax) which gets you a bare bones, lightweight interior based on that of the Z06. For an extra $10k Chevy will sell you the 3ZR package, which brings interior upgrades like power adjustable seats, sat/nav, more airbags, ZR1 embroidery etc.

DETROIT - The official Corvette ZR1 numbers are in and they're good. Very good:
* $103,300 MSRP (including $850 destination charge)
* EPA-estimated fuel economy of 14 city and 20 highway
* 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds
* 0-100 mph in 7.0 seconds
* Quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.3 seconds at 131 mph

The Corvette ZR1 also has a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), making it the fastest Corvette ever produced and ranking it among the global super cars of commensurate performance. None of those other super cars, however, equals the ZR1's performance-per-dollar ratio.

"The ZR1 is an incredible machine by any measure," said Ed Peper, North American Vice President, Chevrolet. "There's simply no other vehicle in the world that does a better job of balancing performance, price and fuel economy."

Performance perspective
The Corvette ZR1's 0-60 performance is 0.3-second quicker than the already-quick Corvette Z06 and the 0-100-mph performance is nearly a full second quicker - 7 seconds vs. the Z06's 7.9 seconds. It is performance that is equal to or better than many super cars costing substantially more.

"A favorable power-to-weight ratio gives the ZR1 an advantage over the competition and performance that has to be experienced to fully appreciate," said Tom Wallace, Corvette chief engineer. "Of course, on a racetrack, drivers of competitors' cars may appreciate the ZR1 in a whole different manner."

And the racetrack isn't the only place where the ZR1 trumps its super-car competitors - it beats them at the gas pump, too. According to fueleconomy.gov, the ZR1's EPA-rated 14 city and 20 highway mileage ratings beat 2008 competitors such as the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (11 city / 15 highway); the Lamborghini Murcielago (8 city / 13 highway) and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage (12 city / 19 highway). They're competitive with the Dodge Viper (13 city / 22 highway) and the Porsche 911 GT3 (15 city / 22 highway).

Under the carbon-fiber hood
A new LS9 6.2L supercharged small-block engine powers the ZR1's performance capability. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components support high-rpm performance, while a new, sixth-generation supercharger (and complementing charge-cooling system) helps the LS9 make big power and torque across the rpm range. The engine is hand-assembled at GM's Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Mich.

In addition to the LS9 engine, the ZR1 is a technology powerhouse, designed with lightweight and unique components that reinforce its performance with a confidant feel on either a highway or road course.

Options
The standard ZR1 comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The available uplevel interior package includes power-adjustable, heated and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); side air bags; Bose premium audio system; navigation system; Bluetooth connectivity; power telescoping steering column; custom leather-wrapped interior available in four colors and more. Chrome wheels are the only other available option on the ZR1. Detailed pricing noted below.

* $103,300 Base MSRP including destination
* $1,700 Gas guzzler tax
* $10,000 Option package
* $2,000 Chrome wheels

2009 Corvette ZR1 Power Numbers Finalized: LS9 V8 Hits 638 HP!

Ray Wert — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:20:00 EDT

We got a release from the folks at the General yesterday, and we were told we could run it at midnight-plus-one, but then we forgot about it. These things happen, you know. We mean, who gets excited about something as fait accompli as the 2009 Corvette ZR1 getting just over 620 HP? Well, if your answer is everyone, you're probably right. And why shouldn't we be excited about Zee new Really fast One from Chevy? Especially since they've now got officially certified power ratings on that beautiful Jakegasmic LS9 engine — 638 HP, nearly 103 horses per liter — and 604 lb-ft of torque, which'll let the new supercharged Corvette ZR1 break that all-important 200 MPH speed barrier. We knew there was a reason we liked this from the moment we first exploded the LS9 for all to see. Next question however is whether Wes will be back in the road test saddle in time for what we're expecting will be a summertime drive of the new ZR1 or whether it'll have to be one of us other Jalops jumping behind the wheel of the supercharged new Corvette. This may be the first time we've ever hoped someone wouldn't get better as quickly as possible. We kid. On the square. Anyway, what we do know is we've got the full press release after the jump.

CHEVROLET ANNOUCES CERTIFIED POWER RATINGS FOR THE NEW CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1: 638 HP FROM THE SUPERCHARGED LS9 V-8
PONTIAC, Mich. - When it was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year, the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's power was estimated at 100 horsepower for each of its 6.2 liters of displacement. GM Powertrain has completed SAE certification of the ZR1's supercharged LS9 V-8 and the results exceed the estimate: 638 horsepower (476 kW) and 604 lb.-ft. of torque (819 Nm).

The LS9's output is nearly 103 horses per liter, or just about 1.7 horses for each of the engine's 376 cubic inches. It is unquestionably the most powerful automotive production engine ever manufactured by General Motors and enables the Corvette ZR1 to achieve a top speed of more than 200 mph (322 km/h).

"One of the most amazing things about the Corvette ZR1 is the level of refinement that our designers and engineers have attained. Even with all that power, this car has road manners that will allow our customers to enjoy it on the streets as a daily driver, and on the track," said Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper.

The Corvette ZR1 goes on sale this summer. Its 638-hp supercharged engine is complemented in the chassis by heavy-duty components not offered in any other model, including a six-speed manual transmission with race-hardened gears and dual-disc clutch technology that delivers exceptional clamping power and lower inertia, as well as strengthened axle components.

Fuel economy testing has not been completed, but engineers are confident the ZR1 will be the most fuel-efficient 600-plus-horsepower car on the market.

The LS9 engine is hand-built by specially trained technicians at GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich. It is a unique, small-volume engine production facility that also builds the Chevrolet Corvette Z06's LS7 engine and other high-performance GM production engines.

"Developing the LS9 involved more than simply striving for a great horsepower number. Endurance and reliability testing have shown the engine to be robust and low-maintenance, just like other engines in the small-block family," said Sam Winegarden, executive director, engine engineering for GM Powertrain. "That it is distinguished as the most powerful engine ever from General Motors is a source of immense pride among everyone involved with the LS9."

Supercharged aspiration
The key enabler of the LS9's performance is the industry's first production application of a new, positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger that has a unique four-lobe rotor design. Its design promotes quieter and more efficient performance, while the large, 2.3-liter displacement ensures adequate air volume at high rpm. Maximum boost pressure is 10.5 psi (0.72 bar). It is teamed with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for maximum performance.

"The combination of large displacement and the new, four-rotor design broadens the effective range of the supercharger, allowing the engine to make more power at lower rpm and sustain it throughout the power band," said Winegarden. "The low-end torque is tremendous and the high-rpm charge from the supercharger is simply amazing."

A raised hood provides adequate clearance for the LS9, while a polycarbonate window in the hood provides a view of the engine beneath it.

LS9 details
The LS9 features many unique design and manufacturing details that support its high-performance nature. They include:
Aluminum cylinder block with iron cylinder liners that are finish-bored and honed with a deck plate installed
Forged steel crankshaft with a nine-bolt flange
Titanium connecting rods and forged aluminum pistons
Stronger, rotocast cylinder heads with 2.16-inch (55 mm) titanium intake valves and 1.59-inch (40.4 mm) hollow-stem, sodium-filled exhaust valves
Camshaft with 0.555-inch (14.1 mm) lift for excellent idle and low-speed driving qualities
A dry-sump oiling system with 10.5-quart (9.9 liters) capacity
Integrated oil cooler and piston-cooling oil squirters
Intercooler cover visible through the hood window that features ZR1-unique blue accents and "LS9 SUPERCHARGED" embossed on the left and right sides

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 77 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 266,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 35 countries. In 2007, nearly 9.37 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

# # #

Specifications

LS9 6.2L SUPERCHARGED V-8
Displacement (cu in / cc):
376 / 6162
Bore & stroke (in / mm):
4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92
Block material:
cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:
A356-T6 rotocast aluminum
Valvetrain:
overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel delivery:
SFI (sequential fuel injection)
Compression ratio:
9.1:1
Horsepower / kW:
638 / 476 @ 6500 rpm
Torque (lb-ft / Nm):
604 / 819 @ 3800 rpm
Fuel shut-off (rpm):
6600
Recommended fuel:
premium required
Exhaust manifolds:
stainless steel
Main bearing caps:
forged steel
Crankshaft:
forged steel
Camshaft:
hollow steel; 0.555-in (14.1 mm) lift
Connecting rods:
forged titanium
Valves:
intake: titanium
exhaust: hollow steel
Valve lifters:
hydraulic roller
Supercharger:
R2300, four-lobe "Roots" type (2.3L)
Additional features:
piston oil-spray cooling; direct-mount ignition coils; 11-rib accessory drive

2009 Corvette ZR1 Raptured, Leaves Behind Carefully Labeled Carbon Fiber Clothes

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EDT

Here's a pretty slick wall display from Plasan, the supplier of the carbon fiber parts for the 2009 Corvette ZR1. Instead of just stacking their stuff on the floor and making a path for people to walk through, like we do in the home office, they decided to utilize the wonders of vertical storage and even went all the way with a clever labeling scheme. Here we find out the weights of all the carbon fiber bits they supply for the mega-Vette.

2009 Corvette ZR1 Sets Nürburgring On Fire

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EDT

The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is getting oh so close to launch, and it's just been caught doing hot laps on the Nürburgring. The most powerful Corvette ever built was captured on video running consecutive laps in the 7:40 range — that unofficial time puts it in the race for the top production car ever round the Nordschleife. Not only that, but the conditions of the drive were pure funk, with a cold and wet track and engineers at the helm. ZR1 Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter is noted as saying the ZR1 will beat any production car's track record anywhere in the world and this news stands to back that up. Meander over to Edmunds Inside Line to see video and hear the beast in its element for the first time.

Fireblade Concept Is The New 2009 Corvette ZR1

Ray Wert — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:40:00 EDT

There's little doubt we're fan-boys when it comes to the new 2009 Corvette ZR1. Any time you take a Corvette and give it more power, lighter weight, bigger brakes and a more competent suspension, you're talking about all the ingredients to send our supercar-loving hearts thumping right out of our chest, sign in hand proclaiming, "Do Want!" Then we found this — the Fireblade design concept — a re-skinning of the already potentially iconic Corvette ZR1 by South African designer-wannabe Idries Noah. Now we know it's nothing more than a 3D dream car rather than even a one-off design, it's still making at least one of us feel a level of pants-tightening excitement we haven't felt since the first time we spotted the ZR1 in an embargoed press event the month before the Detroit Auto Show. True, one of us did say...

..."there's a whole lot of mess going on there in the grille area," and another let us know clearly "I hate it." But we don't care. We think it's beautiful and we want to take it home and pet it all day and dress it up in baby clothes and...yeah. That may have gone too far. Oh well, it's hot. [Serious Wheels via World Car Fans]

2009 Corvette ZR1 Caught Testing In Assorted Colors

Mark Arnold — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 02:30:00 EDT

It's not secret that we're psyched about the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. So while we've already seen a lot of the upcoming super 'vette in blue, gray, and even with its LS9 engine in pieces, we're excited to see up close shots of it in red and yellow. And now, thanks to some kid hanging out near Corvette HQ in Kentucky, we have. How exactly were the ZR1s caught? They stopped to get burgers. Just don't tell Jeremy Clarkson; we'll never hear the end of it.

[YouTube via CorvetteBlogger via AutoBlog]

Man Generously Selling First Batch Of Corvette ZR-1's, Only $350,000

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:20:00 EDT

We wouldn't blame someone for wanting three 2009 Corvette ZR-1's, as the supercharged V8-powered promises to be the fastest Corvette ever. We guess we can't blame him for selling the other two because, you know, what are you going to do with three of them? But call us old fashioned, because we think charging $350,000 a piece is somewhat uncool. There's no final official price for the car, but a tax slip from the Big BJ Vette Auction let slip that it may only be $99,000. Will the market bear a price 3.5 times the sale price? Probably. The ad below the jump.

Very hard to get ZR1 Corvette 2009 - $350000 yes i have guaranteed myself to get three but only selling two who wants one ?dont wait till this summer there are only 2000 being made price will go up SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY 3476727911

[LA Craigslist]

Motor Trend Gaming Google on the 2009 Corvette ZR1?

Ray Wert — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:45:00 EST

While covering the Barrett-Jackson auction this weekend, specifically the $1 million purchase of the first "retailable" 2009 Corvette ZR1, we did a quick Google search for the 2009 Corvette ZR1 in order to pull up our old story on the new super-Vette from the General. When the results came up, we noticed something rather odd. No, not Motor Trend being the first result — we mean, come on, they're Motor fuckin' Trend — the fact that Jalopnik is merely a step behind them says little about us and more about Motor Trend's inability to leverage their brand name on the internet — and about how low they've let their brand name go. But we digress. What was weird was that they've got their "exclusive" "scoop" on the ZR1 set up in the "roadtest" section of their site. What? Do they know something we don't? Was there some super-secret drive of the new ZR1 they partook in with Chevy? Our sources at Chevy say no. So what's the reason?

Perhaps the magazine all about the Trend in all-things Motor was merely trying to game the Google system. Basically, if someone does a search for something like "2009 corvette zr1 road test," in order to figure out if they want to buy a super car like the new 2009 Corvette ZR1, and to read about what an actual road test in Zee Really fast 1 would be like, they'd end up with Motor Trend right on top of the search results. This despite not actually having a road test for the prospective reader to read on the new 'vette. Not to smack them for it — just stating what we're seeing — or are we missing something here? [Google Search]