Jalopnik: Vette ZR1

2009 Dodge Viper ACR Steals Nürburgring Record From Corvette ZR1, Laps In 7:22

Mark Arnold — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:30:00 EDT

A 2009 Dodge Viper ACR has claimed the fastest time ever for a production car around the Nürburgring. The lap of 7:22 is just a few ticks quicker than the 7:26.4 lap set by the 2009 Corvette ZR1. It doesn't come as much of a surprise, since the ACR is the most brutal version of the already-unforgiving Viper, whereas the ZR1 actually drives well on the road. Nonetheless, the Viper ACR is the new unofficial king of the 'Ring.

If you'd like to compare its on-board video of the record lap to the ZR1's video, check it out over at Motor Trend. Looks like Jim Mero may have to head back to Germany and set that faster lap he was talking about after all. [Motor Trend]

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]

Chevy Gets A 2009 Corvette ZR1 Right To The Chin Hey, Look, A ZR1

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 05 May 2008 13:20:00 EDT

Looks like Jay Leno is going to be the first journalist with a drive of the 2009 Corvette ZR1 as these pictures — taken by Jalopnik reader Brendan McAleer — show. That is definitely the Chin taking a spin around Detroit. Guess that means that the current store on autojounro ZR1 drives sits as follows: Pop Mechanics 1, rest of Auto Journiverse 0.
Come on Angus and Chubby Checkers, are you going to let Pop Mech get the scoop? To be fair, we don't know who he is doing this for and, quite likely, he's probably just driving it because Ed Welburn gave him the keys to his ZR1 and said "here, take it." (UPDATE: This is apparently not Jay Leno and the photos were not, it seems, taken by our reader. Rather, they're from the Corvette Forums and taken by a nice guy named Jason about a month ago. Still, pics of a ZR1 on the street.)

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]