5 Things you need to know:
1. What are the quick cocktail party stats on the ZR1?
Answer: A supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 pumps 620 hp and 595 lb-ft of torque, a healthy amount of push for the Vette’s 3350-lb curb weight (about 200 lbs more than a Z06, but a better power-to-weight ratio). It has an aluminum chassis, carbon-ceramic brakes, and gigantic 335 tires out back. 0-60 and other performance stats will be made available later in 2008, but if the current Z06 hits 60 mph in 3.6, we can expect the ZR1 will do so much closer to 3 seconds. That, my friends, is fast. An extra tidbit: there’s a clear cover in the hood, showing the supercharger cover—a philosophical homage to showing a little bit of chest hair.
2. Will buyers have any options when they buy a ZR1, or is what you see what you get?
Answer: There will be one upgrade package from the factory—a hand-sewn leather interior with the addition of a navigation system (this is separate from the standard ZR1 embroidery on the seats ). At this point it appears both come together for a round number price of $10,000. Look for more upgrades and special kits in the coming months, and of course a ton of non-factory upgrades from aftermarket suppliers.
3. What part of the ZR1 is a carryover from the Z06?
Answer: On the exterior, not much, even though many feel the design of the ZR1 isn’t as aggressive as it should be. The majority of exterior panels on the ZR1 are painted carbon fiber or clear-coated carbon fiber. The Z06 and ZR1 share the front fascia (but not the ZR1’s unique carbon front splitter/lip) and rear fascia. This is a bit of a surprising move as most enthusiasts thought the front air ducts would see a dramatic change for visual and functional purposes. Below the skin, there are many changes, but thankfully the ZR1 is built on the same all-aluminum chassis as the Z06 (the base Corvette rides on steel frame rails). Everything else, from engine, transmission, and brakes is all unique to the ZR1—and, we might add, better.
4. Why did GM unveil the ZR1 now?
Answer: In the world of closely-guarded product reveals, this one is certainly not without its share of drama. The car will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in mid January (likely corresponding to a philosophical kickoff for GM’s centennial celebration), but in order for the car to appear on the cover of a few auto magazines, GM agreed to an embargo where the car would be revealed on December 20. However, an issue with the newsstand delivery date meant that GM had to up their unveiling to the internet—and thus, the car was revealed on Dec 19.
5. What else do I need to know?
Answer: The brakes are effing incredible. Have you heard of a car called the Ferrari Enzo? Glad you said yes. Said Italian vehicle’s front brakes are the ZR1’s rear brakes (380 mm carbon ceramic rotors), which is quite possibly the ultimate supercar thwack to the ear. Also important to note: Delphi-designed Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard, which is a technological leap in suspension ride and handling (it’s found in the Audi R8, Ferrari 599, and others).
One final nugget for you to get your head around: the coating on top of the carbon fiber on the roof, which helps keep the expensive material from fading and disintegrating under UV light, cost GM $60,000 per gallon. One imagines there is a corresponding roll of blue painters’ tape which sells for $5,000 (three pack).
1. What are the quick cocktail party stats on the ZR1?
Answer: A supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 pumps 620 hp and 595 lb-ft of torque, a healthy amount of push for the Vette’s 3350-lb curb weight (about 200 lbs more than a Z06, but a better power-to-weight ratio). It has an aluminum chassis, carbon-ceramic brakes, and gigantic 335 tires out back. 0-60 and other performance stats will be made available later in 2008, but if the current Z06 hits 60 mph in 3.6, we can expect the ZR1 will do so much closer to 3 seconds. That, my friends, is fast. An extra tidbit: there’s a clear cover in the hood, showing the supercharger cover—a philosophical homage to showing a little bit of chest hair.
2. Will buyers have any options when they buy a ZR1, or is what you see what you get?
Answer: There will be one upgrade package from the factory—a hand-sewn leather interior with the addition of a navigation system (this is separate from the standard ZR1 embroidery on the seats ). At this point it appears both come together for a round number price of $10,000. Look for more upgrades and special kits in the coming months, and of course a ton of non-factory upgrades from aftermarket suppliers.
3. What part of the ZR1 is a carryover from the Z06?
Answer: On the exterior, not much, even though many feel the design of the ZR1 isn’t as aggressive as it should be. The majority of exterior panels on the ZR1 are painted carbon fiber or clear-coated carbon fiber. The Z06 and ZR1 share the front fascia (but not the ZR1’s unique carbon front splitter/lip) and rear fascia. This is a bit of a surprising move as most enthusiasts thought the front air ducts would see a dramatic change for visual and functional purposes. Below the skin, there are many changes, but thankfully the ZR1 is built on the same all-aluminum chassis as the Z06 (the base Corvette rides on steel frame rails). Everything else, from engine, transmission, and brakes is all unique to the ZR1—and, we might add, better.
4. Why did GM unveil the ZR1 now?
Answer: In the world of closely-guarded product reveals, this one is certainly not without its share of drama. The car will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in mid January (likely corresponding to a philosophical kickoff for GM’s centennial celebration), but in order for the car to appear on the cover of a few auto magazines, GM agreed to an embargo where the car would be revealed on December 20. However, an issue with the newsstand delivery date meant that GM had to up their unveiling to the internet—and thus, the car was revealed on Dec 19.
5. What else do I need to know?
Answer: The brakes are effing incredible. Have you heard of a car called the Ferrari Enzo? Glad you said yes. Said Italian vehicle’s front brakes are the ZR1’s rear brakes (380 mm carbon ceramic rotors), which is quite possibly the ultimate supercar thwack to the ear. Also important to note: Delphi-designed Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard, which is a technological leap in suspension ride and handling (it’s found in the Audi R8, Ferrari 599, and others).
One final nugget for you to get your head around: the coating on top of the carbon fiber on the roof, which helps keep the expensive material from fading and disintegrating under UV light, cost GM $60,000 per gallon. One imagines there is a corresponding roll of blue painters’ tape which sells for $5,000 (three pack).
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