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The ZR1's basic stats:
All-new LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 targeted at producing at least 100 horsepower per liter, or 620 horsepower (462 kW), and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque (823 Nm)
- Six-speed, close-ratio, race-hardened manual transmission
- New, high-capacity dual-disc clutch
- Higher-capacity and specific-diameter axle half-shafts; enhanced torque tube
- Specific suspension tuning provides more than 1g cornering grip
- Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires – P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear – developed specifically for the ZR1
- Standard carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors – 15.5-inch-diameter (394-mm) in the front and 15-inch-diameter (380-mm) in the rear
- Larger brake calipers with substantially increased pad area
- Standard Magnetic Selective Ride Control with track-level suspension
- Wider, carbon-fiber front fenders with ZR1-specific dual vents
- Carbon-fiber hood with a raised, polycarbonate window – offering a view of the intercooler below it
Carbon-fiber roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings with clear-coated, exposed
carbon-fiber weave
- ZR1-specific full-width rear spoiler with raised outboard sections
- Specific gauge cluster with boost gauge (also displayed on the head-up display) and 220-mph (370 km/h) speedometer readout
- Only two options: chrome wheels and a "luxury" package
- Curb weight of approximately 3,350 pounds (1,519 kg)
The specialized components of the new ZR1 work harmoniously to deliver the most powerful and fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors. Performance estimates will be announced closer to vehicle's
summer 2008 launch.
"Preliminary testing shows the ZR1 builds on the highly respected Corvette Z06 in every performance
category, from acceleration and braking, to cornering grip and top speed," said Peper. "It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1's is exceptional – better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599
and even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph."
Supercharged LS9 engine
The new LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power plant the supports the ZR1's performance capability. The
enabler of the LS9's performance and refinement is a large, positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design. It is augmented with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces
inlet air temperature for maximum performance.
A sixth-generation supercharger developed by Eaton helps the LS9 make big power and torque at lower rpm
and carries it in a wide arc to 6,600 rpm, as it pushes enough air to help the engine maintain power through the upper levels of the rpm band – the area where supercharged performance tends to diminish. Heavy-duty
and lightweight reciprocating components enable the engine's confident high-rpm performance.
The LS9 is hand-assembled at GM's Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Mich., and incorporates specialty
processes typically seen in racing engines to produce a highly refined and precise product. For example, cast iron cylinder liners are inserted in the aluminum block and are finish-bored and honed with a deck plate
installed. The deck plate simulates the pressure and minute dimensional variances applied to the block when the cylinder heads are installed, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy that promotes maximum cylinder head
sealing, piston ring fit and overall engine performance.
Transmission and axle
The LS9 engine is backed by a new, stronger six-speed manual transmission and a twin-disc clutch that
provide exceptional clamping power, while maintaining an easy clutch effort. ZR1-specific gearing in the transmission provides a steep first-gear ratio that helps launch the car, and top speed is achieved in sixth
gear – a change from the fifth-gear top-speed run-outs in the manual-transmission Corvette and Corvette Z06.
As the term implies, the twin-disc clutch system employs a pair of discs, which spreads out the engine's
torque load over a wider area. This enables tremendous clamping power when the clutch is engaged, while also helping to dissipate heat better and extend the life of the clutch.
The twin-disc clutch system also contributes to the ZR1's exceptional driving quality, with smooth and easy shifting. The twin-disc system's design enables a 25-percent reduction in inertia, thanks to smaller, 260-mm
plates, corresponding to a pedal effort that is similar to the Corvette Z06's 290-mm single-disc system.
The rear axle also is stronger in the ZR1 and features asymmetrical axle-shaft diameters that were developed
after careful testing to provide optimal torque management. The axles are also mounted on a more horizontal plane that correlates with the wider width of the rear wheels and tires.
Ride and handling
The ZR1 is built on the same aluminum-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and features similar independent SLA front and rear suspensions, with aluminum upper and lower control arms. Where the ZR1
differs is the suspension tuning, which was optimized for the car's steamroller-wide front and rear tires.
Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard and tuned specifically for the ZR1. The system's ability to deliver
a compliant ride with nearly instantaneous damping adjustments enabled engineers to develop a surprisingly supple ride quality in a supercar that still delivers cornering grip of more than 1g.
From a high-performance perspective, Magnetic Selective Ride Control helps the rear axle remain planted during launch for smooth, hop-free acceleration. It also helps suppress axle movement when cornering on
broken or uneven pavement.
Brakes, wheels and tires
Commensurate with the ZR1's engine output is the braking system, which is headlined by carbon-ceramic
brake rotors. Found on only a few exotics and more expensive supercars, carbon-ceramic brake rotors are made of a carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic silicon carbide material . Their advantage comes in low mass and
resistance to wear and heat. In fact, the rotors should never show any corrosion or require replacement for the life of the vehicle, when used in normal driving.
The vented and cross-drilled rotors on the ZR1 measure 15.5 inches (394 mm) in diameter in the front and 15 inches (380 mm) in diameter in the rear – making them among the largest carbon-ceramic rotors available on
any production vehicle.
Clamping down on the high-tech rotors are six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, each
painted a ZR1-exclusive blue. The front pads are equivalent in size to the largest on any production car with a single-pad design – double that of the Corvette Z06's 70-sq.-cm. front pads.
The brakes are visible through the ZR1's exclusive wheels: 20-spoke alloy rims that measure 19 inches in diameter in the front and 20 inches in the rear. They come standard with a bright, Sterling Silver paint finish
and chrome versions are optional. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires developed specifically for the ZR1, measuring P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear.
Exclusive exterior
The ZR1 is instantly recognizable, with perhaps the most identifiable feature a raised, all-carbon-fiber hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window. The window provides a view of the top of the engine's
intercooler, with the legend "LS9 SUPERCHARGED" embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.
The underside of the hood has an exposed carbon-fiber-weave. Exposed carbon-fiber is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker molding and front splitter. These exterior components are protected by a specially
developed glossy, UV-resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear.
Widened, carbon-fiber front fenders with specific, dual lower vents, and a full-width, body-color rear spoiler
incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp, are also unique to the ZR1. All of the exterior features of the car were developed to enhance high-speed stability and driver control.
Interior details
The ZR1's interior builds on the brand's dual-cockpit heritage, with high-quality materials, craftsmanship and
functionality that support the premium-quality experience promised by the car's performance. The ZR1's cabin differs from the Corvette and Corvette Z06 with the following:
- ZR1-logo sill plates
- ZR1-logo headrest embroidery
- Specific gauge cluster with "ZR1" logo on the tachometer and a 220-mph (370 km/h) readout on the speedometer
- Boost gauge added to the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display
- The "base" ZR1 (RPO 1LZ) comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The uplevel interior package includes unique, power-adjustable and
leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); custom, leather-wrapped interior available in four colors; navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and more.
By the numbers
In addition to the exterior cues and powertrain, ZR1 models will be distinguished from other Corvette models
by their VIN. Each will carry a unique, identifying VIN digit, as well as a sequential build number. This makes it easy to determine the build number of a specific car – information treasured by enthusiasts and collectors.
For example, a ZR1 with a VIN ending in "0150" would indicate it is the 150 th ZR1 built for the model year.
Chassis & Ride:
MORE THAN PERFORMANCE:
CORVETTE ZR1'S CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION DELIVER A CONFIDENT,
COMFORTABLE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Its supercharged engine twists out more than 600 horsepower and nearly 600 lb.-ft. of torque. Its racing-inspired dual-disc clutch channels that power to a set of massive, 20-inch by 12-inch rear wheels,
helping push the ZR1 to more than 200 mph (320 km/h). It also delivers more than 1g of lateral acceleration and stops with exceptional immediacy.
Yet for all its astounding performance attributes, the 2009 Corvette ZR1 has a refined driving experience that makes it a daily-driveable supercar.
"The ZR1 is a car anyone can drive confidently and comfortably," said Tom Wallace, vehicle line executive. "From the very beginning, refinement, balance and compliance were targets that were as important as the
car's maximum performance."
More than simply scaling wheel, tire and brake sizes to match the powertrain's output, the ZR1's engineers
harmonized the chassis and suspension components to deliver a driving experience that combines an exceptional ride quality with racing-inspired performance. Enabling elements include standard Magnetic
Selective Ride Control and new, Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires that were developed specifically for the car.
"The ZR1's handling performance builds on the Z06, but has ride compliance more like the base coupe," said
Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. "Every element from the stabilizer-bar diameters to the composition of the tires was carefully matched to deliver a balanced driving experience – it's a supercar that doesn't
sacrifice ride quality for performance."
Stopping power is derived from a carbon-ceramic-based brake system that is lightweight, heat resistant and
wear resistant. While delivering braking performance similar to a racecar, it helps reduce the unsprung mass that the ZR1 would have accrued through the use of similarly sized cast iron brake rotors.
"It wasn't enough to achieve the braking requirements commensurate with the car's performance – we needed to find a solution that minimized the impact on the car's balanced feel," said Juechter. "A larger brake
package generally means more weight, but the carbon-ceramic rotors deliver excellent performance while also minimizing unsprung weight."
Lightweight structure
The ZR1 has an aluminum structure for optimum stiffness and low mass. It is the same structure used on the Z06, but with specific body panels and drivetrain components mounted to it.
The chassis is constructed with perimeter rails made of strong, single-piece hydroformed aluminum members featuring cast suspension nodes. Other castings, stampings and extrusions are combined into the structure
with state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies. Advanced structural composites featuring carbon-fiber are bonded to the aluminum structure. The passenger compartment floors, for example, combine carbon-fiber
skins with an ultra-lightweight balsa wood core.
Like the Z06, the ZR1 has a magnesium cradle that serves as the attachment point for the engine and some
front suspension components, with the new LS9 engine sitting slightly lower in the chassis than the Z06's LS7 engine. Magnesium is lighter than aluminum yet incredibly strong. The magnesium cradle helps improve
the front-to-rear weight distribution, as do the carbon-fiber front fenders, hood and wheelhouses.
To optimize the weight balance, the battery is located in the rear cargo area, behind the right rear wheel.
Suspension tuning and Magnetic Selective Ride Control
The ZR1 retains the 105.7-inch (2,686-mm) wheelbase of other Corvette models, as well as the short-long
arm suspension and transverse spring design, but it rides on all-new, wider wheels and tires, stops with carbon-ceramic brakes and features specific spring and stabilizer bar rates – the largest-diameter stabilizer
bars available on a Corvette. Also, the axle half-shafts are angled more horizontally to align with the different geometry created by the ZR1's larger-diameter and wider rear wheels.
Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC) is standard and tuned specifically for the ZR1. It is a real-time damping system that replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks
filled with a synthetic fluid containing minute iron particles. Under the presence of magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.
MSRC "reads" the road in 1-milisecond intervals (a thousand times per second), making it the world's fastest-reacting damping system. Its ability to deliver a compliant ride with nearly instantaneous damping
adjustments enabled engineers to develop a surprisingly supple ride quality in a supercar that still delivers cornering grip of more than 1g.
"The damping control of MSRC allowed for front and rear springs that have a slightly lower rate than the Z06, which enhances the car's ride quality," said Juechter.
From a high-performance perspective, Magnetic Selective Ride Control helps the rear axle remain planted during launch for smooth, hop-free acceleration. It also helps suppress axle movement when cornering on
broken or uneven pavement.
With cornering capability greater than the Z06, the ZR1's powertrain was upgraded with a higher-capacity oil
pump and larger-capacity oil reservoir. This ensures optimal oil pressure during the highest-load driving maneuvers.
Carbon-ceramic brakes
The ZR1 comes standard with carbon-ceramic brake rotors and large-capacity calipers at all for corners. The exotic carbon-ceramic rotors are made of a carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic silicon carbide material, which
offers low mass and exceptional resistance to wear and heat.
The vented and cross-drilled rotors on the ZR1 measure 15.5 inches (394 mm) in diameter in the front and 15
inches (380 mm) in diameter in the rear – making them among the largest carbon-ceramic rotors available on any production vehicle. And while large in size, they are low in mass, saving approximately 11 pounds (5 kg)
per corner over comparably sized cast iron rotors.
The rotors are acted upon by six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, each painted a
ZR1-exclusive blue. The front pads are equivalent in size to the largest on any production car with a single-pad design, measuring 148 sq. cm. in surface area – double that of the Corvette Z06's 70-sq.-cm. front pads.
Braking performance of the ZR1 is nothing short of phenomenal, with the carbon-ceramic rotors and large calipers combining to provide exceptionally short, fade-free stopping during high-performance driving. The
composition and durability of the non-metallic carbon-ceramic materials mean the rotors should never show any corrosion or require replacement for the life of the vehicle, when used in normal driving.
A new, Bosch brake-apply system is standard, and includes the brake master cylinder, booster and ABS control module. It is tuned specifically for the ZR1 and is not shared with other Corvette models. The system
works with Magnetic Selective Ride Control to deliver a very competent and intuitive active handling system – complete with a Competitive Driving mode.
Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires
The ZR1 rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 2 (PS2) tires, measuring P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear. And while the PS2 tire is familiar with enthusiasts, those on the ZR1 were engineered specifically for the car.
"We didn't merely specify a set of off-the-shelf PS2s for the ZR1," said Juechter. "Michelin's engineers worked with GM to develop tires for the car that took into account factors such as the ZR1's performance
goals, expected horsepower, curb weight, weight distribution, aerodynamic downforce, top speed and more. The construction of these tires is unique to the ZR1."
To save weight, there is no spare tire in the ZR1; the PS2 tires feature Michelin's ZP technology and can be driven for a short distance with zero pressure until servicing can be attained.
Racing-inspired wheels
The ZR1 rides on exclusive 20-spoke alloy rims that measure 19 inches by 10 inches in the front and 20 inches by 12 inches in the rear, making them the largest ever offered on a Corvette. Their design was
inspired by the multi-spoke racing wheels used on Corvette C6R racecars, which enhance the strength of the wheel at the rim. A bright, Sterling Silver paint finish is standard and a chrome version is optional.
The wheels, while slightly larger in mass than the smaller wheels of the Z06, were developed to be as lightweight as possible, minimizing the ZR1's unsprung mass.
Design:
PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN DESIGN SUPPORTS
THE CAPABILITY OF THE CORVETTE ZR1 – AND GIVES IT AN UNMISTAKABLE ATTITUDE
In 1990, the Corvette ZR-1 caused a stir with its wider quarter panels, convex rear fascia and squared taillamps. They were the visual clues that identified the special car, enhancing its status as an instant
legend.
Spotting the '09 ZR1 at a glance is a snap, too, with its unique, carbon-fiber dual-port fenders, exposed
carbon-fiber roof panel, rockers and front splitter, as well as a unique rear spoiler. Also exclusive to the ZR1 is a raised, carbon-fiber hood with a polycarbonate window that provides a view of the supercharged
engine's intercooler that proclaims "LS9 SUPERCHARGED."
Enthusiasts may consider the ZR1's hood a crystal-clear glimpse at the soul of the ultimate Corvette.
"There is nothing subtle about the ZR1," said Kirk Bennion, exterior design manager. "It is a car that isn't shy about its capability."
While the exposed carbon-fiber elements and windowed hood symbolize the car's character, there are numerous other design details that are less obvious yet no less important to the ZR1's performance. They include:
- Carbon-fiber front fenders widened to accommodate the ZR1's larger front wheels and tires
- ZR1-specific twin vents in the front fenders
- Full-width rear spoiler with raised outboard sections incorporates the center high-mounted stop lamp
- ZR1-specific 20-spoke alloy wheels in Sterling Silver (chrome available)
- Nineteen-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels inspired by C6R racecars
- Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires; P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear
- ZR1-specifc blue-painted brake rotors visible through the wheels
"The ZR1 has a performance-driven design," said Bennion. "There is an aesthetic element to all of the unique features, but they were developed first and foremost to support the car's performance capability."
Bennion cites the front splitter and rear spoiler as prime examples.
"Because of its top-speed and handling capabilities, the ZR1 requires more downforce than the Z06, and the
splitter and rear spoiler were carefully shaped and wind-tunnel tested to meet that requirement," he said. "The front fenders were widened to cover the wider wheels and their new, twin-outlet vents provide a path
for hot air to escape."
The ZR1 shares the front fascia with the Z06, but the brake-cooling ducts are revised to channel more air to
the brakes. Even the front suspension's A-arms were aerodynamically optimized – they feature air deflectors that direct air to the carbon-ceramic brake rotors.
The ZR1 is available in seven exterior colors, including: Black, Velocity Yellow Tintcoat, Victory Red, Atomic Orange Metallic, Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and two new colors – Blade Silver Metallic and Cyber Gray
Metallic.
Exposed carbon-fiber
A lightweight material pioneered in racing circles, carbon-fiber has an undeniable air of exoticness and only a
few production cars have ever employed the relatively expensive composite in their exterior panels. The 2004 Corvette Z06 Commemorative Edition featured a carbon-fiber outer hood and the current Z06 has
carbon-fiber fenders and floor panels.
On the ZR1, the roof panel, roof bow, lower rocker moldings, front splitter and the underside of the hood
feature exposed-weave carbon-fiber. The other carbon-fiber parts of the ZR1 include the front fenders and hood. The front fascia, doors, rear fenders and rear fascia are made of various other composite materials and
all are painted body-color.
The carbon-fiber panels contribute to the car's visual identity – particularly the exposed-weave panels – but
they also serve an important purpose: They save weight. The carbon-fiber roof panel and roof bow, for example, weigh about 7.7 pounds (3.5 kg) less than the already lightweight composite panels on the Corvette Z06.
Ironically, the identifiable and intricate weave pattern of carbon-fiber on most production cars is hidden beneath a shell of paint, because the weave is very susceptible to ultra-violet (UV) light damage, which can
cause yellowing or a generally dull appearance. But thanks to a specially developed material that ensures a deep, lustrous and long-lasting finish, the '09 ZR1's exposed-weave panels feature a clear coat that protects
like paint.
"The clear coat is applied to the exposed carbon-fiber panels that are exposed to sunlight," said Mark Voss,
designing engineer. "In addition to preventing damaging UV rays, the coating has the chip and scratch resistance of conventional paint."
The special clear coat, which is a proprietary product developed by a GM supplier for the ZR1 program, gives the carbon-fiber parts a shiny, almost wet finish that adds to the visual depth of the weave pattern.
2009 CORVETTE ZR1 - Page 1. Page 2.
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