Future Models - Chevrolet 2009 Corvette

Detroit show: Fastest Corvette races in

Call the Vette: ZR1 will be the first Corvette to break 200mph.

Trash-talking Chevrolet puts new Corvette ZR1 up against Ferrari, Porsche and Lambo

15 January 2008

By DAVID HASSALL

AMERICA’S iconic sports car just got a whole lot tougher with the unveiling in Detroit of the latest Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – a car that General Motors reckons can take it up to any supercar in the world.

Based on the 7.0-litre Z06 that can now be bought in Australia, the ZR1 – a model designation that has not been around for a decade – comes to the line with an LS9 supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 462kW of power and 823Nm of torque.

Chevrolet general manager Ed Peper said at the Detroit show that the 1519kg ZR1 builds on the already potent Z06 in every performance category.

“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,” said Mr Peper.

“In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200mph (320km/h).”

Other features of the ZR1 include carbon-ceramic brakes, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, magnetic ride control, carbon-fibre front fenders and a carbon-fibre bonnet with a clear polycarbonate window that reveals the intercooler.