Chevrolet Joins Supercar Realms with
Corvette ZR1 at Detroit
The ZR1 has finally taken its first bow at the Detroit Show today,
where it will woo crowds as one of the most hotly-anticipated
sports cars of the last year. Personifying what many see as a
culmination in 50 years of motorsport excellence and refinement,
the 'Vette is a car close to Americans' hearts. But this is no
Corvette Z06. Featuring an all-new supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine
dubbed LS9, output is as much as 100 hp per litre or approximately
620 horses with torque at around 595 lb.-ft or 823 Nm. The ZR1
means business.
Touted by Chevrolet general manager Ed Peper as the 'American
supercar' that delivers what. if not more than, exotics costing
between two and four times as much, the ZR1 is a supercar in its
own right. Beating the exotics in power-to-weight ratio, the
Porsche 911 GT2, Ferrari 599 and Lamborghini LP640 should be put to
shame, a feat that is suitably accompanied by a claim that the ZR1
be the first production Corvette expected to achieve a top speed in
excess of 200 mph.
And it don't half look bad either. The most striking feature is
that of the raised carbon-fiber hood with a clear, polycarbonate
window, while carbon-fiber panels are prominent in the car's design
with use on fenders, the roof, roof bow, rocker molding and front
splitter. Silver matt-finished but optionally chrome 19-inch front
and 20-inch rear alloy wheels adorn the ZR1 exclusively. It's
evident the new model is at its best in a darker colour
choice.
In the cabin, reminders as to the Corvette's ZR1 credentials are on
sill plates and in headrest embroidery, with the 220 mph speedo
giving a nod with a ZR1 tachometer logo. In terms of specification,
that is very much based on the standard Z06, equipped with
lightweight seats and content but with an upgrade can add powered
leather-trimmed ZR1-embroidered sports seats, a custom
leather-wrapped interior, navigation system and bluetooth
connectivity.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080114.003/chevrolet-joins-supercar-realms-with-corvette-zr1-at-detroit
Pictures:
Appearance wise, not much difference from other Vettes, but
performance wise, it's something decent. 
