GM officially unveiled the much anticipated Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 today. After much speculation it looks like GM finally decided on the ZR-1 name (instead of Blue Devil or SS).
Although GM has yet to release the final horsepower numbers, engineers are working hard to acheive a goal of 620 horsepower and 595 lb-ft of torque out of the LS9 supercharged 6.2L V8 engine. We can expect final horsepower and 0-60 mph times to be released next month at the Detroit Auto Show.
What we do know is that the ZR-1 is built of the same chassis as the Z06, but the ZR-1 has different suspension tuning to compensate for the ZR-1's wide 19" front and 20" rear wheels.
The exterior of the ZR-1 is easily distinguishable thanks to the carbon fiber hood that has a clear, polycarbonate window that allows you to see the engine's intercooler. There are also wide carbon-fiber front fenders with specific, dual lower vents, and a full-width, body-color rear spoiler incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp.
Inside the ZR-1 distinguishes itself with ZR-1 logos on the seats, sill plates and gauge cluster.
There are only two options on the ZR-1: chrome wheels and a "luxury pacakge".
Expect more details next month at the Detroit Auto Show.
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2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1 6.2L LS9 V8 Leaked!
2009 Corvette ZR1 Caught at Laguna Seca...It's the Most Powerful Corvette Ever!
PRESS RELEASE:
CHEVROLET ENTERS THE WORLD OF SUPERCARS WITH 2009 CORVETTE ZR1
New, Supercharged LS9 V-8 is the Heart of the ZR1
DETROIT - Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1 - an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.
“Chevrolet’s goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much - and does so with exceptional driveability,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.
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.
Comments (80)
And still the same shit interior...
Fer cryin' out loud, couldn't they just transplant a CTS or GTO interior in there? That would be better than what it has now.
The Corvette (all current versions) is a bargain compared to anything else with similar performance. Spend an extra $5k on the interior and it would _still_ be a bargain. Sheesh!
Posted by Bobby | December 19, 2007 8:49 PM
Posted on December 19, 2007 20:49
I agree about the interior. It reminds me too much of a cheap plastic late 90's Pontiac.
Aside from that, the 'Vette is one of the best bang for the buck values out there. I'd never drive one but they are nice.
Posted by Gary | December 19, 2007 8:58 PM
Posted on December 19, 2007 20:58
The interior is far better in person than in the pictures. The seats are very comfortable. And they spend the real money where it counts. In the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and chassis.
That said, that thing is as close to sex as a car will ever get.
Posted by David | December 19, 2007 9:26 PM
Posted on December 19, 2007 21:26
@David:
Correction: it is better than sex
in fact this car will be so good and so cheap that it should be illegal....
two things scare me.... typical GM interior (although they're improving) and supercharger whine... hate it... there is just something heavenly about a naturally aspired, high revving V8 engine (i am not a fan of bimmers nor those stallions from modena but do they know how to make an engine sing or what?)
P.S. ok Z06 sounded good
Posted by SVT | December 19, 2007 10:42 PM
Posted on December 19, 2007 22:42
All I can say is the interiors are WAY the hell better now than when the LT1 corvettes where being built. The 96' vette has that ultra lame 80's digital dash still and IMO kills the possibility of buying something like that used. This new ZR-1 really lives upto its name, and @ only 3350 lbs they did a good job of keeping weight in check as a main priority cause no else seems to have remembered extra lbs rob valueable performance.
Posted by carluver | December 19, 2007 10:52 PM
Posted on December 19, 2007 22:52
I'm dissapointed a bit, this is by no means as fantastic as the LT-5 from an engineering standpoint. It will be fast, no doubt, but I'm not sure it lives up to the ZR-1 legacy. The original ZR-1 was built to be the "ultimate" corvette. Is this?
Posted by MrWOT | December 19, 2007 11:24 PM
Posted on December 19, 2007 23:24
I don't like Corvette, typically, but this one just looks plain sexy.
I'm glad they put most of their money into performance, because that is what people buy this car for, but I wouldn't mind if there was an "Interior Upgrade" package for $6,000 or something. Corvettes have always been lacking in that department, but they make up for it with speed.
Sexy window on the hood as well!
Posted by Joan of Arc | December 19, 2007 11:34 PM
Posted on December 19, 2007 23:34
Just because it has round tail lights doesn't mean it's a Vette. It looks like they smashed a 3000 GT and a Firebird together.
*yawn*
Posted by TogethersmashED | December 20, 2007 1:42 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 01:42
I agree with some of you other guys, supercharging the engine just takes away some of the magic. A big V8 wailing to a high redline on it's own is what makes a sports car. I guess it would be hard to make 100hp/liter NA V8 though. Well, for cheap that is...
The interior looks fine. Spartan and functional. I do remember the digital dash on the C4's, man it was horrible. Not to mention the bright red interiors those cars used to have... *shudder* I just picture some guy with a Burt Reynolds 'stache picking up a brand new c4 at the dealer and -requesting- the red interior...
Posted by Jason | December 20, 2007 2:02 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 02:02
To me this car fails in exterior design and even more so in interior. Sure it has a lot of horsepower but what good is that on the street. I want a car that looks as deadly as it is and GM failed to make the grade
Posted by some guy | December 20, 2007 3:53 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 03:53
finally, not bad at all exterior.
i agree with someone above, GM still putting effort with the engine because it is what they do best.
Still, an american muscle car.
Posted by adrian | December 20, 2007 5:54 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 05:54
Yeah the LT-5 was an amazing engine but it just isn't smart business to build an engine solely for one small model of a car. Yes I think eventually GM will switch over to DOHC engines for its V8 performance cars. Especially with these new mileage requirements. But right now they're getting excellent power and excellent mileage from the "old" pushrod technology. Far better than anyone else with the same amount of power.
And they could easily get 600hp NA out of those engines. They'd just have to sacrifice mileage which they're not going to do. Also many owners just aren't enthusiasts and wouldn't like the lump of a larger cam. Besides, thats what the aftermarket is for. It won't be hard to push this thing up to the 800 hp range once its out. 1000 hp will likely be achievable with the stock bottom end. The tranny and the rear end might not like it though.
Posted by David | December 20, 2007 6:46 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 06:46
Looks good, except for the fugly ass glass window they have on the top part of the hood!! It looks so misplaced.
Please someone explain to me why the freaking steering wheel is deformed?? The 3 and 9 o'clock arms arent the same size!!
Interior still looks cheap!!
Posted by CtK | December 20, 2007 7:12 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 07:12
I have worked on GM cars since the mid 1970's. GM finally has a world class car for Europe. The interior should be ALL black(like a 2002 Monte Carlo SS: NO cheesy silver accents), engine is almost there(needs bigger TB for quicker response, NO drive by wire), but the exterior is dead on! If she handles as good as she looks, we will no longer continue to be the laughing stock of the world car community.
Posted by Christophero1973 | December 20, 2007 7:49 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 07:49
If you are looking at the interior while on the track in this car you will hit the wall
but if you look throught the windshield for a few minites you will have big smile all over your face
THIS IS NOT A SHOW CAR IT'S A GO CAR!
PS adding to much interior will add weight
Posted by marc | December 20, 2007 8:02 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 08:02
Damn that car is sexy!! Though I'm not sure about the window on the hood; kinda ricey...but who knows, it may look better in person.
I too agree that supercharging the engine takes away some of the charm of a high HP V8 'vette....but the pure performance makes up for it I think.
One question though...why not supercharge the 7.0L from the Z06 and put that in the ZR-1?
Posted by Sabby | December 20, 2007 8:25 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 08:25
It's no surprise that a majority of comments are negative. It makes me wonder if those people can even afford any new Corvette.
Like anything else with a "built in the U.S." legacy we don't require nor care about world recognition. Especially for American's favorite sports car, the Corvette. The Vette will always be a respected favorite among nearly all Americans.
The reborn ZR1 IS the ultimate Corvette. Built on the proven legacy of the C6 it's once again a performance/price benchmark that will be admired by most when seen on any highway or road in the U.S.
Personally I'd love to be in it at a light next to a 911 and watch the guy bury his head in his newspaper.
Posted by Chaser | December 20, 2007 8:31 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 08:31
It is one cool looking car. It would be neat to see it in the next James Bond movie. There was suppose to be a spinoff of the James Bond movie with Jinx (Halle Berry) being the main character (from the one James Bond movie). It would be neat to see this ZR-1 as her 'trademark' car.
There is suppose to be a new KITT - Knight Rider show/movie. I think the ZR-1 would be more appropiate than what they are planning to use.
It would be even cooler if it had a flex fuel system; lean, mean and green. :)
Posted by TomLeeM/BigWarpGuy | December 20, 2007 8:32 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 08:32
My only qualm with the exterior is the ridiculous clear window in the hood. The rest of it looks like a Corvette, which is... beautiful.
I'd prefer N/A engine, but it's ignoring technology. It will be hillarious that this will probably get close to 30 mpg hwy and 20 plus in the city and be one of the fastest production cars in the world. People hate american cars but honestly GM's old engine is a modern marvel to me.
@ someguy,
You're a poseur. Fast cars are to go fast, not look cool... Enjoy driving your *pimped* Eclipse on chrome 20's.
Why does everyone complain about the interior. Corvettes are about the drive. If I want to be in the lap of luxury I'll drive a Lexus. Corvettes are what they should be, SPORTS CARS with spartan interiors.
I'd still want a Z06 a 30 g's over this...
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | December 20, 2007 9:34 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 09:34
you people complaining about the interior are wrong about plastic. it's the new interior. everything is leather wrapped. it's different that the standard ones. if you want a high class interior buy a damn lexus or bmw. who cares!!!! this car beats most ferrari's and porsches for a fraction of the price. who gives a shit if the materials aren't "top notch." jesus christ. porsche and ferrari interiors are plan jane as well.
Posted by skadeet | December 20, 2007 10:07 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 10:07
It looks like a Ferrari 575 Maranello to me.
Not a vet guy, but just as fast as a Ferrari but a 100k less, I would take this one.
Posted by patrick | December 20, 2007 10:35 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 10:35
This is what KITT should be, not the Shelby GT-500KR.
Posted by Adam | December 20, 2007 10:51 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 10:51
This dashboard is hideous.
Take some clue from the new Nissan GT-R, or just try to mimic any Ferrari steering wheel. At least in shape, if not materials. It would look much better.
Heck, even my Infniti FX has a fat, proper sport steering wheel with indents for the thumbs, etc.
If Nissan can make the GT-R a similarly "cheap" sportscar with similar performance AND make a good looking, interesting instrument cluster, why can't GM?
Posted by Sphere | December 20, 2007 11:01 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 11:01
Wicked fast, light and attractive. I like the wheels. I'd trade the windowed hood for a carbon fiber unit with cowl induction, though. I agree the interior is plain, but If it's comfortable and intuitive, I wouldn't mind much. Personally I would use a turbo instead of a supercharger. DOHC heads would really wake the engine up, but it makes loads of power already. Great bang for the buck.
Posted by Kell | December 20, 2007 11:04 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 11:04
Overall the styling was an improvement but I'm not convinced. Two points are very annoying though:
1. The aluminum accents on the steering wheel does not match the shift gear/rest of dash or is it just this picture? The steering wheel silver (is it real aluminum?) parts does not shine at all, as opposed to the other similar parts in the car.
2. Is that rear intake opening before the rear wheel doing any real job? I mean, the rear tyre is fat, and since the opening is so close to it, is there any room to put any duct there to cool the brakes? Or the air just go straigh to the tyre, therefore ruining the aerodynamics?
3. If it were my car, I would ditch the rear spoiler.
4. Why not a turbo?
Posted by Sphere | December 20, 2007 11:22 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 11:22
That window on the hood looks gay.
Posted by Niz | December 20, 2007 11:34 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 11:34
Sphere:
Spooling a turbo would be so damn hard in such a large engine. It would take precious seconds that are needed when street racing. Which, of course, this thing is going to be used for.
Also, the steering wheel is very close to my Cobalt SS', and it is very comfortable. Leather wrapped, but still plastic on the airbag cover. I like the Vette emblem on the center piece. Mine came with a Chevy logo, but I did see a Impala SS with the SS logo. Lucky bastard.
All in all, I want one of these cars!
Posted by Anigav | December 20, 2007 11:44 AM
Posted on December 20, 2007 11:44
It lacks class and finesse. Looks like a 90's Pontiac with all the tacked on body bits. What a shame.
Posted by John | December 20, 2007 12:04 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 12:04
Looks like a frickin' tuned Honda to me. Corvette used to have good forms. This is just so boring and generic looking sport car here. And yes, it looks kinda cheap too.
Posted by boooring | December 20, 2007 12:10 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 12:10
For the comments about the gtr I really doubt that car will be anywhere near as fast as this one. Its just 200 hp down and 400 lbs to heavy. Yes corvette interiors suck they always have but really for people who drive their cars like I do the interior is the last thing youll be thinking about. Btw nissan cant design cars either I mean there entire model like looks like they took tracing paper to a 350z very similar to bmws a few years ago very boring in terms of styling.
Posted by unknown | December 20, 2007 1:24 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 13:24
This is one fine vette. Only thing I would change is the rear window. I'd like it to slant down to the trunk like the z06. Other than that, I love everything else. The vette is the best bargain in the world, but its still close to $70k. I'll buy a used one 10yrs from now, if they're still allowed on the road. I'm so happy that the vette is american made and that there are plenty of them around. Which makes them lose value so I can afford one.
Posted by Nodos | December 20, 2007 2:35 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 14:35
No its going to be closer to $100k
Posted by Noah | December 20, 2007 2:38 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 14:38
i can think of 100,000 reasons not to buy this fantastic plastic chevy
Posted by dennisil | December 20, 2007 4:12 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 16:12
"boooring:
Looks like a frickin' tuned Honda to me. Corvette used to have good forms. This is just so boring and generic looking sport car here. And yes, it looks kinda cheap too."
Show me a honda that looks like the ZR-1...yeah, I'm calling you out chump.
Posted by Sabby | December 20, 2007 4:24 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 16:24
They really need to go back to the 'classic shape'.
Retro this beast please....
Posted by Peanut | December 20, 2007 4:32 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 16:32
Quote:
"Spooling a turbo would be so damn hard in such a large engine. It would take precious seconds that are needed when street racing. Which, of course, this thing is going to be used for."
@Sphere:
That was the most ridiculous thing I've ever read. A larger engine can pump out more air to spool a turbo... that's why larger engines need bigger turbos because they overspool smaller ones.
I think a twin turbo Vette would be awesome... but this company would not want the headache and $$ spent on warranty for turbo motors of this magnitude. And no.. I'm not a turbo basher of any type - I've owned 2 turbo cars and loved them both.. but can attest that they both needed more $cratch to maintain.
Posted by Rob | December 20, 2007 4:41 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 16:41
I correct the direction of my comment to Anigav, not Sphere.
Posted by Rob | December 20, 2007 4:46 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 16:46
Guys who are complaining about the whine...
Have you heard an Eaton blower, especially the latest gen? You can't hear any whine, except under maximum speed, and it's a beautiful sound. Listen to the Ford GT motor or the latest Shelby with the blower and you will have some idea.
Trust me, you will love the sound coming out of this car.
Posted by SuperchargerExpert | December 20, 2007 6:39 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 18:39
Agree about the Eaton blower. Actually its a shame you can't hear it more. I'm looking forward to being able to afford to own one in a used 2007 Jag XKR in a year or two.
Posted by Niz | December 20, 2007 7:16 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 19:16
*droolllllllllllllll*
this car = the sex
someone wana buy me one ;)?
Posted by justo | December 20, 2007 7:40 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 19:40
"Also, the steering wheel is very close to my Cobalt SS" - Anigav
Exactly what someone buying a $100k wants to hear....ROTFL.
That hood window is as gay as Sen. Larry Craig. Redneck GM, this isn't an artfull Ferrari engine with red crackle-finish intake plenums and cam covers....you have a big hunk of blue/silver ABS plastic; supercool.....NOT.
Posted by Noya | December 20, 2007 7:47 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 19:47
I like the car. Alot of haters out there tonight...
Posted by longdxcommuter | December 20, 2007 10:38 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 22:38
@Noya
So they used the same steering wheel in the cobalt as they've used in the vette. Just the snobby ignorant thing I would expect an idiot to care about. OMG the steering wheel it looks the same, it must be a lame car....
I do agree about the window and plastic, but it does cost a lot less than the ferraris that have had the windows in the past, and performs just as good or better.
Posted by mf | December 20, 2007 10:43 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 22:43
Rob:
You have no idea how a turbo works do you? They don't use turbo because they cost more, generate load of heat and are far more unreliable... To continue with the pile on my T78 takes about 1 second to reach full boost, my stock twins were like .25 seconds. Even in street racing with that lag you aren't going win many races. Against a vette they enjoy a good jump up to about 60 on a rolling start. After that it's lights out. In fact from 80 mph I can out accelerate all but the fastest crotch rockets. The down side is it's quite a handful to drive and loud as hell.
On to the myths GM has had a DOHC in it's iventory since the LT-5 ZR-1, now the north star V8. Guess what it's not more fuel efficient than their OHV engine. The main advantage DOHC is better breathing at higher revs. That why they achieve higher HP per volume than SOHC or OHV engines. The trade off is cost, exterior size and it raises the center of gravity. They are more efficient because of the smaller displacement but in the larger size engines they still need to rev higher negating the advantage. Those OHV gm V8 can cruise effortlessly at 1500 rpm while the DOHC would struggle that low becuase of the lack of bottom end torque.
They didn't boost the LS-7 because the block isn't strong enough. If you look at a picture of an LS-7 without the heads you will see that cylinder liners actually over lap with the pistons preciously close to one another. Boosting would exceed the strength of the block.
All of those supercharger whine like hell and IMHO sound like crap. Better than the old models for sure but crappy none the less.
Posted by RX-7 Guy | December 20, 2007 10:51 PM
Posted on December 20, 2007 22:51
Posted by Leaf Springs | December 21, 2007 2:34 AM
Posted on December 21, 2007 02:34
I always find comment sections so humorous, a bunch of people whinning about a car they will never own. Either due to their ignorance or because they are jealous. Cause last I checked the Corvette was recived as and still is considered the best performace for your dollar hands down.
In the end it wont matter as this car is not being marketed to the people who obviously have no clue what this means to the sports car market. If you want to drive around in a plush lux. interior then go purchase full size sedan or get ready to spend well above what this ZR-1 will costs and be able to have nearly the same performance.
This car is not about making sure your fat lazy ass is comfy and that your dashboard makes you want to take your shirt off so you can be closer to it. Its about how to go the fastest for the best bang for your dollar. When your at the track pushing it to the limit your fancy french stitched baby calf leather seat is going to be no better then a solid bucket with proper lumbar support.
Anyone lucky enough to have the chance to own or drive one of these will be experiancing a truly great machine. As the Z06 caused Top Gear to ask the question why do people pay double just for the badge when the perforance is the same. This car, at the price it will be sold at will be untouchable in terms of sheer performance for money. No it wont be a joy to do your shopping in or for school runs because its ment for one thing.
Posted by Zenki | December 21, 2007 4:54 AM