corvetteinfocenter.jpg

2009

Home
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
1984
1983
1982
1981
1980
1979
1978
1977
1976
1975
1974
1973
1972
1971
1970
1969
1968
1967
1966
1965
1964
1963
1962
1961
1960
1959
1958
1957
1956
1955
1954
1953

ZR1 - King of The Hill

2009zr1.jpg

ZR1
Wheel Base: 106"
Length: 175"
Width: 73" front - 76" rear
Weight: 3350 lbs
Trans: 6 speed manual
Brakes: 15.5" Carbon Ceramic w/ 6 piston Calipers Front, 15" Carbon Ceramic w/ 4 piston Calipers Rear
Horsepower: 638hp
Torque: 604 ft-lbs
Top Speed: 205 mph
Nurburgring Lap Time: 7:26.4


Z06
Wheel Base: 106"
Length: 175"
Width: 73" front - 76" rear
Weight: 3130 lbs
Trans: 6 speed manual
Brakes: 14" w/ 6 piston calipers Front - 13.4" w/ 4 piston calipers rear
Horsepower: 505hp
Torque: 470 ft-lbs


Base Coupe & Convertible
Wheel Base: 105.7"
Length: 14.55'
Width: 6'
Weight: 3175 lbs
Trans: 6 Speed Auto or 6 Speed Manual
Brakes:13.4" Front 13" Rear
Horsepower: 436hp
Torque: 428ft-lbs

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 means 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 maximize weight savings, 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.

ls9.jpg

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be the most powerful and fastest production car ever produced by General Motors, with performance enabled by a new, supercharged 6.2L LS9 small-block V-8 engine.

Incorporating the engineering experience already found in the Corvette Z06's LS7 engine and the new-for-2008 6.2L LS3 of the Corvette, GM Powertrain is targeting 100 horsepower per liter for the LS9, or 638 horsepower, and approximately 604 lb.-ft. of torque

The enabler of the LS9's performance is a new, large positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger; with a unique four-lobe design; developed for the engine by Eaton. It is teamed with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for maximum performance. The LS9 represents the first of several new, supercharged small-block engines that will be introduced in GM vehicles in the near future, each using superchargers of similar design.

More than just its tremendous peak horsepower and torque numbers, the supercharged LS9 makes big power at lower rpm and carries it in a wide arc to 6,600 rpm. GM Powertrain testing shows the engine makes approximately 300 horsepower (224 kW) at 3,000 rpm and nearly 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm) at only 1,000 rpm. Torque tops 604 lb.-ft. at about the 4,000-rpm mark, while horsepower peaks at 6,500 rpm. The engine produces 90 percent of peak torque from 2,600 rpm to 6,000 rpm.

Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components enable the engine's confident high-rpm performance, while the large-displacement Eaton supercharger pushes enough air to help the engine maintain power through the upper levels of the rpm band.

The LS9 is assembled by hand at GM's Performance Build Center, a unique, small-volume engine production facility in Wixom, Mich., that also builds the Corvette Z06's LS7 engine and other high-performance GM production engines.

The Corvette ZR1's LS9 engine is backed by a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission, with a twin-disc clutch system. It is based on the new-for-2008 TR6060 six-speed, but upgraded to handle the LS9's torque output and delivers improved shift quality.

The twin-disc clutch system provides exceptional clamping power, while maintaining an easy clutch effort. The system employs a pair of 260-mm discs, which spreads out the engine's torque load over a wider area, enabling tremendous clamping power to channel the LS9's torque. It also dissipates heat better and extends the clutch life (in normal driving).

Thanks to comparatively small plates, the twin-disc system enables similar disc inertia to the Corvette Z06, which has a 290-mm single-disc system, contributing to low shift effort and providing exceptionally smooth engagement and light pedal effort. In fact, the more powerful ZR1 has a pedal effort similar to the Z06.

ZR1-specific gearing in the transmission provides a steep first-gear ratio that helps launch the car. The car's 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. The gears also are designed to balance performance with refinement. The angles of the gear teeth are optimized to provide both strength and quietness.

VIDEO: 1st Production 2009 ZR1 - Barrett Jackson - $1,000,000

VIDEO: ZR1 VIN# 001 Rolls off the Assembly Line

VIDEO: Nürburgring Hot Lap 7:26.4

VIDEO: Official ZR1 Top Speed Run - 205mph

VIDEO: Building the ZR1

VIDEO: Building the LS9 Engine

VIDEO: Inside the Corvette Paint Lab

VIDEO: Blue Devil vs Blue Angle

VIDEO: 2009 ZR1 vs Z06 vs Z51

Jay Leno's ZR1

GT1 Championship Edition

2009gt1edition.jpg

To commemorate over 70 victories and eight championships for the Corvette GT1 racing program in the American Le Mans Series, Chevrolet is producing a limited “GT1 Championship” edition Vette for the streets. But if you think this GT1 will get you any closer to the lap times of the race-prepped C6.R over a stock Vette, you are in for a disappointment.

The championship package is nothing more than a trim and appearance option. On the exterior, C6.R-inspired graphics will lay atop your choice of Black or Velocity Yellow paint, the latter complemented by black headlight surrounds. Chrome wheels and a ZR1-style spoiler are also included. Inside, yellow stitching accents the ebony leather and GT1 emblems can be found on the seats, instrument panel, and center armrest. Under the hood, a special “carbon pattern” engine cover with yellow Corvette lettering will nicely accent the owner-installed windshield banner. Gold chains are not included.

The GT1 is offered in coupe ($65,310), convertible ($71,815), and Z06 ($86,385) models. A specific VIN sequence will identify each of the 600 total cars, with each color/model combo limited to 100 copies. Coupes and convertibles will include the Z51 performance package and performance exhaust and can be equipped with an optional six-speed automatic transmission. Navigation will be available on all three models.

Competition Sport Package

corvettecompsportpkg.jpg

Both the Z06 and Coupe 1LT Vettes ordered with the Competition Sport package will get a track focus, which includes competition stripes, wheels and headlamps, an ebony interior, Corvette racing pedals and a special engine cover. As a special treat, the vehicle will also get the Corvette Racing "Jake" and CSR logos.

Any Coupe 1LT ordered with the package will also get the Z51 performance package, performance exhaust, differential cooler, HUD, Z06 spoiler and other goodies, bringing the power to 436 HP and actually increasing the performance. The Z06 will maintain the same mechanicals, including the same 505 HP LS7 V8, making this primarily an aesthetic package.

The cost of a base Corvette coupe with the package is $55,655, a bump of $3,350 over a 1LT coupe with the Z51 option pack and NPP exhaust. The price of a CS equipped Z06 is $77,500 w/ DFC, a jump of $2,725 over a 1LZ Corvette Z06.

Pratt & Miller C6RS

c6rslogo.jpg

The Corvette C6RS is a limited production car made by Pratt & Miller.  With direct inspiration from the C6-R race car, Pratt & Miller take a standard C6 Z06 and convert it into a C6RS.  Each car has it's own special VIN number.  For more information go to Pratt & Miller's website bellow.

  • All carbon fiber body – 1.6” wider than production Z06 front and rear
  • 1.5” C6.R style carbon fiber underwing
  • Carbon front fascia with integrated brake ducts and ram air induction
  • Ram air engine induction
  • Front fender louvers – Functional C6.R style carbon fiber
  • Carbon fiber front and rear inner fender liner
  • Waterfall hood – C6.R style carbon fiber
  • Enlarged front wheel vent
  • Enlarged rear brake duct
  • C6.R style carbon fiber rocker treatment with extended splitter
  • Integrated rear spoiler
  • Carbon fiber rear fascia with integrated 3rd brake light and L.E.D. reverse light
  • Carbon fiber rear diffuser
  • C6.R L.E.D. high output taillights
  • Exclusive BBS center nut forged aluminum wheel with safety locking device
  • Black chrome wheel finish
  • Wheel size 18x11” front, 19x13.6” rear
  • Michelin Pilot Sport tires 295/30-18 front, 345/30-19 rear
  • C6RS Pratt & Miller Badging – sides and rear
  • Katech 8.2L Badging – 2 on hood

Pratt & Miller C6RS

Jay Leno's C6RS

2008 Corvette Options List

Pictures and Text are Property of General Motors

Corvette Info Center is not associated with GM or Chevrolet Motor Division.
This site is best viewed with Mozilla Firefox.