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Reading entertainment for GT5 car fans.
'09 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The ZR1 designation on Chevrolet's Corvette is and has been reserved for the fastest and most powerful small block Chevy powered Corvette offerings. The first ZR1 package appeared in 1971 as a performance/racing suspension and transmission upgrade option to the Corvette LT-1 and was offered through 1973. Very few were ordered with the ZR1 package at the time, especially since a number of big block Chevy engine packages were offered as well. In 1990, the Corvette ZR1 reappeared, but was the top performance offering this time around. It was fitted with a Lotus designed all- aluminum 375hp DOHC V8 that GM designated the LT5, and was also assisted by Lotus in the development and tuning of the ZR1's suspension. It was with this model that the Corvette staked its performance and power reputation, even with the dealer gouging of the sticker price towards the end of it's model run. Unfortunately, only 6939 ZR1's were offered between 1990 and 1996, but development of Chevrolet's new LS V8 design and a newly redesigned Corvette made it an inevitable end to the C4 Corvette and its latest model 405hp top line ZR1.
Fast forward to 2009, and the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 returned. This time, though, it was not only the fastest and most powerful of its model generation, but the fastest, most powerful production Corvette ever. To start off, Chevrolet commissioned their LS3 6.2L V8 small block, and integrated the dry sump oiling system from the Corvette ZO6's LS7 V8. With the LS3's added cylinder wall thickness and upgraded internals, an Eaton supercharger was fitted to produce a 654hp ( after oil change) and was designated the LS9.
The suspension features a double wishbone system with Magnetic Selective Ride Control that adjusts in real time to the driver's need from tour to sport. This system assists everything from standing start launches, to cornering and braking, and is integral in helping the ZR1 acheive it's rated avg lateral g of 1.10. The chassis is of aluminum, and some body panels such as the fenders, hood, roof, splitter, and rocker extensions are of carbon fiber that all help in obtaining the Corvette's 1508kg weight. The brake rotors are the same, but smaller diameter, carbon ceramic design used on the Ferrari Enzo FXX, with Brembo 6 piston calipers providing the bite. At the ground, the ZR1 meets the pavement wearing Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (GT5 Sport Hard) tires. Now, the question is: How is it to drive?
NERVE TINGLING FAST best sums it up. Turn the key and the supercharged V8 jumps to life with a crackle from the exhaust, then settles into a mellow but deep groan. The cockpit envelops you well with great visibility at all corners, and feels just as it looks, low and wide. The throttle response is immediate, but civil enough if judicious on the go pedal.
Using the Top Gear test track, I was able to shake down the ZR1 to see what it is all about. From a standing start launch at around 3000rpm, with launch and traction controls off, first gear leaves the tires at the mercy of your right foot. Second gear comes and nothing changes. Still spinning.
Its only when the 2-3 gear change happens that the ZR1 finally gets it's grip and sprints to the track's first corner. On approach, be light on the brakes as the course bends left at Crooner Corner, lift to straighten out, and then full braking before entering Wilson Bend. The ZR1 is suprisingly stable through this section and reels in speed quickly with those large Brembos and carbon ceramic rotors. Once entering Wilson Bend, light foot through until straight again, then power on to Chicago. Enter too fast and the ZR1 understeers heavily, but brake early and the car will almost find and hold the right line for you. On exit from Chicago, be careful not to feed in too much power, as the ZR1 is all to happy to wag its large tail. As you straighten out, gradually feeding in the throttle out of Chicago, you will notice the top of second gear is trying to unglue the rear tires. Don't lift, just be aware. The ZR1 charges hard down the straight with intensity and great stability and sheds the speed as fast as it obtains it. Entering Hammerhead, threshold brake into entry, then release and coast through until the turn relaxes. Begin feeding in the power while coaxing out a light corner exit drift as you exit Hammerhead. Be patient with the throttle and the feeling is intoxicating as the ZR1 maintains the controlled exit drift onto the straight.
Approaching the Follow Through, its best to nip at the brakes to bleed off enough speed to hold a tight line through the light right bend. If not, the ZR1 will push wide left putting you in search of some of England's finest field mice. Holding a good line through the Follow Through, apply some power as you set up to the right, and cut in onto Bentley Bend. The ZR1 maintains it's great stability, but you may have to slightly lift off the gas to hold your line and not run out of track to the right. Charge hard under power to the braking point leading into the blind Bacharach Bend being sure all braking is done before aiming to enter as straight as possible at the left corner apron. Coast through until straight, then a brief jab at the power before setting up wide right for Gambon. Brake hard, turning in to nip Gambon's left apron and power through to the finish line. Again be aware of that tail under heavy power. All this summed up into a 1:19.4 lap.
Now, from a value standpoint, the approximate asking price of 184,800 credits begs the question: Is the ZR1 130,000 credits better than the Corvette ZO6? The answer lies within the ZR1's company. The ZO6 is a bit more civil and controlled, and competes with other high performance category offerings such as the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari's F430 and 599, the Audi R8, Lexus LFA, Dodge Viper, and a few others. Among this company of high performers, the ZO6 is an absolute steal, but so is the ZR1, whos price matches or is still under these cars that cannot compete with the ZR1's performance. Step up into the Exotic/Super High performance category of cars such as the Ferrari's Enzo and 458, Lamborghini Murcielago, McLaren MP4-12C, Mercedes SLR, and so on, and the credit to performance value tips even more in the ZR1's favor. So to answer the question, yes the ZR1 is worth the price. It sits in an arena of hallowed exotic/super cars for the entry fee of most high performance offerings. It may not have the refinement of it's counterparts, but it will deliver the same excitement and exclusivity.
The Corvette ZR1 is certainly the fastest, most powerful production Corvette to date. It could be civil enough to use everyday, but thats not this car's purpose. It wants and begs to be used on a race course, always seeming like its being restrained otherwise. Is it the best, most civil all around production Corvette or sports car for the money? No, that can be left to the Corvette ZO6 to live up to. But, there is no doubt the ZR1 is the Ultimate Performance Corvette to date.
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
648hp (with oil change)
1508kg
Sport Hard tires
Tgtt best time: 1:19.407
Nurburgring: 7:54.065
Reviewed by IINOVAII
'09 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The ZR1 designation on Chevrolet's Corvette is and has been reserved for the fastest and most powerful small block Chevy powered Corvette offerings. The first ZR1 package appeared in 1971 as a performance/racing suspension and transmission upgrade option to the Corvette LT-1 and was offered through 1973. Very few were ordered with the ZR1 package at the time, especially since a number of big block Chevy engine packages were offered as well. In 1990, the Corvette ZR1 reappeared, but was the top performance offering this time around. It was fitted with a Lotus designed all- aluminum 375hp DOHC V8 that GM designated the LT5, and was also assisted by Lotus in the development and tuning of the ZR1's suspension. It was with this model that the Corvette staked its performance and power reputation, even with the dealer gouging of the sticker price towards the end of it's model run. Unfortunately, only 6939 ZR1's were offered between 1990 and 1996, but development of Chevrolet's new LS V8 design and a newly redesigned Corvette made it an inevitable end to the C4 Corvette and its latest model 405hp top line ZR1.
Fast forward to 2009, and the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 returned. This time, though, it was not only the fastest and most powerful of its model generation, but the fastest, most powerful production Corvette ever. To start off, Chevrolet commissioned their LS3 6.2L V8 small block, and integrated the dry sump oiling system from the Corvette ZO6's LS7 V8. With the LS3's added cylinder wall thickness and upgraded internals, an Eaton supercharger was fitted to produce a 654hp ( after oil change) and was designated the LS9.
The suspension features a double wishbone system with Magnetic Selective Ride Control that adjusts in real time to the driver's need from tour to sport. This system assists everything from standing start launches, to cornering and braking, and is integral in helping the ZR1 acheive it's rated avg lateral g of 1.10. The chassis is of aluminum, and some body panels such as the fenders, hood, roof, splitter, and rocker extensions are of carbon fiber that all help in obtaining the Corvette's 1508kg weight. The brake rotors are the same, but smaller diameter, carbon ceramic design used on the Ferrari Enzo FXX, with Brembo 6 piston calipers providing the bite. At the ground, the ZR1 meets the pavement wearing Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (GT5 Sport Hard) tires. Now, the question is: How is it to drive?
NERVE TINGLING FAST best sums it up. Turn the key and the supercharged V8 jumps to life with a crackle from the exhaust, then settles into a mellow but deep groan. The cockpit envelops you well with great visibility at all corners, and feels just as it looks, low and wide. The throttle response is immediate, but civil enough if judicious on the go pedal.
Using the Top Gear test track, I was able to shake down the ZR1 to see what it is all about. From a standing start launch at around 3000rpm, with launch and traction controls off, first gear leaves the tires at the mercy of your right foot. Second gear comes and nothing changes. Still spinning.
Now, from a value standpoint, the approximate asking price of 184,800 credits begs the question: Is the ZR1 130,000 credits better than the Corvette ZO6? The answer lies within the ZR1's company. The ZO6 is a bit more civil and controlled, and competes with other high performance category offerings such as the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari's F430 and 599, the Audi R8, Lexus LFA, Dodge Viper, and a few others. Among this company of high performers, the ZO6 is an absolute steal, but so is the ZR1, whos price matches or is still under these cars that cannot compete with the ZR1's performance. Step up into the Exotic/Super High performance category of cars such as the Ferrari's Enzo and 458, Lamborghini Murcielago, McLaren MP4-12C, Mercedes SLR, and so on, and the credit to performance value tips even more in the ZR1's favor. So to answer the question, yes the ZR1 is worth the price. It sits in an arena of hallowed exotic/super cars for the entry fee of most high performance offerings. It may not have the refinement of it's counterparts, but it will deliver the same excitement and exclusivity.
The Corvette ZR1 is certainly the fastest, most powerful production Corvette to date. It could be civil enough to use everyday, but thats not this car's purpose. It wants and begs to be used on a race course, always seeming like its being restrained otherwise. Is it the best, most civil all around production Corvette or sports car for the money? No, that can be left to the Corvette ZO6 to live up to. But, there is no doubt the ZR1 is the Ultimate Performance Corvette to date.
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
648hp (with oil change)
1508kg
Sport Hard tires
Tgtt best time: 1:19.407
Nurburgring: 7:54.065
Reviewed by IINOVAII
