Corvette ZR1 Unveiled December 19, 2007
Posted by wilsonniblett in Auto News, Enthusiastic Commentary.1 comment so far
- 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 bests 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 phenomenal power plant the supports the ZR1’s performance capability. The enabler of the LS9’s phenomenal 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 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 provides 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. It also dissipates heat better and extends the clutch life (in normal driving).
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 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.
By the numbers
In addition to the exterior cues and powertrain, ZR1 models will be distinguished from other Corvette models by their VIN. Each will carry a unique, identifying VIN digit, as well as a sequential build number. This makes it easy to determine the build number of a specific car – information treasured by enthusiasts and collectors. For example, a ZR1 with a VIN ending in “0150” would indicate it is the 150 th ZR1 built for the model year.
This is a Corvette in the best tradition of the marque. A body that is just different enough to give tell-tale clues that it is packing some serious horsepower. A mean stance that says that the car coming up fast in your mirror is eating asphalt with an attitude. Above all this Corvette can back up everything that the image projects!
We have said it before and we will say it again…….bring it on!
The Chevy Enthusiast
The Chevy Volt Redesign……… December 17, 2007
Posted by wilsonniblett in Auto News, Enthusiastic Commentary.1 comment so far
The U.S. Senate has approved the new Energy Bill bring new 40% higher CAFE standards to a level of 35 MPG by the year 2020.
Since this announcement has been made it is no surprise that news has been released that General Motors has been working on a redesign of the Chevrolet Volt Concept Vehicle at their new Electric Vehicle Design Center in Detroit. They are working on streamlining the body style to give it better aerodynamics and as a result better fuel efficiency. The proposed new vehicle will be a lot smoother 5 door design. Their new design strategy has already achieved a 30% decrease in drag over the original concept.
Personally, I welcome this news with great excitement. If there are to be new changes to how we view and use vehicles today and in the future, then this concept really captures the excitement.
Imagine having your very stylish commuter vehicle that performs very well in traffic and can go to and from work on one “plug in” session each day. On longer business trips the Volt will have a back up engine that can run on a miserly amounts of fuel to keep the battery topped up.
The current plan, assuming they can work out all the engineering quirks, is for this car to be in production for the 2010 model year.
I am eagerly awaiting the release of the new and improved Volt. Bring it on!
The Chevy Enthusiast
50th Anniversary Chevrolet Impala…. December 17, 2007
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This quote is from Automotive News……………..
General Motors will debut the 2008 Chevrolet Impala 50th Anniversary Edition at the Detroit auto show in January.
The special edition Impala is based on the current Impala LT model. For the 50th anniversary edition, the Impala gets a sport-tuned suspension, four-wheel ABS, 18-inch alloy wheels, a special interior with ebony carpeting and two-toned leather-trimmed seats, and “50th Anniversary” badging on the C-pillar.
“Chevrolet is thrilled to mark 50 years of the Impala,” Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper said in a statement. “Few brands can claim such a heritage and throughout the decades, Impala has always stood for the value, performance and style that has made Chevrolet America’s car.”
GM has good reason to celebrate the Impala.
So far this year, the Impala is the top-selling car made by a domestic manufacturer and the no.5 best-selling car among all automakers, according to the Automotive News Data Center. Through the first 11 months of the year, 293,328 Impalas have been sold in the United States.
The Chevy Enthusiast
Corvette Racing to Compete in 12-Race American Le Mans Series in 2008 – Corvette Racing December 13, 2007
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This good news is direct from the Corvette Racing website…….
Corvette Racing to Compete in 12-Race American Le Mans Series in 2008
Chevrolet Factory Team to Run Entire ALMS Schedule and 24 Hours of Le Mans
DETROIT – Corvette Racing, the most successful team in the history of the American Le Mans Series, will compete in the GT1 class in all 12 events on the ALMS schedule in 2008. Chevrolet’s two-car factory road racing team will also return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in pursuit of a sixth GT1 title in the world’s most famous sports car race.
“Corvette Racing was conceived as a long-term program to showcase the performance, technology, and value of Chevrolet’s world-class sports car,” said Mark Kent, director of GM Racing. “Since the team’s competition debut in 1999, Corvette Racing’s success in top-tier road racing has produced a strong return on our investment, paying dividends in marketing, engineering, technology transfer, personnel development and other areas of our business. Corvette is now a performance icon that’s recognized around the world, and Corvette Racing’s continued participation in the ALMS and the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be an important element in the global celebration of GM’s 100th anniversary in 2008.”
Corvette Racing has won seven consecutive GT1 manufacturers and team championships and six straight drivers championships in ALMS competition. The team holds the series’ records for class victories (57) and 1-2 finishes (40).
“Our decision to compete in all 12 rounds of the ALMS schedule in 2008 reflects our commitment to our sponsors, our suppliers, and to Corvette enthusiasts worldwide,” said Steve Wesoloski, GM Racing Road Racing Group manager. “There is a reason why thousands of Corvette owners attend Corvette Corrals at ALMS events and why the autograph line at Corvette Racing is the longest in the ALMS paddock: Racing is an integral part of Corvette’s history and heritage, and we are continuing that tradition.”
“Experience teaches us that motorsports is cyclical, and the GT1 category is currently in transition,” Wesoloski observed. “Would we like to see more competition in GT1 in the ALMS? Absolutely! But in the absence of season-long competition, we are absolutely committed to controlling our own destiny. We are pushing hard to develop our chassis and powertrain, to refine our race strategy, and to continuously improve every element of the program. We know that the competition at Le Mans will be intense, and we will use the ALMS series to hone the race cars, the drivers, and the team to prepare for it.”
Corvette Racing will test two new Compuware Corvette C6.R race cars in February in preparation for the season-opening round of the ALMS series, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, on March 15, 2008.
Support the Corvette Racing Team. See you at the races!
The Chevy Enthusiast
ZR-1 / Blue Devil Engine…. December 6, 2007
Posted by wilsonniblett in Auto News, Enthusiastic Commentary.1 comment so far
As the Detroit Auto Show draws near, the excitement for the Blue Devil / ZR-1 Corvette has been building. There has been many sightings of the prototypes being driven on the road and on the track. There has been lots of still images and some video of the fantastic Corvette in action.
Some of the latest info to surface is the pics of the LS9 engine that will be the stellar powerplant for the ZR-1. It is a supercharged and intercooled 6.2L small block. The design of the intake / supercharger / intercooler setup has resulted in relatively long intake runners, for a supercharger package, in a small compact package. These runner designs plus forced induction should make this a beast to drive. Just imagine gobs of torque and high end horsepower available in an otherwise very civilized and tractable lightweight Corvette.
Couple all these new features with wider fender flares, larger tires, better suspension in a lighter Corvette….then cap it off with the rumoured see through hood panel and you have one beautiful Corvette.
Anyone that has watched the video of Johnny O’Connell blasting the prototype around Laguna Seca (elsewhere on this site) cannot help but be impressed.
Bring it on…….we are more than ready!
The Chevy Enthusiast
2008 Corvette Indy Pace Cars December 28, 2007
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Chevrolet has done it again! For an unprecedented 10th time, a Corvette will pace the field at the Indianapolis 500 this coming May 25, 2008.
Chevrolet will be producing 500 (15 of which are slated for overseas export) of these Pace Cars in coupe and convertible styles to be sold through the dealership system. To give you all the facts at once, I have posted the GM Press Release below for your convenience.
The Chevy Enthusiast
Chevrolet Unveils Two Unique ‘08 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Cars
Two-time Indy 500 Champion Emerson Fittipaldi to Drive Corvette Z06 E85 Concept Pace Car at 92nd Indianapolis 500
INDIANAPOLIS – Known for their charismatic designs and superior performance, the pack-leading pace cars share a special place in Indianapolis 500 lore. History will be made at the 2008 Indianapolis 500 when a pair of distinctive yet highly differentiated Corvette models will serve as the official pace cars – one highlighting Chevrolet’s commitment to fuel solutions and the other marking 30 years of Corvette’s pace car heritage.
Chevrolet and Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials gathered at the Indianapolis Auto Show to make the historic announcement.
One of the pace cars is a customized Corvette Z06 E85 concept that runs on E85 ethanol fuel, a domestically produced alternative fuel similar to the E100 fuel that powers all of the racecars in the IndyCar Series. It will be driven during the race’s pace lap by two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Emerson Fittipaldi.
The other official pace car is a black-and-silver commemorative edition that marks the 30th anniversary of the celebrated 1978 pace car – the first Corvette to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500. Chevrolet will produce a total of 500 pace car replicas in both coupe and convertible form, each signed personally by Fittipaldi at the Corvette’s Bowling Green, Ky., assembly plant.
“Although not a production FlexFuel vehicle, the Corvette Z06 E85 concept pace car is a high-performance example of Chevrolet’s gas-friendly to gas-free initiative, demonstrating viable fuel solutions,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “As an ethanol refiner in his native Brazil, Emerson Fittipaldi is the fitting Chevrolet champion to help support GM’s efforts with E85 and celebrate 30 years of the Corvette pacing the Indianapolis 500.”
The 92nd Indianapolis 500 takes place on Sunday, May 25, 2008. It will be the Corvette’s 10th appearance as the official pace car – a record unmatched by any other vehicle.
“It’s only fitting that Corvette will be the first car to earn the distinction of having two models pace the Indianapolis 500 in the same year,” said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer. “Chevrolet and Corvette are a vital part of the rich history of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’ and we’re honored to have a great champion of the race and of alternative fuels, Emerson Fittipaldi, as this year’s pace car driver.”
Corvette Z06 E85 concept
The Corvette Z06 E85 concept pace car is based on the production Z06 – already one of the fastest and most powerful cars on the market – and blends its performance with the high-octane, renewable alternative fuel that is derived from a variety of crops grown across the United States.
E85 is blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Its benefits include reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and a reduced dependence on petroleum. GM is the leader in E85 production models, with more than 2.5 million E85-capable cars, trucks and SUVs on the road – with more on the way. Chevrolet offers seven E85-capable models in 2008.
Apart from the fuel system and powertrain controller revisions required to run E85, the Z06 concept pace car is mechanically stock. It is distinguished by a unique Gold Rush Green color-shifting paint scheme that changes between hues of green and gold when viewed from different angles and in different light. A subtle checkered flag pattern also is part of the paint scheme. Safety equipment and strobe lights are the only other equipment added to the car.
Emerson Fittipaldi: ambassador of racing and ethanol
After winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1989 and 1993 while driving for Chevrolet – and spending 30 years in his native Brazil as a refiner of ethanol – Emerson Fittipaldi is the perfect ambassador to lead the Indianapolis 500 in an E85-powered Corvette Z06.
“Most of the vehicles in Brazil are powered by ethanol produced from crops grown in the country, so I understand how a domestically produced renewable fuel can help the energy solutions of a nation,” Fittipaldi said. “And the E85-powered Z06 concept pace car proves economic and environmental consciousness can be fun and exhilarating. I can’t wait to get it on the racetrack.”
Fittipaldi, whose personal cars include a Corvette Z06 and a Camaro awarded after winning the 1993 Indianapolis 500, resides in both Florida and Brazil. He has interests in several Brazilian ethanol companies and is an ardent champion of ethanol as a viable alternative to gasoline.
Brazil – the fifth-largest country in the world – is a global leader in ethanol usage in automobiles. Approximately 70 percent of Brazilian new cars are equipped with FlexFuel systems that allow the use of a gasoline/ethanol mix or pure ethanol. Ethanol production has grown tremendously during the last three decades and has allowed the country to practically wean itself completely from imported oil.
30th Anniversary commemorative edition
Commemorating one of the most recognizable Indianapolis 500 pace cars, the Corvette 30th Anniversary Pace Car features a black exterior with silver graphics that honors the 1978 model – the production replicas of which became instant collectibles and continue to stand as an iconic symbol of Corvette’s heritage at the front of the Indy field.
In addition to the exterior color scheme, the anniversary models are equipped with a special, two-tone titanium-color interior, with the Indianapolis 500 logo embroidered on the seats. Coupe and convertible models are available. Each replica will be personally signed and numbered by Emerson Fittipaldi.
Both the coupe and convertible come equipped with Corvette’s 3LT option package, Z51 performance package and dual-mode exhaust. Additional features include:
More information on pricing and availability will be announced a later date.
Corvette at Indy
The 2008 edition of the Indianapolis 500 represents Corvette’s 10th time as the official pace car – and a record fifth-consecutive year – and Chevrolet’s 19th time as the manufacturer selected to lead the field. Corvette’s pace years and details include:
The Indianapolis 500 is the largest single-day spectator sporting event and the most prestigious auto race in the world. “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” has been run every year since 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, except for the periods during the United States’ participation in world wars in 1917-18 and 1942-45. The winner of the 92nd Indianapolis 500 will earn racing immortality, a spot on the famed Borg-Warner Trophy and a record winner’s purse of at least $2.5 million.