Corvette ZR1!

The ZR1 is a high performance version of the Chevrolet Corvette. More powerful than the Z06 model, it is now the most powerful Corvette currently in production. The ZR1 has been a model of previous generation Corvettes. C3 and C4 Corvettes from 1971-1995 both had a ZR-1 model. The older C3 model ZR-1 had a different lettering than the newer C6 ZR1 model.

Corvette ZR1 Components

Corvette ZR1 Engine design

The ZR1 engine is a modified LS3 designated the LS9. The LS9 has a sixth-generation Eaton TVS R2300 roots 4-lobe supercharger with an intercooler. The supercharger's four-lobe design offers improved efficiency over three-lobe models. To avoid changes to the hood appearance, the supercharger's output was split into two halves. Each cylinder bank has an intercooler. The intercoolers are from Behr, utilizing an air-to-water, dual-brick design.

The LS3 engine block will be used because the cylinder walls of the LS3 are thicker than the Z06's LS7 since the LS3 uses smaller pistons. Oil injectors, for improved cooling and noise reduction, will be used for the first time in a production Corvette. Connecting rods and the inlet valve will be made of titanium. Heads will be from a special heat resistant aluminum alloy from the LS9's manufacturing process. The camshaft lift was reduced from the LS7's to improve idle quality. With the addition of the supercharger to the 6.2 liter LS9, the higher lift camshaft was no longer necessary to achieve horsepower targets.

Lubrication will be provided by an improved version of the LS7's dry sump system.

Corvette ZR1 Transmission

The ZR1 flywheel has been improved over the 2008 Z06. The flywheel was upgraded by going from six to a nine bolt design.

The transmission is a 6-speed manual Tremec TR6060 with a MH3 gearset. The 2008 Z06 featured the MM6 gearset.

Corvette ZR1 Differential/drive

The differential is a limited slip with carbon and steel plates. The differential uses Dexron LS lubricant.

The two half shafts have different diameters. The difference in half shafts are designed to minimize wheel hop during hard launches. The driver side half shaft is larger than the passenger side to balance the weight of the battery which is on the passenger side of the ZR1.

Corvette ZR1 Production

Production vehicles are assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The ZR1 engines are built at the General Motor Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan.

Corvette ZR1 Ride control

The name of the ride control system is Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC). MSRC is provided by Delphi. The system uses two modes of control: Tour and Sport.

The system offers standing start launch modifications. When launching the ZR1 from a standing start, the shocks are completely softened on launch and stiffened on rebound. The softened shocks on launch aid the ZR1 by allowing weight to transfer to the rear, aiding traction. The ride control standing launch modifications are designed to minimize bounce.

Corvette ZR1 Chassis/body

Right rear 3/4 view of Corvette ZR1The chassis, similar to the 2008 Z06, will be made of aluminum. To cut weight, many panels will be made of carbon fiber. Panels made of carbon fiber are the fenders, hood, roof, splitter, and rocker extensions. To prevent the sun from damaging the carbon fiber, panels will be protected with a special paint treatment.

The rear wheels are the largest ever mounted on a production Corvette with 335/25 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires on ultra-light 20 in (510 mm) rims.

The official curb weight of the 2009 ZR1 was released to be 3,352Lbs.

Corvette ZR1 Clutch

The 260 mm (10 in) ZF-Sachs twin-plate clutch supplants Z06's 290 mm (11 in) single-plate unit to reduce inertia for better shift feel. The lower clamping force reduces clutch-pedal effort. The clutch upgrade is considered a dramatic improvement over the unit employed within the Z06.

Corvette ZR1 Brakes

The front brake rotors are the same carbon ceramic design as those employed in the Ferrari FXX track car, the difference being a diameter reduction from 15.75 in (400 mm) inches to 15.5 in (390 mm) inches for added wheel clearance. The front calipers are Brembo 6 piston.

Rears calipers are Brembo 4 piston. The rear brakes are 15 in (380 mm) inch carbon ceramic rotors, originally designed as the Enzo Ferrari's front rotors.

Both front and rear pads have twice the contact area of the Z06's, as well as the addition of brake pad wear sensors. The Brake master cylinder, booster, ABS pump and system controller are now sourced from Bosch in place of Delphi.

Corvette ZR1 Ignition

Coil packs are identical to those used on the LS3. The coil packs are mounted on the valve covers.

Corvette ZR1 Fuel system

A unique fuel pressure regulator varies pressure between 36.3 psi (250 kPa) and 87.0 psi (600 kPa) depending on rpm.

Corvette ZR1 Identification

The ZR1 features blue badges, engine valve covers, and brake calipers. The hood contains a polycarbonate window which will allow the intercooler to be viewable. Doors and rear body are from the 2008 Z06. A larger than stock spoiler will span the top rear bumper. Functional fender vents provide engine cooling. The lettering "LS9 Supercharged" can be viewed on top of the supercharger through the hood window.