The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the fastest and most powerful production ‘Vette ever made. After a few speculations and a long wait, the 2019 ZR1 marks its debut at the Dubai Motor Show.
Under the long bulging hood of the ZR1 is a supercharged 6.2-litre LT5 V-8 breathing out 755bhp and a tarmac-ripping 969Nm of turning force. And the ZR1 is not just a straight-line monster but a proper track-tool owing to its two wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics packages. As Mark Reuss, executive vice president, global product development, puts it, “I've never driven a Corvette like this before, and nobody else has either because there's never been one like this before.”
The LT5 motor delivers the highest output ever for a Chevrolet production vehicle, thanks to a new, more-efficient intercooled supercharger system. It offers 52 per cent more displacement than the Z06's LT4 supercharger. GM's first dual-fuel-injection system, with primary direct injection and supplementary port injection, helps the LT5 achieve its colossal output. The engine is available with two transmission options – a seven-speed manual and an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic. It's the first time a choice of an automatic transmission is offered in a ZR1.
The flagship Corvette boasts of a special carbon-fibre "halo" hood to feed air to the LT5 engine's supercharger/intercooler assembly. The redesigned front fascia now hides four new radiators inside. There are now a total of 13 heat-exchangers under the hood. The massive rear wing generates more downforce without adding drag and is bolted on directly to the chassis. All these help the ZR1 to become the fastest ‘Vette ever with a top speed of 338kmph.
Chevrolet will offer the Corvette ZR1 with two aero packages. First is a standard Low Wing, which delivers the highest top speed and helps generate up to 70 per cent more downforce. It has a two-way-adjustable High Wing that offers maximum downforce - about 60 per cent more downforce than the Z06 with the available Z07 Performance Package. The other package is a new ZTK Performance Package with an adjustable High Wing. It also includes a front splitter with carbon-fibre end caps, Michelin Pilot Sports Cup 2 summer-only tyres, and specific chassis and Magnetic Ride Control suspension. The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 also debuted a new Sebring Orange Design Package.
The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 goes on sale in spring 2018. The prices are yet to be revealed but is expected to be slightly more than the Z06’s price tag of USD 79,495.
