chevrolet corvette zr1
The Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 is a high performance version of the Chevrolet Corvette C6. Both the C3 from 1969–1971 and C4 Corvettes from 1990-1995 had ZR-1 models. However, the C6 variant is officially labeled as the "ZR1" while previous variants had a hyphen between the ZR and 1, as in "ZR-1".
Production vehicles are hand assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The ZR1 engines are built at the General Motor Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan.
The ZR1 features blue badges, engine valve covers, and brake calipers. The hood contains a polycarbonate window which allows the intercooler to be viewable. Doors and rear body are from the 2008 Z06. A larger than previous model spoiler spans the top rear bumper. Functional fender vents provide engine cooling. The lettering "LS9 Supercharged" can be viewed on top of the plastic supercharger cover through the hood window.
Top speed 205 mph (330 km/h).
Engine design The Corvette ZR1 engine is a heavily modified version of the LS3, designated the LS9. Producing 638 hp (476 kW; 647 PS) and 604 ft·lbf (819 N·m) of torque, it is the most powerful production Corvette to date. The LS9 has a sixth-generation Eaton TVS R2300 roots 4-lobe supercharger with intercoolers from Behr, utilizing an air-to-water, dual-brick design. 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 cylinder walls of the LS3 are thicker than the Z06's LS7 since the LS3 has a smaller bore. Oil squirters under each piston help cool the pistons and cylinder walls are used for the first time in a production Corvette. Connecting rods and the inlet valve are made of titanium. Heads are made from a special heat resistant aluminum alloy. 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 is provided by an improved version of the LS7's dry sump system. The new system increases oil capacity from 8.0 to 10.5 quarts (9.94 liters). A new dual gerotor oil pump increases scavenge performance and oil pressure, enabling oil to be delivered under the most extreme conditions. Due to the increased pressure, the Ultraguard Gold UPF48R oil filter is required. The LS7 oilpan is used for the LS9 with the addition of an oil cooler which is mounted on the left side of the pan.
With the 2011 model, GM offers the optional "Corvette Engine Build Experience," where the customer visits the General Motors’ Performance Build Center to help assemble the LS9 for the ZR1 purchased. Factory technicians supervise the process and the normal warranty covers the engine built by the customer's hands.
Engine design The Corvette ZR1 engine is a heavily modified version of the LS3, designated the LS9. Producing 638 hp (476 kW; 647 PS) and 604 ft·lbf (819 N·m) of torque, it is the most powerful production Corvette to date. The LS9 has a sixth-generation Eaton TVS R2300 roots 4-lobe supercharger with intercoolers from Behr, utilizing an air-to-water, dual-brick design. 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 cylinder walls of the LS3 are thicker than the Z06's LS7 since the LS3 has a smaller bore. Oil squirters under each piston help cool the pistons and cylinder walls are used for the first time in a production Corvette. Connecting rods and the inlet valve are made of titanium. Heads are made from a special heat resistant aluminum alloy. 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 is provided by an improved version of the LS7's dry sump system. The new system increases oil capacity from 8.0 to 10.5 quarts (9.94 liters). A new dual gerotor oil pump increases scavenge performance and oil pressure, enabling oil to be delivered under the most extreme conditions. Due to the increased pressure, the Ultraguard Gold UPF48R oil filter is required. The LS7 oilpan is used for the LS9 with the addition of an oil cooler which is mounted on the left side of the pan.
With the 2011 model, GM offers the optional "Corvette Engine Build Experience," where the customer visits the General Motors’ Performance Build Center to help assemble the LS9 for the ZR1 purchased. Factory technicians supervise the process and the normal warranty covers the engine built by the customer's hands.
The ZR1 flywheel has been improved over the 2008 Z06. The flywheel was upgraded by going from six to a nine bolt design and cutting off nearly 9.8 ounces (278 grams) for improved throttle response and acceleration.
The transmission is a 6-speed manual Tremec TR6060 with a MH3 gearset. The 2008 Z06 featured the MM6 gearset. Top speed is achieved in 6th gear.
The transmission is a 6-speed manual Tremec TR6060 with a MH3 gearset. The 2008 Z06 featured the MM6 gearset. Top speed is achieved in 6th gear.
The chassis, similar to the 2008 Z06, is made of aluminum. To cut weight, many panels are 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 binder in the exposed carbon fiber composite body panels, panels are protected with a clear-coating.
The rear wheels are the largest ever mounted on a production Corvette with 335/25 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires on 20 in (510 mm) wheels.
The official curb weight of the 2009 ZR1 was released to be 3,352 lb (1,520 kg).
The rear wheels are the largest ever mounted on a production Corvette with 335/25 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires on 20 in (510 mm) wheels.
The official curb weight of the 2009 ZR1 was released to be 3,352 lb (1,520 kg).
The ZR1 will stop from 60 mph (97 km/h) in a current production car record breaking 96 feet (29.3 m).
The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 was tested at the Nurburgring by Jim Mero on June 9th, 2011. It was a base specification car with optional super-slick DOT track competition tires (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure) and non-stock safety equipment. It recorded a time of 7:19.63 (Video confirmed), the 5th-best time ever for a production vehicle.