The ZR1 is the ultimate expression of Corvette’s technology-driven performance legacy.
A supercharged 6.2L LS9 engine and suite of advanced performance technologies, including Performance Traction Management and Magnetic Selective Ride Control, are the elements of the highest-performing Corvette in history, with changes for 2012 designed to make it more comfortable to drive.
Corvette ZR1 is the fastest production model ever offered by General Motors, with a top speed of 205 mph.
The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition has already made its debut but apparently there are a host of other upgrades planned for the 2012 model year that will be applied to the rest of the Corvette range.
GM used the Z06 chassis as a starting point, but further tuned the front and rear independent suspension to work with the ZR1's ultra-wide tires for increased grip. According to GM, the car achieves 1g cornering grip.
Exotic looks, exotic materials
The use of carbon fiber is pretty extensive throughout the ZR1. The wider fenders are made of the material, as are the hood, roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings.
The roof and front fascia splitter have a raw carbon fiber appearance with a protective clear coat. The hood is painted like the rest of the car, but the underside is exposed carbon-fiber-weave for increased novelty.
Another standout feature of the hood is a clear polycarbonate "window" that provides a view of the top of the engine's intercooler, with embossed "LS9 Supercharged" lettering.
Brakes, tires, and wheels
The ZR1 has the largest wheels ever of any production Corvette -- not just in diameter, but in width also. The rims measure 20 inches in rear diameter and 19 inches up front. Rear width is a whopping 12 inches, while the front wheels are nearly as massive at 10 inches of width.
In terms of wheel finish, a bright silver paint coat is standard and a chrome version is optional.
The matching Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires measure P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear. While Michelin's PS2 tires are offered on many vehicles, these were engineered specifically for the ZR1, GM says.
The car's braking system features carbon-ceramic rotors measuring 15.5 inches up front and 15 inches at the rear. GM says the rotors are so durable they should not requiring replacement for the life of the vehicle.
Squeezing the discs are six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, painted in ZR1-exclusive blue.
Adjustable suspension
The ZR1 comes with GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC) suspension system. The MSRC shocks are automatically adjusted based on driving conditions and vehicle dynamics (cornering, braking, etc) for optimal handling. The system is adjusted every milisecond to provide sharp handling during spirited driving, and a smooth ride while cruising.
While the ZR1 is overall a more aggressive sports car than the Z06, it is actually less harsh over bumps, thanks to the MSRC technology. The damping control of MSRC allowed for front and rear springs that have a slightly lower rate than the Z06, which enhances the car's ride quality.
Optional premium interior features
There is very little optional equipment on the ZR1. Aside from the aforementioned chrome wheels, the only other optional equipment is a premium interior package. The kit includes power-adjustable leather-trimmed sport seats, leather-wrapped interior elements (including the dashboard), a navigation system, and Bluetooth connectivity. The interior leather treatments are available in four colors.
The information was revealed by a dealer source who spoke recently with Inside Line. The source revealed that both the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 supercar and Z06 will be receiving new performance packs for 2012, including a ‘High Performance’ package for the ZR1 and a new ‘Z07 Ultimate Performance’ package for the Z06.
The ZR1’s High Performance package is said to feature black cup-style aluminum wheels measuring 19-inches up front and 20-inches in the rear, as well as Michelin PS Cup tires and a six-speed manual transmission.
The Z06’s Z07 Ultimate Performance package, meanwhile, is said to get Performance Traction Management (previously a ZR1 exclusive), Michelin PS Cup tires, black cup-style aluminum wheels as well, Magnetic Selective Ride Control and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes.
Finally, expect to see a new ‘Technology’ package featuring a Bose premium sound system, a head-up-display, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and satellite navigation. Carlisle Blue Metallic is also being added to the Corvette’s color palette and the Corvette Convertible should also be available with a new blue soft-top roof.
It sounds like Chevrolet’s updates to the Corvette range should keep buyers happy until its successor, the C7, drops by sometime next year.
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