Corvette ZR1 First Drive

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2009 CORVETTE ZR1:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=130931

Possibly the only thing more surprising than the existence of a $100,000-plus, 638-horsepower factory-built Corvette is that the car is a total pussycat.

Don't get us wrong, this 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 can kill you quite completely dead. We mean like augured-in, test-pilot kind of beyond-recognition dead. It is capable of such stunning velocity in such a short distance that if things go wrong at even a fraction of its ultimate speed, it'll tear a ragged hole in just about whatever it encounters.

This ZR1 produces 638 hp — the equivalent of the power produced by the 405-hp 1995 Corvette ZR-1 (the "King of the Hill Corvette") plus a 1984 Corvette plus a 1968 Citroën 2CV.

Or think of it this way. If you bolted three 1980s-era Corvette L83 small blocks end to end to end to produce a single V24 engine, it would still produce 23 hp fewer than the ZR1's supercharged LS9 V8. For perspective, the total power received by the earth from the sun is considerably higher at 174.0 petawatts (1015 watts) or 233,334,000,000,000 hp*.

But for all its badass credentials, its power output of a hydroelectric dam and its stunning production-car lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the ZR1 doesn't really seem to want to kill you all that bad.

What do you think this is, a freakin' Dodge Viper or something? That widowmaker is right now sitting in a nearby parking lot plotting ways to turn you into freshly chopped liver — liver that it will then fry to a savory firmness right there on its exhaust-heated rocker panels.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Chevrolet
• Corvette
• ZR1
• GM
• Chevy
• Edmunds
• Inside
• Line
• muscle
• car
• auto
• motor

[W33Dblazer]

zr1 just fucks all that overpriced competition over real hard...

kinda like your mom!!!

[youlance29]

Always remember, ZR1 is KING!!!!

[Janusha]

@zedosix

I would pick a Corvette over a soul-less all-too-german Porsche too. But there is no denying whats the better, more modern product. Still.. I find it amazing how americans allow Europe to occupy the entire 100% of the upper market in america. From BMW and up there are no competitors. Infact you buy 40% of our supercars. Much like the enormous US motorcycle market is completely dominated by Ducati, Yamaha, Honda and so on while USA makes Harley. Patriotism on wheels with saddlebags.

[zedosix]

@Janusha No aversion to foreign here, the zr1 just makes sense. btwI also own a 2012 a4 quattro which is great for our crap weather and will do quite nicely till the snow melts. :)

[Janusha]

@zedosix

Im sure you will enjoy your Corvette. Just that you guys always have "mixed feelings" because there is no flag to wave for a Porsche or a Nissan. Its weird how the Corvette gets compared to all kinds of cars. Nissan, Porsche, things with half the enginesize and rear seats. Mercedes, Bentley, Ferrari, stuff with twice the quality. Because quire simply america offers nothing else that can be compared. This pathologic aversion towards anything foreign is what is really going on here.

[zedosix]

@Janusha Sure I paid dearly for this car and I can tell you that if you have never sat in a zr1 and pushed the go pedal, then you do not understand and will never understand that it isn't about the money, its about the rush you will have, like no porsche will ever give you, I've driven the new gtr and came away with mixed feelings just like the porsche. It just didn't give me that ear to ear grin like the zr1.

[Janusha]

Its not just supercars for the rich america DONT make. Its also GT cars, Sporty saloons, Sporty SUVs, hatchbacks, hothatches, traditional sportscars, superminis, track cars, and certainly no executives. Infact no cars at all aimed at the upper market. Leaving European cars to completely dominate. How you cant see this is a mystery to me.

In a country where you can buy a 50 million dollar mansion, as soon as a car costs more than 100 000, its somehow wrong and "unamerican".

[Janusha]

@zedosix

Ive never said the Corvette is shit... Im sure the steering wheel out of a Chevvy Malibu is fine. It just shows the level of commitment and how their primary concern is price.

Im no fan but there is no denying Porsches are infinitly more modern than the ageing Corvette. Porsche outsells Corvette in USA and sell 120 000 cars a year. Viper sold 2-300 a year and died. You should know you tax "imports" to protect domestic brands and add luxury tax on top of it to force them up in price.

[zedosix]

@Janusha Yes we are discrediting your statement about it being the worst quality car of the money, I've had 2 z06's and now have a zr1 and not had any issues with either one of them, they look a darn site nicer than any 911 and have the performance and appeal that the 911 just doesnt have. 911's are boring, and cost a god damn fortune to own. If I had endless money I'd consider the turbo s, nothing else. I mean even that looks like your everyday run of the mill 911.

[Janusha]

@zedosix

Always the same with you guys... Discredit me and my statement without telling me where you disagree or what exactly Ive said that is wrong. Just because you dont like it doesnt make it wrong. Always talking about how the god damn ZEE AAR ONE is best in the wooorld and when its beaten, its suddenly all about being cheaper. I wonder... IF it really is the pinnacle of automotive excellence at a fraction of the price. Why the fuck dont people buy it ? Vipers died. SSC Aero sold 14 cars....

[zedosix]

@Janusha Wow your ignorance shines thru on that last comment. Research before commenting with ignorance.

[Janusha]

@zedosix

There are currently 23 different versions of the Porsche 911. Before you start on the equipment list. Like Porsches cars, their business model is infinitly more modern than a Corvette. You tested a 911. Well they range from entry level sportscars to track ready GT2 RS and 1200hp 9FF madness. Im not a Porsche fan myself but they are MUCH more modern cars. Even tho some Corvettes have learnt to take corners they are still cheaply made and compensate brute force for lack of sophistication.