|
|
|
|
Chevrolet Corvette C6 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 (or, for that matter, the fastest Corvette ever to be produced). The ZR1 has been a model of previous generation Corvettes. C3 from 1970-1972 and C4 Corvettes from 1990-1995 both had a ZR-1 model. The older C3 and C4 model ZR-1 had different lettering than the newer C6 ZR1 model.
ZR1 engine is a modified LS3, designated the LS9, producing and .
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1' Start a new discussion about 'Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1' Answer questions from other users |
Encyclopedia
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 (or, for that matter, the fastest Corvette ever to be produced). The ZR1 has been a model of previous generation Corvettes. C3 from 1970-1972 and C4 Corvettes from 1990-1995 both had a ZR-1 model. The older C3 and C4 model ZR-1 had different lettering than the newer C6 ZR1 model.
Components
Engine design
The ZR1 engine is a modified LS3, designated the LS9, producing and . of torque, making this the most powerful production Corvette to date. 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.
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.
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.
Production
Production vehicles are assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The ZR1 engines are built at the General Motor Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan.
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.
Chassis/body
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 carbon fiber, panels are 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 rims.
The official curb weight of the 2009 ZR1 was released to be .
Clutch
The ZF-Sachs twin-plate clutch supplants Z06's 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.
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 inches to inches for added wheel clearance. The front calipers are Brembo 6 piston.
Rears calipers are Brembo 4 piston. The rear brakes are 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.
Ignition
Coil packs are identical to those used on the LS3. The coil packs are mounted on the valve covers.
Fuel system
A unique fuel pressure regulator varies pressure between and depending on rpm.
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.
Specifications
Estimated
- Displacement: V8 w/ (Eaton) TVS Supercharger & Intercooler.
- Horsepower: at 6500 rpm
- Torque:
- Bore:
- Stroke:
- Compression: 9.9:1
- Supercharger maximum boost:
- Red line: 6600 rpm
- Clutch:
- 1st gear ratio: 2.29
- 1st gear top speed:
- 6th gear ratio: 0.67
- Wheel size front: diameter by width
- Wheel size rear: diameter by width
- Tire size front: 285/30R-19
- Tire size rear: 335/25R-20
- Brakes front: Brembo
- Brakes rear: Brembo
- Front/rear balance: 52/48
- Curb weight: estimated
- 0-: 3.12
- Top speed:
- Quarter mile (~400 m) Time: est. 11.102
- Quarter mile speed: est.
- Production: 2000 units per year (estimated)
- Price: to
Awards and recognition
- 2009 Best Bang for the Buck, duPont Registry
- 2009 Performance Car of the Year, Top Gear
- Best New Cars of 2009, About.com Cars
- Automotive Journalist and Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson's Car of the Year Award.
External links
|
| |
|
|
