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• Safety & Security

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For immediate release

2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1


Vehicle Highlights


Model Lineup

 

Engine

Transmission

 

6.2L supercharged V-8
(LS9)

Tremec TR6060 six-speed
manual

Corvette ZR1

s

s

Key:

Standard

s



2009 CORVETTE ZR1: THE KING RETURNS

The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is a North American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fibre, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design.

The ZR1's basic stats:

The specialized components of the new ZR1 work harmoniously to deliver the most powerful and the fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors.

The ZR1 does more than reach 322 km/h (200 mph); it keeps going to a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).

Supercharged LS9 engine

The new LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power plant the supports the ZR1's performance capability. The enabler of the LS9's performance and refinement is a large, positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger with a new, four-lobe rotor design. It is augmented with an integrated charge cooling system that reduces inlet air temperature for maximum performance.

A sixth-generation supercharger helps the LS9 make big power and torque at lower rpm and carries it in a wide arc to 6,600 rpm, as it pushes enough air to help the engine maintain power through the upper levels of the rpm band - the area where supercharged performance tends to diminish. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components enable the engine's confident high-rpm performance.

The LS9 is hand-assembled at GM's Performance Build Centre, in Wixom, Mich., and incorporates specialty processes typically seen in racing engines to produce a highly refined and precise product. For example, cast iron cylinder liners are inserted in the aluminum block and are finish-bored and honed with a deck plate installed. The deck plate simulates the pressure and minute dimensional variances applied to the block when the cylinder heads are installed, ensuring a higher degree of accuracy that promotes maximum cylinder head sealing, piston ring fit and overall engine performance.

Transmission and axle

The LS9 engine is backed by an upgraded, stronger six-speed manual transmission and a twin-disc clutch that provide exceptional clamping power, while maintaining an easy clutch pedal effort. ZR1-specific gearing in the transmission provides a steep first-gear ratio that helps launch the car, and top speed is achieved in sixth gear - a change from the fifth-gear top-speed run-outs in the manual-transmission Corvette and Corvette Z06.

As the term implies, the twin-disc clutch system employs a pair of discs, which spreads out the engine's torque load over a wider area. This enables tremendous clamping power when the clutch is engaged, while also helping to dissipate heat better and extend the life of the clutch.

The twin-disc clutch system also contributes to the ZR1's exceptional driving quality, with smooth and easy shifting. The twin-disc system's design allows higher torque capacity with inertia and pedal effort similar to the Corvette Z06. It enables a 25-percent reduction in inertia, thanks to smaller, 260-mm plates; the Corvette Z06's uses a 290-mm single-disc system.

The rear axle also is stronger in the ZR1 and features asymmetrical axle-shaft diameters that were developed after careful testing to provide optimal torque management. The axles are also mounted on a more horizontal plane that correlates with the wider width of the rear wheels and tires.

Ride and handling

The ZR1 is built on the same aluminum-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and features similar independent SLA front and rear suspensions, with aluminum upper and lower control arms. Where the ZR1 differs is the suspension tuning, which was optimized for the car's steamroller-wide front and rear tires.

Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard and tuned specifically for the ZR1. The system's ability to deliver a compliant ride with nearly instantaneous damping adjustments enabled engineers to develop a surprisingly supple ride quality in a supercar that still delivers cornering grip of more than 1g.

From a high-performance perspective, Magnetic Selective Ride Control helps the rear axle remain planted during launch for smooth, hop-free acceleration. It also helps suppress axle movement when cornering on broken or uneven pavement.

Brakes, wheels and tires

Commensurate with the ZR1's engine output is the braking system, which is headlined by Brembo carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Found on only a few exotics and more expensive supercars, carbon-ceramic brake rotors are made of a carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic silicon carbide material. Their advantage comes in low mass and resistance to wear and heat. In fact, the rotors should never show any corrosion or require replacement for the life of the vehicle, when used in normal driving.

The vented and cross-drilled rotors on the ZR1 measure 394 mm (15.5 inches) in diameter in the front and 380 mm (15 inches) in diameter in the rear - making them among the largest carbon-ceramic rotors available on any production vehicle.

Clamping down on the high-tech rotors are six-piston front callipers and four-piston rear callipers, each painted a ZR1-exclusive blue. The front pads are equivalent in size to the largest on any production car with a single-pad design - double that of the Corvette Z06's 70-sq.-cm. front pads.

The brakes are visible through the ZR1's exclusive wheels: 20-spoke alloy rims that measure 19 inches in diameter in the front and 20 inches in the rear. They come standard with a bright, Sterling Silver paint finish and chrome versions are optional. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires developed specifically for the ZR1, measuring P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear.

Exclusive exterior

The ZR1 is instantly recognizable, with perhaps the most identifiable feature a raised, all-carbon-fibre hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window. The window provides a view of the top of the engine's intercooler, with the legend "LS9 SUPERCHARGED" embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.

The underside of the hood has a visible carbon-fibre-weave. Visible carbon-fibre is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker moulding and front splitter. These exterior components are protected by a specially developed glossy, UV-resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear.

Widened, carbon-fibre front fenders with specific, dual lower ports, and a full-width, body-colour rear spoiler incorporating the centre high-mounted stop lamp, are also unique to the ZR1. All of the exterior features of the car were developed to enhance high-speed stability and driver control.

Interior details

The ZR1's interior builds on the brand's dual-cockpit heritage, with high-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality that support the premium-quality experience promised by the car's performance. The ZR1's cabin differs from the Corvette and Corvette Z06 with the following:

The standard ZR1 (RPO 1ZR) comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The uplevel interior package (RPO 3ZR) includes power-adjustable, heated and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); side air bags; Bose premium audio system; navigation system; Bluetooth connectivity; power telescoping steering column; custom leather-wrapped interior available in four colours and more.

By the numbers

In addition to the exterior cues and powertrain, ZR1 models will be distinguished from other Corvette models by their VIN. Each will carry a unique, identifying VIN digit, as well as a sequential build number. This makes it easy to determine the build number of a specific car - information treasured by enthusiasts and collectors. For example, a ZR1 with a VIN ending in "0150" would indicate it is the 150th ZR1 built for the model year.

# # #

For media enquiries contact:
General Motors of Canada
Product Communications
Tony LaRocca
905-644-1804
tony.larocca@gm.com



SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Model:

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Body styles / driveline:

Two-door hatchback coupe with fixed roof; rear-wheel drive

Construction:

Composite and carbon-fibre body panels, hydroformed aluminum frame with aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis components

Manufacturing location:

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Engine

 

6.2L Supercharged V-8 (LS9)

Displacement (cc / cu in):

6162 / 376

Bore & stroke (mm / in):

103.25 x 92 / 4.06 x 3.62

Block material:

Cast aluminum

Cylinder head material:

Cast aluminum

Valvetrain:

Overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder

Fuel delivery:

SFI (sequential fuel injection)

Compression ratio:

9.1:1

Horsepower / kW:

638 / 476 @ 6500*

Torque (lb-ft / Nm):

604 / 819 @ 3800*

Recommended fuel:

Premium required

Estimated fuel consumption:

  

Mi/imp.gal (city / hwy / combined)

18 / 28 / 21

L/100km (city / hwy / combined)

15.6 / 10.2 / 13.2

Transmission

 

Close-ratio six-speed manual

Gear ratios (:1):

  

First:

2.29

Second:

1.61

Third:

1.21

Fourth:

1.00

Fifth:

0.82

Sixth:

0.68

Reverse:

3.11

Final drive ratio:

3.42

Chassis / Suspension

Front:

Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper & lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber

Rear:

Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper & lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber

Traction control:

Electronic traction control; active handling (Magnetic Selective Ride Control)

Brakes

Type:

Front and rear power-assisted carbon-ceramic disc with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear callipers, cross-drilled rotors; ABS std.

Rotor diameter (mm / in):

front: 394 / 15.5
rear: 380 / 15.0

Wheels & Tires

Wheel size:

front: 19-inch x 10-inch
rear: 20-inch x 12-inch

Tires:

Michelin Pilot Sport 2
front: P285/30ZR19
rear: P335/25ZR20

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (mm / in):

2685 / 105.7

Overall length (mm / in):

4476 / 176.2

Overall width (mm / in):

1928 / 75.9

Overall height (mm / in):

1244 / 49.0

Curb weight (kg / lb):

1507 / 3324

Interior

Headroom (mm / in):

962 / 38 (all models)

Legroom (mm / in):

1092 / 43 (all models)

Shoulder room (mm / in):

1397 / 55 (all models)

Hip room (mm / in):

1371 / 54 (all models)

Capacities

Seating capacity

2

Interior volume (L / cu ft):

1475 / 52 (all models)

Cargo volume (L / cu ft):

634 / 22

Fuel tank (L / imp.gal):

68.1 / 15

*SAE certified.

STANDARD AND OPTIONAL FEATURES


EXTERIOR FEATURES

Coupe

Convertible

Z06

ZR1

Convertible top - manual folding includes glass rear- window with defogger

-

S

-

-

Fog lights

S

S

S

S

Glass - Solar-Ray, tinted

S

S

S

S

Headlights - Xenon, High-Intensity Discharge low beams, halogen high beams

S

S

S

S

Mirrors - power remote control, heated with driver-side auto-dimming feature

S

S

S

S

Roof - one piece, body-colour removable roof panel

S

-

-

-

Roof Package - one-piece, transparent removable roof panel

O

-

-

-

Roof Package - one-piece, transparent and standard body- colour roof panels

O

-

-

-

Tires - front, P245/40ZR18 / rear, P285/35ZR19 - Extended Mobility (EMT)

S

S

-

-

Tires - front, P275/35ZR18 / rear, P325/30ZR19 - Extended Mobility (EMT)

-

-

S

-

Tires - front, P285/30ZR19 / rear, P335/25ZR20 - Extended Mobility (EMT)

-

-

-

S

Wheels - 5-split spoke silver-painted aluminum; front - 18" x 8.5" / rear - 19" x 10"

S

S

-

-

Wheels - 5-spoke polished forged aluminum; front - 18" x 8.5" / rear - 19" x 10"

O

O

-

-

Wheels - 5-split spoke Competition Gray-painted aluminum; front - 18" x 8.5" / rear - 19" x 10"

O

O

-

-

Wheels - 5-spoke chromed forged aluminum; front - 18" x 8.5" / rear - 19" x 10"

O

O

-

-

Wheels - 10-spoke silver-painted spider aluminum; front - 18" x 9.5" / rear - 19" x 12"

-

-

S

-

Wheels - 10-spoke chrome aluminum; front - 18" x 9.5" / rear - 19" x 12"

-

-

O

-

Wheels - 10-spoke chrome spider aluminum; front - 18" x 9.5" / rear - 19" x 12"

-

-

O

-

Wheels - 10-spoke Competition Gray-painted spider aluminum; front - 18" x 9.5" / rear - 19" x 12"

-

-

O

-

Wheels - 20-spoke Sterling silver-painted aluminum; front - 19" x 10" / rear - 20" x 12"

-

-

-

S

Wheels - 20-spoke chromed aluminum; front - 19" x 10" / rear - 20" x 12"

-

-

-

O

Windshield wipers - 2-speed with variable delay (intermittent)

S

S

S

S


INTERIOR FEATURES

Coupe

Convertible

Z06

ZR1

Acoustic Package

S

-

S

S

Air conditioning - automatic, dual-zone, includes exterior temperature display

S

S

S

S

Air filtration system - includes pollen filter

S

S

S

S

Cargo area - luggage shade (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB and 1SD)

O

-

O

O

Cargo area - cargo convenience net (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB and 1SD)

O

O

O

O

Console - illuminated with storage, auxiliary power outlet, fuel-filler door release, ashtray with cigar lighter, armrest and cupholders

S

S

S

S

Cruise control - electronic with resume, coast and decelerate/accelerate features

S

S

S

S

Fuel filler door - power release

S

S

S

S

Instrumentation - analogue speedometer, tachometer, fuel, voltmeter, coolant temperature and oil pressure gauges

S

S

S

S

Instrumentation - Driver Information Centre (multi- language), includes GM Oil Life Monitoring System and tire pressure monitoring system

S

S

S

S

Instrumentation - Head-Up Display (HUD), includes readouts for street mode, track mode with G-meter, vehicle speed, tachometer and key gauge readings (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB on Coupe and Convertible)

O

O

S

S

Mirror - rear-view with auto-dimming feature and compass

S

S

S

S

Steering column - manual tilt adjustable

S

S

S

S

Steering column - power telescopic, manual tilt adjustable (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB and 1SD)

O

O

O

O

Steering wheel - leather-wrapped, with sound system controls

S

S

S

S

Trunk/hatch release - power (includes power pull-down latch on Coupe models)

S

S

S

S

Universal home remote - 3-channel programmable transmitter (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB and 1SD)

O

O

O

O

Windows - driver and passenger with express-down feature

S

S

S

S

Memory Package - includes 2-position driver seat, exterior mirrors, sound system, climate control and telescoping steering column (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB and 1SD)

O

O

O

O


SEATS

Coupe

Convertible

Z06

ZR1

Bucket seats with leather seating surfaces (requires Ebony trim)

S

S

-

-

Bucket seats with perforated leather seating surfaces (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB on Coupe and Convertible; includes Z06 and ZR1 embroidery and contrast stitching)

O

O

S

S

Sport bucket seats with perforated leather seating surfaces, power lumbar and side bolster adjusters (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB and 1SD)

O

O

O

O

Two-tone perforated leather seating surfaces with crossed flag embroidery and contrasting stitching (available with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB)

O

O

-

-

Power 6-way driver seat adjuster

S

S

S

S

Power 6-way passenger seat adjuster (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB and 1SD)

O

O

-

O

Heated bucket seats (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB and 1SD)

O

O

O

O

Custom Leather-wrapped Interior Package - includes leather-wrapped upper instrument panel, upper door panels and console storage cover - features exclusive colours and two-tone design with crossed flag embroidery on head restraints and enhanced armrest padding (available with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB; included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SD)

O

O

O

O


ENTERTAINMENT

Coupe

Convertible

Z06

ZR1

All Corvette sound systems include an electronically tuned AM/FM stereo with MP3 playback, seek up/down, scan, auto tone control, speed-compensated volume control, auxiliary audio input jack, Radio Data System (RDS), TheftLock and digital clock

S

S

S

S

AM/FM stereo with CD player

S

S

S

S

AM/FM stereo with in-dash 6-disc CD changer (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB)

O

O

O

-

AM/FM stereo with DVD navigation system* - with 165 mm (6.5 in.) LCD colour display, touch screen, voice recognition, single CD player and Bose premium 7-speaker sound system; available with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB; included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SD (*Detailed map coverage is available for most major urban areas of the United States and for certain metropolitan areas of Canada: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Windsor, London, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City and Halifax. Coverage is significantly limited outside these areas.)

O

O

O

O

XM Satellite Radio (includes three trial months beyond which service fees apply; available in 10 Canadian provinces and 48 contiguous United States)

S

S

S

S

7-speaker sound system

S

S

S

S

Bose 7-speaker premium system - with AudioPilot noise compensation technology (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB and 1SD; included with available DVD navigation system on Coupe, Convertible and Z06)

O

O

O

O


MECHANICAL

Coupe

Convertible

Z06

ZR1

Active Handling System - integrates chassis, brake and traction control systems

S

S

S

S

Axle - limited-slip differential

S

S

S

S

Axle - standard ratio (2.56:1) (included with available 6- speed automatic transmission)

O

O

-

-

Axle - performance ratio (2.73:1) (requires available 6- speed automatic transmission)

O

O

-

-

Axle - performance ratio (3.42:1)

S

S

S

S

Brakes - 4-wheel vented discs with 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)

S

S

S

S

Engine - 6.2L LS3 V8 with SFI

S

S

-

-

Engine - 7.0L LS7 V8 with SFI

-

-

S

-

Engine - 6.2L supercharged LS9 V8 with SFI

-

-

-

S

Exhaust system - aluminized stainless steel (rear of catalytic converter), with 3-in. polished stainless steel tips

S

S

-

-

Exhaust system - performance, dual mode, aluminized stainless steel with 4-in. stainless steel tips (improved engine performance on Coupe and Convertible)

O

O

S

S

Steering - power, rack-and-pinion, speed-sensitive

S

S

S

S

Suspension - 4-wheel independent, includes transverse composite leaf springs

S

S

S

S

Suspension - Magnetic Selective Ride Control, computer- controlled active suspension system with adjustable shock absorbers (includes cross-drilled rotors, not available with available Z51 Performance Package)

O

O

-

S

Transmission - 6-speed manual, short-throw

S

S

S

S

Transmission - 6-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shift feature

O

O

-

-

Z51 Performance Package - includes specific gear ratios for manual transmission, specific tires, sport suspension with stiffer springs and stabilizer bars, specific shock absorbers, larger cross-drilled brake rotors, engine oil and transmission coolers (not available with Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension; requires performance axle ratio (2.73:1) with 6- speed automatic transmission)

O

O

-

-

Z06 Performance Package - includes power steering, engine oil, axle and transmission coolers, stiffer springs and stabilizer bars, specific shock absorbers and tires, Brembo brakes with 6-piston front and 4-piston rear cross-drilled brake rotors and carbon fibre front fenders and floor panel

-

-

S

-

ZR1 Performance Package - includes power steering, engine oil, axle and transmission coolers, stiffer springs and stabilizer bars, Magnetic Selective Ride Control, Brembo brakes with 6-piston front and rear cross-drilled ceramic brake rotors, body-coloured carbon fibre front fenders, raised hood with window and floor panel and visible carbon fibre roof, roof bow, front splitter and rocker extensions

-

-

-

S


SAFETY AND SECURITY

Coupe

Convertible

Z06

ZR1

Air bags - driver and passenger, frontal includes Passenger Sensing System with automatic air bag suppression

S

S

S

S

Air bags - driver and passenger, side-impact seat-mounted (included with Preferred Equipment Group 1SB and 1SD)

O

O

O

O

Door locks - power, programmable, includes lock-out protection

S

S

S

S

Headlights - Daytime Running Lights with automatic light control and Twilight Sentinel

S

S

S

S

Keyless access system - includes push-button start, lock/unlock and Panic feature

S

S

S

S

OnStar In-Vehicle Communications and Assistance Service - includes 1 year of the Safe & Sound Plan

S

S

S

S

Safety restraints - lower anchors

S

S

S

S

Safety restraints - top tethers

-

-

S

S

Theft-deterrent system - electronic engine immobilizer and audible/visible alarm

S

S

S

S

Traction control - electronic, full-function, all-speed

S

S

S

S

Warranty - 3 year / 60,000 km, complete base warranty coverage (Whichever comes first, to correct any defects in materials or workmanship occurring during the warranty period. Regular maintenance is not included. Other restrictions, exclusions and limitations apply. See your dealer for complete details of the GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty.)

S

S

S

S

Warranty - 5 year / 160,000 km, powertrain component warranty with $0 deductible (Whichever comes first. Conditions and limitations apply. See your dealer for details.)

S

S

S

S

S - Standard Equipment. O - Optional Equipment.

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