2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to top 200mph - NEW IMAGES

Clamping down on the high-tech rotors are six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, 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 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.

“The king has returned,” “The new ZR1 upends the notion of what an American supercar can deliver, with performance that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much – and does so with the driving ease of a daily commuter," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "Preliminary testing shows the ZR1 bests the highly respected Corvette Z06 in every performance category, from acceleration and braking, to cornering grip and top speed. It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1’s is exceptional"

The 2009 ZR1 will be available in only two options: chrome wheels and a “luxury” package - read on for full preliminary specs released and stay tuned for updates closer to the launch.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

• Body styles/driveline: 2-door hatchback coupe with fixed roof; rear-wheel drive
• Construction:composite and carbon-fiber body panels, hydroformed aluminum frame with aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis components
• Manufacturing location:Bowling Green, Ky.

• 6.2L SUPERCHARGED V-8 (LS9)
• Displacement (cu in / cc): 376 / 6162
• Bore & stroke (in / mm): 4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92
• 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: 620 / 462 (est.)
• Torque (lb-ft / Nm): 595 / 823 (est.)
• Recommended fuel:premium required
• EPA estimated fuel economy: TBD
• Transmission close-ratio six-speed manual

• 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)

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