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Text+Video: 2009 Corvette ZR1 Breaks Nissan GT-R's Lap Record

Labels: 2009, Corvette, Corvette ZR1, GM, Spy Videos, Supercars

Corvette Chief Engineer, Tadge J. Juechter has official broken the news of the upcoming 2009 Corvette ZR1 posting the fastest ever production car lap time around the Nurburgring. ZR1 now beats the 2009 Nissan GT-R's impressive record of 7:29 with its faster laptime of 7:26.4, as verified by the onboard datalogging and two hand-held stopwatches.

Here's what Juechter wrote on GMNext blog: "This morning (Friday June 27), General Motors development engineer Jim Mero drove the Corvette ZR1 around the Nürburgring in a time of 7:26.4. Jim commented after the lap that conditions were good except for a strong headwind down the main straight and that the lap was solid, but he felt there were a few places he could have gone faster." Now this indicate towards GM's intention of further improving the lap time and thus make things more difficult for upcoming 2011 Honda/Acura NSX and Toyota LF-A.

Giving out further details, Juechter clarified that the ZR1 that lapped the Ring was instock trim with no change in engine calibrations and it wore the production cars Michelin Pilot Sport 2’s tires. The chassis alignment and vehicle height were set to factory specs and the fuel used was the standard pump (not racing) gas. The only additional devices used were the communications and safety equipment.

To put an end to all possible speculation, Juechter wrote: "The vehicle was exactly like the cars that will be built in Bowling Green, Kentucky and sold around the world later this summer."

An in-car official video will be posted in the week of July 7 when the ZR1 engineering team returns from Germany. But rather waiting till then you can checkout BridgeToGantry's short spy video below that gives you glimpses of the 2009 Corvette ZR1 lapping the Ring. Hope you won't miss the sweet humming of ZR1's supercharged V8.

Source: GMNext
Read More On: Corvette ZR1

Video: 2009 Corvette ZR1 Performing At Nurburgring.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 V8 Photo Picture Gallery

Labels: 2009, Chevrolet, Corvette, Corvette ZR1, Photos, Supercars

2009 Chevrolet Corvette Comparison: ZR1 Vs Z06

Labels: 2009, Chevrolet, Comparison, Corvette, Corvette ZR1, GM, Supercars

2009 Chevrolet Corvette Comparison: ZR1 Vs Z06

The three year old Corvette Z06 and the latest 09 Corvette ZR1 are both fast sports cars but the new ZR1 is in a league of its own. Z06 comes with 7.0L engine which produces 72hp/L while the LS9 in ZR1 comes at 6.2L and gives 103hp/L. There are many other specification differences. Here we are more concerened about the visual differences between the two.

From the outside there aren't any drastic design changes that differentiate Z06 from ZR1. But if you look closely you will definately find many subtle changes. Allow us to help you out here. On the inside the one change that we immediately noted was the replacement of the 200 mph speedometer in the Z06 with a new unit that goes up to 220 mph in the ZR1.

Related Posts:
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Pictures
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 V8 Specifications

Exterior changes that differentiate ZR1 from Z06 include the new carbon fiber splitter at the front end of ZR1. Also the single fender vent on the sides of Z06 is changed for ZR1 to a pair of larger vertically stacked vents. Further, ZR1 comes with a raised hood that provides adequate clearance for the LS9, while a polycarbonate window in the hood provides a view of the engine beneath it. The roof of the ZR1 is also made of visible carbon fiber which Z06 can't boost off. Also the entire front clip on new Corvette is made of the carbon fiber, although those parts are painted. If you have an eye for detail you won't miss the bright blue Brembo brake calipers on ZR1 which come in red color on Z06.
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2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's LS9 V8 Specifications(specs)

Labels: 2009, Chevrolet, Corvette, Corvette ZR1, GM, Supercars

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's LS9 V8 Engine Specs

GM has announced today the official specs for 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 powerplant. ZR1 will be powered by GM's latest and most powerful engine ever, the hand-built 6.2 liter LS9 supercharged V8. It will produce 638-hp of horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. Now that means the LS9 puts out nearly 103 horses per liter. Amazing stuff. Corvette ZR1 is expected to have a top-speed of more than 200mph (322 km/h) and will wear Michelin Pilot Sport 285/30ZR19s at front and 335/25ZR20s at the rear axle.

Quick Facts & Expectations from new 09 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

LS9 V8 is the most powerful automotive production engine ever manufactured by General Motors.
It is hand-built and tested GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich.
LS9 is SAE Certified at 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque.
It puts out nearly 103 horses per liter.
GM expects the LS9 to be the most fuel efficient 600+hp engine in the world.
ZR1 designation revived after 13 years.
ZR1 gets a six-speed manual transmission with race-hardened gears and dual-disc clutch technology which is not offered in any other model.
The aluminum and magnesium frame of the current generation Z06 forms the basis of the new ZR1 model.
Corvette Z06 & ZR1 use the same Tremec 6060 gearbox with unique ratios.
Expected top-speed of more than 200mph (322 km/h).
ZR1 comes with a price tag of little less than $100,000.
Sale will start in summer of 2008 as a 2009 model.

Video: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Review by Cars.com.

POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS For 2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1
Drivetrain layout	Front engine, RWD
Engine type	Supercharged 90 V-8 alum block/heads
Valvetrain	OHV, 2 valves/cylinder
Displacement	376 cu in/6162 cc
Compression ratio	9.1:1
Power (SAE NET)	620 hp (est)
Torque (SAE NET)	595 lb-ft (est)
Weight to power	5.4 lb/hp (est)
Transmission	6-speed manual
Final drive ratio	3.42:1
Suspension, front; rear	Control arms, transverse leaf spring, anti-roll bar; control arms, transverse leaf spring, anti-roll bar
Brakes, front; rear	15.5-in vented, drilled, disc; 15.0-in vented, drilled disc, ABS
Wheels, front; rear	10x19; 12x20 in, cast aluminum
Tires, front; rear	285/30ZR19, 335/25ZR20 Michelin Pilot Sport 2

DIMENSIONS For 2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1
Wheelbase	105.7 in
Length x width x height	176.2 x 75.9 x 49.0 in
Curb weight	3350 lb (est)
Weight dist., f/r	52/48%
Seating capacity	2
Headroom, f	38 in
Legroom, f	43 in
Shoulder room, f	55 in
Cargo volume	22 cu ft

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 V8 Photo Gallery

Detailed Specs for 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1's LS9 6.2L SUPERCHARGED V-8 Engine.

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: A356-T6 rotocast aluminum.
Valvetrain: overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder.
Fuel delivery: SFI (sequential fuel injection).
Compression ratio: 9.1:1
Horsepower / kW: 638 / 476 @ 6500 rpm
Torque (lb-ft / Nm): 604 / 819 @ 3800 rpm
Fuel shut-off (rpm): 6600
Recommended fuel: premium required.
Exhaust manifolds: stainless steel.
Main bearing caps: forged steel.
Crankshaft: forged steel.
Camshaft: hollow steel; 0.555-in (14.1 mm) lift.
Connecting rods: forged titanium.
Valves: intake: titanium, exhaust: hollow steel.
Valve lifters: hydraulic roller.
Supercharger: R2300, four-lobe "Roots" type (2.3L).
Additional features: piston oil-spray cooling; direct-mount ignition coils; 11-rib accessory drive.

Video Update 25April08: Corvette ZR1 posts 205 mph top speed