The Reported Development and Release of the ZR1 for 2009

  The Corvette variant now officially known as the ZR1 was first reported by several print and online publications who were speculating that Chevrolet was developing a super high performance production version of the Corvette and were internally calling it "Blue Devil" in reference to Rick Wagoner's choice of university. Wagoner is quoted as saying, "I wonder what they can do for 100,000 dollars." during a GM board meeting speaking about the Corvette designers. The production version debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show and will be available as a 2009 model.

   The ZR1 was formally announced in a December 2007 press statement by General Motors, where it was revealed that their target of 100 horsepower per liter 1.64 hp per cu in has been reached by a new "LS9" engine, an Eaton supercharged 6.2 liter engine producing a confirmed 638 hp and 604 foot pounds of torque with a sticker price of about $100,000. The engine is the most powerful engine to be put in an American production sports car. Top speed is supposed to be in the neighborhood of 205 mph. Along with an improved motor, the ZR1 also comes with extensive carbon fiber body parts, including but not limited to wider fenders, the hood, roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings. However, the car is heavier and more front weight biased than the Z06 because of the supercharger, with a weight distribution of 52 percent at the front and 48 percent at the rear. Tires were also increased in diameter and width, along with bigger and stronger brakes, adjustable suspension, and optional chrome wheels and a premium interior package.

  Spy photos from recent hot laps at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, following the 2007 American Le Mans Series final race, show the ZR1 to have carbon ceramic brakes, extensive carbon fiber in not only the front quarterpanels but also the, A and B pillars, as well as the roof and possibly other body panels, and a full width rear lip spoiler. On the basis of the dyno reporting of horsepower, torque, and supposed top speed it is probably safe to say, this really just might succeed in being the most powerful American car ever built.