Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (2008): first official pictures

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

02 January 2008 12:15

The Corvette ZR1 is back. Affectionately known by GM as ‘King of the Hill’, this range-topping ‘Vette will be powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre V8. And before you complain about the lack of the 7.0-litre V8 from the Z06, you should know that the ZR1’s forced-induction lump will kick out 620bhp and 607lb ft. That’s 108bhp and 137lb ft more than the Z06 and, at 1519kg, it's only 98kg heavier than its 7.0-litre brethren.

The 620bhp comes courtesy of a Roots-type supercharger developed by Eaton. The engine, designated LS9, is hand-built at GM’s Performance Build Centre, while drive is through a six-speed manual. The ZR1 should be the first production Corvette to officially top 200mph.

Twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes measuring 394mm up front and 380mm rear, and magnetic dampers. There's carbonfibre everywhere: the front spoiler, bonnet and removable roof panel are all made of the black stuff, and there’s a polycarbonate window in the bonnet through which to view the intercooler.

By Ben Pulman