2009 Corvette Review
The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette builds on the success of the C6 platform, with two returning trimlines and one new addition.
The 2009 Corvette base model is offered as either a coupe or convertible and the standard engine is the 6.2L LS3 V8. Mated to either an automatic or manual transmission, the 2009 Corvette base model makes 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque, allowing the 2009 Corvette to dash from 0-60 in around 4 seconds. According to General Motors, the 2009 Corvette base model equipped with the automatic transmission is capable of going from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds, making is the quickest automatic Corvette ever produced.
The second trimline for the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is the Z06, and due to the high performance nature of this model, it is offered only as a coupe. The 2009 Corvette Z06 features the 505 horsepower LS7 V8 measuring 7.0L, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The Z06 features a different look than the base model 2009 Corvette, with carbon fiber and wider rear fenders to make room for the enlarged rear tires. Unlike the base model Corvette, the 2009 Z06 uses an aluminum chassis instead of steel and with other features like the magnesium engine cradle, the Z06 weighs just 3130 pounds. For 2009 the Corvette Z06 received the new ‘spider? style wheels, along with a new standard rear hatch pull-down motor.
The newest and possibly most exciting model for the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette lineup is the ZR1. Like the Z06, the ultra high performance ZR1 is available only as a coupe and is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is powered by General Motor’s LS9 V8, measuring just 6.2L and with the aid of a Eaton TVS Supercharger the ZR1 makes an incredible 638 horsepower and 604 lb-ft of torque. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is equipped with a purpose built suspension with Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC) system, allowing the ZR1 to hit 1.10 lateral G’s on a skid pad. This system uses real-time data to improve the ride quality of the ZR1, and the MSRC system allows the driver to select the setting for optimum performance or ride quality. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is capable of a top speed over 200 miles per hour, quarter mile times in the high ten second range, and most importantly the ZR1 holds the fifth fastest time around the N?rburgring for a production car.