2011 Corvette ZR1 Overview
General Motors refers to the 2011
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 as the ?ultimate Corvette?. This a bold claim
for one of the most famous performance cars in the world over the last
50+ years but the ZR1 has helped the Corvette name achieve true Supercar
status. Originally introduced in 2009, the ZR1 trimline builds on the
high performance aspects of the Corvette Z06 and adds lighter weight
components and the most powerful engine EVER offered in a factory GM
vehicle.
Like the Z06, the 2011 Corvette ZR1 features an aluminum framework in
place of the standard steel frame and the already-light fiberglass body
panels of the standard Corvette coupe have been swapped out for carbon
fiber fenders, hood, roof, splitter, and rocker extensions. Also, the
body of the 2011 ZR1 is distinctly ?Supercar? and the carbon fiber hood
features a window in the middle, allowing the ZR1 to proudly show off
its supercharged LS9 engine.
The supercharged engine in the 2011 ZR1 offers 638 horsepower and 604
lb-ft of torque, trumping the output of any car in the US market and
allowing the ZR1 to compete with any new car in the world. This output
is achieved by a unique top mounted Eaton supercharged, using a separate
low-profile intercooler for each cylinder head to keep the LS9 running
as cool as possible. This high performance engine is mated only to a
6-speed Tremec TR6060 manual transmission with a close ratio gearset,
allowing the ZR1 to reach its 205mph top speed in 5th gear ? leaving 6th
gear to help the ZR1 Supercar to see better fuel economy when cruising.
The 2011 Corvette ZR1 is built to be an all around performance car so
while the low 11-second quarter mile time is impressive, the road
course is where the ZR1 really shines. The Magnetic Selective Ride
Control system allows the driver to select either ?tour? or ‘sport? mode
and the suspension system uses real-time input to adjust the suspension
for maximum output or maximum comfort ? depending on the mode chosen by
the driver. The braking system of the 2011 ZR1 is second to none, with
gigantic carbon ceramic rotors wrapped in Brembo 6-piston calipers in
the front and 4-piston calipers in the back. When combined with the
race-tuned suspension and ultra lightweight chassis, the braking system
effectively makes the 2011 Corvette ZR1 one of the fastest cars in the
world and GM proved that in 2008 when their stock ZR1 ripped around the
famed N?rburgring in just 7 minutes and 26 seconds ? a time bested by
few production cars in the world.
If there is a downfall to the 2011 Corvette ZR1, it is most likely
the price tag, as the $111,000+ MSRP puts this American Supercar well
out of the financial reach of most people. However, if you consider the
fact that the ZR1 offers nearly unbeatable performance when compared to
any car in the world (and most of those cars cost well over $111k), the
ZR1 is a bargain for today’s Supercar shopper.