Could the ZR-1 Be One of the Most Iconic Corvettes Ever?

By Detroit Steel - June 20, 2016

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“Iconic.”

Sure, we toss that word around a lot. But in actuality, there are very few things that measure up. In fact, even when it comes to the beloved Corvette, one needs to be very careful when classifying a model as such, given all the great cars that have been birthed under the nameplate.

That, of course, raises the lingering and long-debated question: what Corvette models are indeed worthy of iconic status?

The classic MotorWeek video below certainly makes a strong argument for putting one Corvette in that category: the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, as highlighted in a recent Road & Track report. The video feature also further fuels another question: could the ZR-1 actually be one of the most world-class Corvettes ever produced?

Equipped with a 5.7-liter aluminum DOHC V8 with 375 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque, the most alluring thing about the ZR-1 was its speed, particularly for an American sports car. MotorWeek claims it was able to get the ZR-1 up to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, and through the quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds, which certainly seems to qualify the Corvette as iconic in my mind. But I’m interested in hearing whether others think it lives up to the claim.