C7 Corvette ZR1 Prototype Attacks the Track: Ride-Along Impressions
The new Corvette ZR1 is in the public eye, and will rip streets apart in spring 2018. For now, though, let’s see what the beast can do on the track.
The Z06 has just taken a step down as the king of the Corvettes, as the ZR1 has taken the crown. The ZR1 is the most powerful Corvette ever with a whopping 755 horsepower and 715 ft-lbs of torque.
It also happens to be the loudest Corvette ever. The sound of the supercharger is quiet against the roaring exhaust note. Chevy says the ZR1 is able to make its extra power with the addition of a new, 2.65-liter Eaton supercharger with 52 percent more displacement than the unit on the Z06.
Also the new blower using a intercooler to manage the heat. Chevrolet is now using’s a dual fuel direct injection system with supplemental port injection. This helps deliver additional fuel at full throttle. The ZR1 engine also has an new crankshaft, dry sump lubrication, and a new 4-inch throttle body which is the largest ever for a Corvette.
The ZR1’s front end has had a redesign to aid in cooling the massive LT5 engine. The car has a total of 13 heat exchangers, including four new radiators. The fastest Corvette ever is has an aerodynamic limit of 209 mph. The aero keep the power on the road, but make the ZR1 less slippery.
ALSO SEE: GM Didn’t Plan to Offer a C7 Corvette ZR1
The new king made its debut at the LA Auto Show, but a select few journalists were taken out to the track to ride in the development mules. In this video, Car and Driver Magazine gives us a front row seat for the power and performance of the ZR1. On the front straight at Willow Springs International Raceway’s Big Willow, the ZR1 hit 155 mph, which is very fast indeed. The Corvette ZR1 mule that took them out was using the 8-speed automatic, but a 7 speed manual will be an option.
Let us know what you think of the new King of the Corvettes in the comments.
