What exactly is a ZR1? It is the new monster under the Corvette chassis. The ZR1 has the mighty LT5 motor from GM which makes 755hp and 715 lb-ft of torque. Surprised. Wait till you hear more about it. This LT5 uses a 95-mm throttle body, port and direct fuel injection, a new 2.6-liter supercharger, new crankshaft and a better oiling mechanism. The supercharger is 50% bigger than the one found in previous generation ZR1. So even though it has the same 6.2-liter LT5 motor shared by Z06, ZL1 and CTS-V the above-mentioned upgrades give it the tag ‘Devil’s Ivy’. The monster houses 13 radiators for better heat exchange capacity. With the new halo style hood, the ZR1 has 41 percent more airflow than the Z06, 105 more hp than the sibling and gets 65 additional lb-ft of torque. The big and brash LT5 ZR1 catapults the Corvette into the exclusive group of cars making at least 700 hp, and not just under the wire, either. With 755 hp on tap, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 trounces not only the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat but also the McLaren 720S, Lamborghini Aventador S, Ferrari 488 Pista, and Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Not only this but the new ZR1 tops the last-gen LS9-powered C6 ZR1 by 117 hp and 111 lb-ft. In short, the ZR1 delivers a right foot full of American justice. The previously documented issues of loss engine power due to excess heat has been resolved as well.
All AMERICAN WARHAWK
The LT5 motor comes with two different transmission offerings. The manual 7-speed gearbox and the optional eight-speed automatic transmission which can be added for additional $1725. In the track mode, ZR1 has a Performance Traction Management (PTM) program. The launch on a quarter mile drag is nerve wrecking even if you are a pro. The GM claimed figures are 0-60 in an eye blinking 2.9 seconds and you can do a quarter mile with this monster in a whisk of an eye in 10.8 seconds at 134 mph. The ZR1 also has an option of the ZTK Track Performance package which can be purchased for a mere @2995. This replaces the stock tires with the Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP, adds a stiffer suspension tuning and gives greater aerodynamic downforce to the car with the undercarriage, a front splitter and adjustable ‘high’ Fast and Furious Wing. The ZTK pack adds 60 percent more downforce to the car compared to the Z06. With this not only do you get downforce drag in the straight lines, but also this car goes around corners too; exceptionally well.
The ZR1’s magnetorheological damper calibrations are amazing around any track. It is a real bargain compared to the European supercars. The ZR1 may be more harsh and wild but the Corvette fanatics wouldn’t want it any other way.
Did you also knew about the new lap time set by the ZR1 at VIR?
Looks Fast. Eh.!
