2009 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Preview

A New King Corvette is Crowned

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has killer stats and a price that will have more expensive supercars shaking in their Goodyears.

To car buffs, the “ZR1” moniker carries a lot of weight. When applied to the Corvette, that label has come to signify the ultimate in American performance, but it hasn’t been used since the 1990s.

The 2009 Corvette ZR1 will produce at least 620 hp from its supercharged V8 engine — outdoing the current Corvette top dog, the Z06. The ZR1 is designed to compete with the most exotic European sports cars. “Cars like this may really be legislated out of existence,” said Bob Lutz, General Motors vice chairman, referring to looming federally mandated increases in fuel economy.

Upgrades on the ZR1 include massive carbon-ceramic brake rotors — used for their superior heat dissipation — and suspension tweaks designed to keep the car planted when all that power hits the pavement. The ZR1 will reportedly be priced around $100,000, which is outrageous for a Corvette but a bargain when looking at competitors in this performance bracket. Chevrolet aimed for a sports car that could match the power and performance of a Ferrari or Lamborghini at less than half the price.

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