ShelbyGT/SC Posted August 28, 2008 Report Share Posted August 28, 2008 http://autos.winnipegfreepress.com/index.p...icle&id=816 No need for bashing, I just threw this out there because of the title but I am interested in hearing people's opinions about the car. Seems pretty fast but I think some people here can take him. LOL FYI - 96 km/hr is 60 MPH and 160 km/hr os 100 MPH. Enjoy! The real King of the Road Preview: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 By: Graeme Fletcher Updated: August 28, 2008 <LI class=print>Print Article E-mail Article Enlarge Image 2009 Corvette ZR1 Enlarge Image The ZR1 runs to 96 kilomketres an hour in 3.4 seconds and romps from rest to 160 km/h in seven seconds flat. DETROIT -- Holy cow! That's the only way to describe what happens when the Corvette ZR1's gas pedal is punched. The ZR1's turn of speed is extraordinary -- it ranks as one of the fastest cars I have ever tested. The numbers speak volumes. The ZR1 runs to 96 kilomketres an hour in 3.4 seconds and romps from rest to 160 km/h in seven seconds flat. Better yet, it accomplishes the zero-to-160-km/h-to-zero stunt in less than 11 seconds. Its most impressive feat, however, is its time around the famed Nrburgring race circuit -- at seven minutes and 26.4 seconds, it holds the lap record for a production car. The key to the Corvette ZR1's motivation is its supercharged 6.2-litre pushrod V8 that's visible through the window in the hood. It puts out 638 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque, 90% of which is available anywhere between 2,600 and 6,000 rpm -- now that's what's called a torque plateau. Credit for the elevated output is the supercharger, which blows air into the engine at 10.5 psi, and the water-to-air intercooler, which drops the temperature of the incoming air charge by 78C before it is dumped into the engine. To maximize the ZR1's potential, the sports car was put on a diet. The entire chassis is constructed of aluminum and magnesium and the front fenders, roof panel and hood are made from carbon fibre. So, how much mass can carbon fibre cut? Believe it or not, the paint covering the front fender weighs more than the fender itself. The upshot is a world-class power-to-weight ratio -- each of the ZR1's stallions only has to motivate 2.36 kilograms of car. Around the track at General Motors' Milford Proving Grounds, the car pulled hard and fast almost without regard for gear selection or engine speed -- it is tactile beyond belief. As such, it's both an utter heathen and an absolutely sublime ride. That, however, only speaks to its pedal-to-the-metal prowess. Unlike so many supercars -- and the ZR1 is most assuredly a world-class supercar -- it is the model of civility when driven sedately. It also sounds the part. Under normal circumstances, the exhaust vents through the two outboard tailpipes. Hit the gas and, as the engine runs through 3,000 or so rpm, the two inboard pipes open as well. (The good news is that the vacuum motors are readily accessible, so fixing them in the open position is a snap.) When this happens, the exhaust note is glorious as the sound changes from slip by unnoticed to a guttural roar. The gearbox is just as easy to live with -- the twin clutch plates bring a light pedal that bites in the perfect position, and the gate is such that gears can be picked off with precision even when heel and toeing one's way around a race track. When it comes to handling, the ZR1 again succeeds. The two-mode Magnetic Selective Ride Control shocks change the damping characteristics in milliseconds so that compression and rebound damping are always right for the situation. Selecting the sport mode dials out just about all body roll and the response to steering input is lightning fast. Obviously, having the right rubber is just as important. The ZR1's P285/30R19 front tires and massive P335/25R20 rears deliver grip to spare. This exquisite combination gives the ZR1 picture-perfect track manners. Now, given its ability in this track environment, I was expecting the ride to be a little harsh. But, on regular roads, the ZR1 is comfortably compliant, especially when the comfort mode is selected. Naturally, there is a top-notch electronic stability/traction control system. It has four modes -- on, traction control off, competition (which allows the back end to wander more before the electronic nanny steps in) and completely off. The last position will quickly separate a fool from his shiny ZR1 if extreme care is not taken. That just leaves the brakes. In the ZR1's case, they are absolute monsters. Up front, the six-piston Brembo calipers clamp down on 15.5-inch ceramic rotors, while the rear uses four-piston calipers and 15-inch ceramic rotors. Drop the anchor and the ZR1 stops in 33 metres from 100 km/h. The beauty of the ceramic setup is simple: They work well when stone cold -- they work even better with some heat in them. This means that finding brake fade is like looking for hen's teeth. Inside, the base ZR1 is nicely attired. Move up to the optional interior and it becomes a work of art. The dash, doors, sport seats and centre console are all wrapped in leather (finished by Drexelmeir, the company that also outfits the Maybach). There's a better Bose audio package with a navigation system and niceties such as power tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment. It is an all-encompassing package that leaves but one other option -- chrome wheels. Turn the clock back to the late '60s when Chevrolet was planning to launch the King of the Road Corvette. Carroll Shelby found out that GM had not trademarked the name and claimed it for himself. Today, the King of the Road (KR) is attached to the back end of the Ford Mustang GT500KR. Driving the latest Vette has convinced me that, with all due respect to Ford and Shelby, the ZR1 is the real King of the Road. The ZR1 lists for $125,195, which is a lot more than the US$103,300 it sells for in the United States. Unfortunately, it seems as if Canadians are getting hosed again. Canwest News Service Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilmor Posted August 28, 2008 Report Share Posted August 28, 2008 It better be faster that the GT500KR...it's MSRP is over $20K more. But, I doubt that either one will ever sell at MSRP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of GT Posted August 28, 2008 Report Share Posted August 28, 2008 Comparisons between the two cars are inevitable, but the difference is price. Forget the M.S.R.P., advanced word is that no dealer will sell one for less than $200,000. All V.I.P. buyers are being taken care of at GM's corporate level, and about 150 of the first production cars have all been earmarked for V.I.P.'s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moabman Posted August 28, 2008 Report Share Posted August 28, 2008 Please, Please, Some one with a Ford GT in Europe, go to the ring and take that record away from the ZR-1! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AstroDan Posted August 28, 2008 Report Share Posted August 28, 2008 Please, Please, Some one with a Ford GT in Europe, go to the ring and take that record away from the ZR-1! +1 yes Have you seen the video of the lap? It truly is an impressive car! All American, too! :happy feet: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColdwaterHotrod Posted August 28, 2008 Report Share Posted August 28, 2008 The ZR-1 has a TVS S/C, all aluminum hydroformed frame & lots of carbon fiber body work. It's classified as a Supercar, not a sports car or a muscle car...... It's a true american Supercar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moabman Posted August 28, 2008 Report Share Posted August 28, 2008 Ahh! this is better :happy feet: Ford GT video at the Ring: Matech Ford GT Wins Good brakes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WP64 Posted August 30, 2008 Report Share Posted August 30, 2008 Ahh! this is better :happy feet: Ford GT video at the Ring: Matech Ford GT Wins Good brakes! Matech races Mustangs too, "Ford Racing has appointed Matech Concepts as the exclusive distributor of FIA homologated competition Mustangs, specifically the FR500GT3, in Europe and the commonwealth of Independent State (CIS). Based on the FR500GT, the car has been renamed to reflect the series it will compete in, namely the FIA GT3 European Championship." Matech Concepts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39Mustang Posted August 30, 2008 Report Share Posted August 30, 2008 Please, Please, Some one with a Ford GT in Europe, go to the ring and take that record away from the ZR-1! Well, if FORD would have given the Green light to the Shelby GR-1 concept, we all know who would have the record! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of GT Posted August 31, 2008 Report Share Posted August 31, 2008 Just in case anyone here cares, the first ZR-1 is being delivered to it's owner here in Los Angeles tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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