There wasn't much more that we needed to get extremely excited for the holidays other than the news announced at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show recently. This was the time and place that Chevy announced the brand new ZR1 variant, which is going to have the almighty claim of the fastest production Corvette ever made. It's scheduled to go on sale during spring of 2018, and we just wanted to key you in on some of the details. Since the very first generation in 1953, the 'Vette has been an iconic symbol of excellent craftsmanship, agility, and flair. Here among the staff at Jim Butler in St Louis, one of our favorite moments took place in 2012: During the Indianapolis 500, Guy Fieri showcased the very first Corvette C6 ZR1 pace car.
Under the hood is a wildly powerful engine: The GM LT5 is a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 making 755 horsepower, as well as dishing up 715 lb-ft of torque. The true thrill addicts out there will love that there is a 7-speed manual transmission available, as well as it is the first time that an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic is offered. Getting from 0 to 60 in less than 3 seconds, it will be not by any means coming from “the slower side” of the camp.
The ZTK Performance Package is where things really get exciting, especially for anyone who wants the frequent trek to the track. Here is where you get to nab great additives like Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tires, carbon fiber and caps, an enhanced front air splitter, and a much higher rear wing. Closely-taut adjustments to the chassis and Magnetic Ride Control that is optimized for cornering are other features this breakneck-speed lover's upgrade will leave you equipped with.
Even in the base from, it will be simple to discern the ZR1 from any other Corvette in the C7 genre. Massive vents and spoilers are part of the raw and modern characteristics had here, and the nicely untamed appearance they provide is actually a useful element that creates downforce. This provides the opportunity for better grip, even at the highest-octane of speeds. There is an option for an available high wing that creates 950 lbs of downforce, allowing for the maximum amount of grip for the turns of any demanding track.
Even though we are getting to the time of year where colder temperatures have temporary control of the calendar, lowering the top is one of the features you can look forward to: for the first time since the original ZR1 in 1970, the convertible option is there for the instances where the kiss of the sun is necessary. The brand legend is truly “living on” as far as the Corvette is concerned: we could not be more excited about 2019's version of this valiant track and road contender!
