Corvette ZR-1 Sets New Record at Nurburgring

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 07-15-2008, 05:30 PM

Corvette ZR-1 Sets New Record at Nurburgring

With development engineer Jim Mero behind the wheel, the ZR1 paced the Nrburgring in a time of 7:26.4 besting the lap of a Nissan GT-R if 7:29 run earlier this year.
Except for some communications and safety gear the ZR1 was totally stock and setup exactly like the ones that will be going on sale. Check out the video below and the official numbers and specs that were released by GM.
Watch the Record-Setting Hot Lap

The official Corvette ZR1 numbers are in and they're good:
* $103,300 MSRP (including $850 destination charge)
* EPA-estimated fuel economy of 14 city and 20 highway
* 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds
* 0-100 mph in 7.0 seconds
* Quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.3 seconds at 131 mph
The Corvette ZR1 also has a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), making it the fastest Corvette ever produced and ranking it among the global super cars of commensurate performance. None of those other super cars, however, equals the ZR1's performance-per-dollar ratio.
"The ZR1 is an incredible machine by any measure," said Ed Peper, North American Vice President, Chevrolet. "There's simply no other vehicle in the world that does a better job of balancing performance, price and fuel economy."
Performance Perspective
The Corvette ZR1's 0-60 performance is 0.3-second quicker than the already-quick Corvette Z06 and the 0-100-mph performance is nearly a full second quicker - 7 seconds vs. the Z06's 7.9 seconds. It is performance that is equal to or better than many super cars costing substantially more.
"A favorable power-to-weight ratio gives the ZR1 an advantage over the competition and performance that has to be experienced to fully appreciate," said Tom Wallace, Corvette chief engineer. "Of course, on a racetrack, drivers of competitors' cars may appreciate the ZR1 in a whole different manner."
And the racetrack isn't the only place where the ZR1 trumps its super-car competitors - it beats them at the gas pump, too. According to fueleconomy.gov, the ZR1's EPA-rated 14 city and 20 highway mileage ratings beat 2008 competitors such as the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (11 city / 15 highway); the Lamborghini Murcielago (8 city / 13 highway) and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage (12 city / 19 highway). They're competitive with the Dodge Viper (13 city / 22 highway) and the Porsche 911 GT3 (15 city / 22 highway).
Under the Carbon-Fiber Hood
A new LS9 6.2L supercharged small-block engine powers the ZR1's performance capability. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components support high-rpm performance, while a new, sixth-generation supercharger (and complementing charge-cooling system) helps the LS9 make big power and torque across the rpm range. The engine is hand-assembled at GM's Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Mich.
In addition to the LS9 engine, the ZR1 is a technology powerhouse, designed with lightweight and unique components that reinforce its performance with a confidant feel on either a highway or road course.
Options
The standard ZR1 comes with accoutrements based on the Z06, including lightweight seats and lightweight content. The available uplevel interior package includes power-adjustable, heated and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); side air bags; Bose premium audio system; navigation system; Bluetooth connectivity; power telescoping steering column; custom leather-wrapped interior available in four colors and more. Chrome wheels are the only other available option on the ZR1. Detailed pricing noted below.
* $103,300 Base MSRP including destination
* $1,700 Gas guzzler tax
* $10,000 Option package
* $2,000 Chrome wheels

Photo Gallery: GM's New Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 Sets Lap Record Nurburgring

Read More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

More...