Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1

"ZR1" redirects here. For the Chevrolet Corvette C4 ZR-1 with the Lotus-designed DOHC engine, see Chevrolet Corvette C4, section "ZR-1".

Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 "Blue Devil"

Corvette ZR1 at 08 NAIAS
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	2009-present
Assembly	Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
Class	Sports car
Layout	FMR layout
Platform	Chevrolet Y-body
Engine	6.2 L (378.3 cu in) LS9 V8 supercharged
Transmission	6-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,685 mm (105.7 in)
Length	4,476 mm (176.2 in)
Width	1,928 mm (75.9 in)
Height	1,244 mm (49.0 in)
Curb weight	1,515 kilograms (3,340 lb)
Related	Bertone Mantide

The Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 is a high performance version of the Chevrolet Corvette C6. Both the C3 from 1969–1971 and C4 Corvettes from 1990-1995 had ZR-1 models. However, the C6 variant is officially labeled as the "ZR1" while previous variants had a hyphen between the ZR and 1, as in "ZR-1".

Components

Engine design

The Corvette ZR1 engine is a heavily modified version of the LS3, designated the LS9. Producing 638 hp (476 kW; 647 PS) and 604 ft·lbf (819 N·m) of torque, it is the most powerful production Corvette to date. The LS9 has a sixth-generation Eaton TVS R2300 roots 4-lobe supercharger with intercoolers from Behr, utilizing an air-to-water, dual-brick design. The supercharger's four-lobe design offers improved efficiency over three-lobe models. To avoid changes to the hood appearance, the supercharger's output was split into two halves. Each cylinder bank has an intercooler.

The cylinder walls of the LS3 are thicker than the Z06's LS7 since the LS3 has a smaller bore. Oil squirters under each piston help cool the pistons and cylinder walls are used for the first time in a production Corvette. Connecting rods and the inlet valve are made of titanium. Heads are made from a special heat resistant aluminum alloy. The camshaft lift was reduced from the LS7's to improve idle quality. With the addition of the supercharger to the 6.2 liter LS9, the higher lift camshaft was no longer necessary to achieve horsepower targets.

Lubrication is provided by an improved version of the LS7's dry sump system. The new system increases oil capacity from 8.0 to 10.5 quarts (9.94 liters). A new dual gerotor oil pump increases scavenge performance and oil pressure, enabling oil to be delivered under the most extreme conditions. Due to the increased pressure, the Ultraguard Gold UPF48R oil filter is required. The LS7 oilpan is used for the LS9 with the addition of an oil cooler which is mounted on the left side of the pan.

With the 2011 model, GM offers the optional "Corvette Engine Build Experience," where the customer visits the General Motors’ Performance Build Center to help assemble the LS9 for the ZR1 purchased. Factory technicians supervise the process and the normal warranty covers the engine built by the customer's hands.^[1]

Transmission

The ZR1 flywheel has been improved over the 2008 Z06. The flywheel was upgraded by going from six to a nine bolt design and cutting off nearly 9.8 ounces (278 grams) for improved throttle response and acceleration.

The transmission is a 6-speed manual Tremec TR6060 with a MH3 gearset. The 2008 Z06 featured the MM6 gearset. Top speed is achieved in 6th gear.^[2]

Differential/drive

The differential is a limited slip with carbon and steel plates. The differential uses SAE 5W-80 Dexron LS lubricant.

The two half shafts have different diameters (33mm left, 40mm right), designed to prevent resonance during acceleration and reduce the chances of wheel hop occurring.

Production

Production vehicles are hand assembled in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The ZR1 engines are built at the General Motor Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan.

Ride control

The name of the ride control system is Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC). MSRC is provided by Delphi Automotive Systems from technology invented by the GM Research Laboratories. The system uses two modes of control: Tour and Sport.

The system offers standing start launch modifications. When launching the ZR1 from a standing start, the shocks are completely softened on launch and stiffened on rebound. The softened shocks on launch aid the ZR1 by allowing weight to transfer to the rear, aiding traction. The ride control standing launch modifications are designed to minimize bounce.

Suspension

The ZR1 features a double-wishbone suspension system and Magnetic Selective Ride Control—which adjusts shock-absorber damping in real time to either "Tour" or "Sport" mode.^[3]

The MSRC shocks are automatically adjusted based on driving conditions and vehicle dynamics (cornering, braking, etc) for optimal handling. The system is adjusted every millisecond to provide sharp handling during spirited driving, and a smooth ride while cruising.

^[4]

The new high-end magnetic suspension system enables the ZR1 to deliver great handling and grip to achieve 1.10 g of average lateral acceleration.^[5]

Chassis/body

Right rear 3/4 view of Corvette ZR1

The chassis, similar to the 2008 Z06, is made of aluminum. To cut weight, many panels are made of carbon fiber. Panels made of carbon fiber are the fenders, hood, roof, splitter, and rocker extensions. To prevent the sun from damaging the binder in the exposed carbon fiber composite body panels, panels are protected with a clear-coating.^[6]

The rear wheels are the largest ever mounted on a production Corvette with 335/25 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires on 20 in (510 mm) wheels.

The official curb weight of the 2009 ZR1 was released to be 3,352 lb (1,520 kg).

Clutch

The 260 mm (10 in) ZF-Sachs twin-plate clutch supplants Z06's 290 mm (11 in) single-plate unit to reduce inertia for better shift feel. The lower clamping force reduces clutch-pedal effort. The clutch upgrade is considered a dramatic improvement over the unit employed within the Z06.

Brakes

The front brake rotors are similar carbon ceramic design as those employed in the Ferrari FXX track car, the difference being a diameter reduction from 15.75 in (400 mm) to 15.5 in (390 mm) for added wheel clearance. The front calipers are Brembo 6-piston units.

Rear calipers are Brembo 4-piston units. The rear brakes are 15 in (380 mm) carbon ceramic rotors, originally employed as the Enzo Ferrari's front rotors. Same as those used in the BMW M3 GTS.

Both front and rear pads have twice the contact area of the Z06's, as well as the addition of brake pad wear sensors. The brake master cylinder, booster, ABS unit and system controller are now sourced from Bosch in place of Delphi.

As a result, the ZR1 will stop from 60 mph (97 km/h) in a current production car record breaking 96 feet (29.3 m).

Ignition

Coil packs are identical to those used on the LS3. The coil packs are mounted on the valve covers.

Fuel system

A unique fuel pressure regulator varies pressure between 36.3 psi (250 kPa) and 87.0 psi (600 kPa) depending on rpm.

Identification

Hood window of ZR1

The ZR1 features blue badges, engine valve covers, and brake calipers. The hood contains a polycarbonate window which allows the intercooler to be viewable.^[6] Doors and rear body are from the 2008 Z06. A larger than previous model spoiler spans the top rear bumper. Functional fender vents provide engine cooling. The lettering "LS9 Supercharged" can be viewed on top of the plastic supercharger cover through the hood window.

Specifications

Estimated

• Displacement: V8 6.162 L (376.0 cu in) w/ (Eaton) TVS Supercharger & Intercooler.
• Horsepower: 638 bhp (476 kW; 647 PS) at 6500 rpm
• Torque: 604 ft·lbf (819 N·m)
• Bore: 103.25 mm (4.065 in)
• Stroke: 92.0 mm (3.62 in)
• Compression: 9.1:1
• Supercharger maximum boost: 10.5 psi (0.7 bar)
• Redline: 6600 rpm
• Clutch: 260 mm (10 in)
• Final Drive Ratio: 3.42
• 1st gear ratio: 2.29
• 1st gear top speed: 106 km/h (66 mph)
• 2nd gear top speed: 155 km/h (96 mph)
• 3rd gear top speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)
• 6th gear ratio: 0.67
• Wheel size front: 19 in (480 mm) diameter by 10 in (250 mm) width
• Wheel size rear: 20 in (510 mm) diameter by 12 in (300 mm) width
• Tire size front: 285/30R-19
• Tire size rear: 335/25R-20
• Brakes front: Brembo 15.5 in (390 mm)
• Brakes rear: Brembo 15.0 in (380 mm)
• Front/rear balance: 52/48
• Curb weight: estimated 3,352 lb (1,520 kg)
• 0-60 mph (97 km/h): 3.3^[5]
• Top speed: 205 mph (330 km/h)^[7]
• Quarter mile (~400 m) time: 11.2^[5]
• Quarter mile speed: est. 135 mph (217 km/h)
• Production: 2000 units per year (estimated)
• Price: US$111,120 to US$121,100
• Lateral acceleration: 1.10 g (average) ^[5]

Awards and recognition

• 2009 Performance Car of the Year, Top Gear^[8]
• Best New Cars of 2009, About.com Cars^[9]
• Automotive Journalist and Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson's Car of the Year Award.^[10]
• Achieved a Nordschleife lap time of 7 minutes and 26.4 seconds making it one of the fastest production cars to lap the circuit.^[11] / Inc., Quarter Mile time of 10.89 Sec..
• The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 was tested at the Nurburgring by Jim Mero on June 9th, 2011. It was a base specification car with optional super-slick DOT track competition tires (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure) and non-stock safety equipment. It recorded a time of 7:19.63 (Video confirmed), the 5th-best time ever for a production vehicle.^{[citation needed]}
• Achieved the fastest recorded speed for a production car on the Bonneville Salt Flats of 176.54 mph (284.11 km/h) driven by Jeremy Clarkson of the BBC TV Show Top Gear.^{[citation needed]}

References

1. ^ Build Your Own Engine Option Offered to Corvette Enthusiasts GM news release 2010-07-12. Accessed 2010-08-31.
2. ^ White, Mark. "Top Speed 2010 ZR 1". mark white. http://www.streetfire.net/video/zr1-210-mph-top-speed-run-top-gear_2085983.htm. 
3. ^ "2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Reviews, Pictures and Prices". U.S. News Rankings and Reviews. http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Chevrolet_Corvette-ZR1/. Retrieved 2009-10-18. 
4. ^ "2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - Specifications, Pictures, Prices". Leftlanenews.com. http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-corvette-zr1.html. Retrieved 2009-10-18. 
5. ^ ^{a b c d} "2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 vs. 2008 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano - Specs - Comparison". Motor Trend. 2007-02-26. http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/112_0901_chevrolet_corvette_ferrari_599_gtb_comparison/specs.html. Retrieved 2009-10-18. 
6. ^ ^{a b} "2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1:Revealed, Officially!". Jalopnik.com. http://jalopnik.com/cars/detroit-auto-show/2009-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-revealed-officially-334923.php. Retrieved 2010-09-15. 
7. ^ "2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1". Top Speed. http://www.topspeed.com/cars/chevrolet/2009-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-ar49296.html. Retrieved 2010-03-21. 
8. ^ Tutor, Chris (2008-11-30). "GM UK takes two Top Gear awards". Autoblog. Weblogs, Inc.. http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/30/gm-uk-takes-two-top-gear-awards/. Retrieved 2008-12-01. 
9. ^ "About.com Cars Best New Cars of 2009". http://cars.about.com/od/whatscomingin2009/tp/bestnewcarsof2009.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-01. 
10. ^ "Jeremy Clarkson Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 review | Driving". London: Times Online. 2008-12-28. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article5400290.ece. Retrieved 2009-07-14. 
11. ^ Lavrinc, Damon (2008-06-27). "Gauntlet thrown: Corvette ZR1 laps the 'Ring in 7:26.4". Autoblog. Weblogs, Inc.. http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/gauntlet-thrown-corvette-zr1-laps-the-ring-in-7-26-4/. Retrieved 2008-07-29. 

• Bailey, Shaun (February 2008). "2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1". Road & Track. http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=7&article_id=6298 
• "Chevrolet Corvette ZR1". LeftLaneNews.Com. 2007-12-19. http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-corvette-zr1.html 

External links

• 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 official site
• 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 official site
• Motor Trend's preview of the ZR-1