click above for brand new images of the Corvette ZR1
General Motors invited Autoblog down to its design dome at the Warren, MI Tech Center to have a look at a couple of the vehicles that will be displayed at the Detroit Auto Show next week. Fortunately, it was one of those rare instances where they allowed us to bring in cameras and we took full advantage. One of the two vehicles on display was the recently-unveiled Corvette ZR1. At the time, there was some controversy in our comments about certain design elements of the ZR1, including the window in the hood, the side vents, the carbon fiber and the wheels. We had the opportunity to talk with Corvette Exterior Design Manager Kirk Bennian at the design dome and ask him about all of your concerns. Before you all get riled up, the car we were allowed to photograph was not mechanically correct, but rather a standard Z06 used by the design staff to test out exterior parts. That means it doesn't have the carbon brake disks and there's an LS7 under the plastic window instead of the new LS9. For all of you who thought the ZR1 badges on the previous press photos looked cheesy and tacked on, that's because they were. The proper badges weren't available yet when GM did its original photo shoot. This car does have the proper badges. View our video tour and interview with Kirk after the jump.[Source: General Motors]
Reader Spy: Chevy Volt caught on set of Transformers 2
Spy Shot: Production interior of Chevy Volt (maybe)
Rumormill: Lexus LF-A... Stillborn?
Ford reveals 2010 Mustang badge
REPORT: Chrysler may sell Dodge Viper rather than kill it
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Nissan Murano
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Dodge Journey R/T
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Jeep Compass Sport 4x2
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Porsche Carrera S
First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Zerk @ Jan 11th 2008 4:47PM
What color is that? I'd like to order that color on regular Corvette.
J. D. Billiford @ Jan 11th 2008 5:15PM
>>> That is a nice color indeed. Simply georgous!
Jonny @ Jan 11th 2008 6:36PM
Wow..
I was looking at it and I had a funny feeling come over me.
Then i realized what it was
I forgot to breathe
Russell @ Jan 11th 2008 10:41PM
A pair of hair-dryers would have been so much sweeter.
Its not like this thing lacks torque down low anyway.
narcszm @ Jan 12th 2008 3:32PM
Looks like a new version of Spiral Grey, of not Spiral Grey.
Does anyone know why this thing is sporting iron rotors?
I thought it was "Carbon Ceramic FTW!"
Steven @ Jan 11th 2008 4:52PM
hubba hubba. My only gripe is that the rear tire/wheel does not fill out the fender well. There's a huge gap all around that looks like it's in need of a taller profile tire.
TBlueMax @ Jan 11th 2008 7:07PM
This is likely an artifact of the camera angle in the video and would not be nearly as exaggerated unless you were laying flat on your back about 2 feet from the rear wheel looking up into the wheel well. I suspect when you're standing next to the rear wheel (whether you're 4' tall or 7' feet tall), it wouldn't be an issue.
TBlueMax @ Jan 11th 2008 7:09PM
...and yes, the tire sidewall looks like they stretched a black rubberband around the rim. Thank god for that active suspension as it doesn't look like there's any flex in the tire.
Joshua @ Jan 11th 2008 4:53PM
Not to be a total Internet jerk, but... Jeez Autoblog, way to wuss out. Why didn't you get his reaction to the obvious complaints about the bubble window? i.e. why have a cheesy lexan window just so we can see a plastic engine dressup plate. I mean it's freaken ridiculous. It makes a mockery of the whole car, that's to say it would... if the car weren't so damn awesome.
Ark @ Jan 11th 2008 5:06PM
Its the intercooler, not a plastic cover. Nothing fake about an intercooler, but I think its a bit unnecessary since it doesn't add any power or have any functionality.
Kiiks @ Jan 11th 2008 6:25PM
How about a nice wet carbon fiber hood to go with the gorgeous paint and nix the lexan? Can that be a factory option? Hell maybe even a big fiber touring wing and put that sucker straight in to GT and see how it does?
mbarnard07 @ Jan 11th 2008 6:57PM
What plastic engine cover? the grey "plastic" you see is the intercooler for the S/C and has absolutely no plastic covering it, yes there is plastic on the side, but the big hunk in the middle is pure metal... i honestly wish some people would do research before posting incorrect information
why not the LS2LS7? @ Jan 11th 2008 8:53PM
To add to Ark's comments, it doesn't add power or functionality, nor does it look particularly good, as evidenced by the fact that lots of people think it's a plastic cover!
There should be an option for all-body colored hood.
Eric @ Jan 11th 2008 9:40PM
Actually, it sounded like from the interview that the clear cover gave it a little room of clearance. If they didn't have the clear cover the cowl would have been higher up. In my book that counts at functionality.
Joshua @ Jan 11th 2008 10:26PM
A piece of aluminum with cosmetic shapes stamped onto it counts as engine dress-up to me. Okay you got me... I didn't realize it's metal and that it happens to be the top of the intercooler box. Fortunately for me in this case my ignorance does nothing to lessen my point. :) The shapes and associated trim aren't functional, they're just ... pretty?
Corvette are developing a great rep as raw form-follows-function track weapons. This just doesn't fit.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Jan 11th 2008 11:36PM
So the metal has to be there, but GM foolishly stamped an attractive shape into it? You'd better not look at the wheels then, because right in the middle of those functional rubber donuts are chunks of metal that are also needlessly carved into attractive shapes.
Jeff @ Jan 12th 2008 2:39PM
Eric, now how exactly is a second seperate piece going to allow for extra clearance? More than just continuing the fiberglass over that area? I call BS. It's simply unnecessary bling.
L.WOOD @ Jan 11th 2008 4:56PM
This constant recycling of names from the past has gotten really old. ZR1? Been there, done that. This is an ass kicking car with an attitude. It needs a name that evokes ass kicking and the attitude that goes with it. Evoking real America, they could call it "Dirty Chevy", "The Big Bopper", "The Sultan of Swift", something like that..........
why not the LS2LS7? @ Jan 11th 2008 8:55PM
Either you like GM's RPO code strategy of naming or you don't. It's a tradition on GM muscle cars and Corvettes (and growing on trucks), so I think you'll have to get used to it.
B-Rad @ Jan 11th 2008 4:59PM
I giggled at one point during the video. While hearing the guy talk, you could see him walking around behind the car. Kinda funny.
BTW awesome color! I don't want a blue one, I want that charcoal/gray/or whatever that is color! I feel like a fanboy....