Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet
Fireblade concept makes for a hotter ZR1
We weren't really under the impression that the Corvette ZR1 was lacking anything. It's got the whole package - the power, looks, and even a (relatively) decent price tag. Apparently South African designer Idries Noah saw something much more and came up with his incredible design using the ZR1 as a platform. If you recognize the name, it's because Idries also came up with the unofficial Ferrari F250 Concept that we drooled over back in December. His latest design, dubbed the Fireblade, takes inspiration from the Stingray Corvette, Gillet Vertigo, and Shelby Daytona. Like the ZR1, it features the supercharged LS9 V8 displayed for the world to see under the clear portion of the hood. The result is a very attractive combination, and it's a shame that the car exists only in the digital world. Perhaps, like the Vandenbrink 599 GTO, enough people with excessive amounts of discretionary income will be interested in the design enough to consider a production version.
Gallery: Fireblade Concept by Idries Noah
[Source: SeriousWheels.com via WorldCarFans.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
geo.stewart 8:36AM (4/06/2008)
It looks like he shrunk the cabin and added mass. If so, then it is probably best left in the digital world.
The lines are nice if a bit exaggerated. I'd stcik with the production Vette as the best balance.
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Matty 2:12PM (4/06/2008)
It's hard to say whether or not he added mass. I imagine whatever materials go into creating those body panels and wheels will dictate the mass of the car. That being said, it's hard to argue with the styling of the car. I think the main draw of the ZR-1 is its supercar engine at sub-supercar price (100k is out of my price range, but more than affordable for someone pricing Gallardos and 911 Turbos). Still, you can't make the claim that the styling on the ZR-1 is particularly exciting. It still looks mostly like the base Corvette and its probably indistinguishable to anyone who isn't into cars (read: women). This remix of the design gives it true exotic styling to match its performance numbers. If they can also figure out a way to make it turn like a proper supercar, I don't see why anyone wouldn't want one. Of course, there would be a price jump; but, supercar performance and looks to match are not cheap.
Frank Boulton 10:06AM (4/06/2008)
It has it's share of creases, sharp corners and many angled lins doesn't it ?
I still prefer the real thing.
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wengleung 10:11AM (4/06/2008)
hawttt daymmm!
This thing makes the GT-R look dated!
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Mobius_1 10:19AM (4/06/2008)
That looks good! GM, Ford and Toyota and whoever else, HIRE THAT GUY!
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Quattrofan 12:53PM (4/06/2008)
your url is crap...
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Torrent 1:10PM (4/06/2008)
Now that I think about it, GM should have redesigned the Corvette before they released ZR-1. Now that they have released the ZR-1, (a legendary model, I guess) I'd say give it like 6-8 more years before a redesign. *sigh* This would make a nice Corvette though.
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meshies 1:52PM (4/06/2008)
it looks good from the rear 3/4 view. The front is trash.
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MadAsHell 4:09PM (4/06/2008)
This is idiotic. People are dazzled too easily these days by swoopy creases and angry eyes. Gone are mainstays like grace, fluidity, proportion, and coherence. It's as if you're all sitting behind your monitors chugging an energy drink and ranting about how EXXXTREME this car is. I find it ridiculous and offensive. More Vandenbrink, and less fourteen year olds who never moved beyond what they sketched in their algebra notebooks, please.
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jL 5:28PM (4/06/2008)
Could be me, but I see a little bit of the Chrysler Fire Power concept from certain angles. It also reminds me of something else I've seen before but can't quite recall...
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V9 10:28AM (4/06/2008)
Were you possibly thinking of this when you saw it?
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2000/october/summer/summerp1.asp
daz 5:44PM (4/06/2008)
I see Lotus somewhere in it. Although this design is unique and ultra modern looking, I don't think it fits the ZR1.
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Alex 8:22PM (4/06/2008)
Am I the only person on this forum that thinks that this thing is the fugliest thing ever created since Jocelyn Wildenstein? I mean, the side shots are Lotusy enough to be hot, and the rear is Ferrari enough to look sexy, but what the %#$@ happened to the front?!?!?
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Tim 1:58AM (4/07/2008)
It'll make a nice Hotwheels car.
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gozar 2:07AM (4/07/2008)
Hmmmm:
http://ufoseries.com/models/fostersCar98a.jpg
and
http://ufoseries.com/hardware/fostersCarWanda.jpg
(from the ufo tv series of the '60's)
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James 7:26AM (4/07/2008)
While I'm not convinced by the front either, there's nothing wrong with the stance, and the rear isn't half bad.
Could use a little refinement though, and I agree that there is some exaggeration, but come on, have you never seen what the drafts of actual production vehicles look like?
Exaggeration serves a purpose, it highlights what the designer thinks are the focal points of the design. Concept sketches are just that, and do not necessarily have to be possible or implementable from an engineering standpoint :)
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Rick 3:04PM (4/07/2008)
Wow, that's nasty aggressive in a nice way. Much better than the current boring designs in production.
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