Autoblog

Corvette ZR1 gets the cover of Gran Turismo PSP

Dan Roth — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet, Toys/Games

Corvette ZR1 Gran Turismo Screenshot - Click above for hi-res image gallery

Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi picks the image that goes on the cover of each breathlessly-awaited edition of the franchise. For the latest version of the game for the PSP, the Corvette ZR1 graces the box. Though he hails from Japan where there's many flavors of off-the-hook cars from the island's indigenous automakers, Yamauchi's got a love affair with American iron. "If you're looking for the optimum specs, layout, and styling in an FR car, it would be the ZR1," Yamauchi told Motor Trend. New screenshots of the ZR1 as it appears in Gran Turismo PSP have hit the web as well, fomenting worldwide desire.

The second American car to decorate a Gran Turismo box (the first being a Ford GT), the single Corvette image won out over a mock-up that included a Viper and a Mustang. It seems that while Gran Turismo gives gamers access to cars they may never see in the flesh, it does afford its maker the ability to poke around real examples of such awe-inspiring vehicles. For most GT fans, both new versions of the game and the cars that inhabit its digital simulations are the things of feverish dreams. The difference is that when the game finally drops, it will be obtainable.

Gallery: Corvette ZR1 in Gran Turismo PSP

[Source Motor Trend via GTPlanet]

Corvette ZR1 gets the cover of Gran Turismo PSP originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: GM reveals details on new Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet

Corvette C6.R GT2 - click above for high-res image gallery

After a decade of competing with the GT1 big dogs in the American Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this weekend marks the start of a new era for Corvette Racing. The race at Mid-Ohio this Saturday (we'll be on hand live) will mark the debut of the all-new GT2 Corvette C6.R. For the last two years, the Corvettes have run without any factory competition in the ALMS GT1 class, and with GT2 being where all the action is, Chevrolet has decided the time was ripe for a change.

The original GT1 C5R debuted in 1999, and in 2005, the team transitioned to the then-new C6.R body style. Over the years, competitors like the Dodge Viper, Aston Martin DBR9 and Ferrari 575 have come and gone, but the Vettes have soldiered on to fight the good fight. After farewell races at Sebring, Long Beach and Le Mans earlier this year, the GT1 cars have been retired. Mark Kent, GM Racing manager, Doug Fehan, Corvette Racing program manager, Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer, Johnny O'Connell, driver No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R all took part in a conference call today to discuss the move to GT2, and we were on the line Read all about it after the jump and check out the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: GM reveals details on new Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2

Officially Official: GM reveals details on new Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobile Magazine Announces 2009 All-Stars

Chris Shunk — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1

After what we're sure are thousands of miles driven and some undoubtedly heated round table debates, Automobile Magazine has chosen its 2009 All-Stars. The ten winners were chosen based upon attributes that include design, driving enjoyment, performance and value, with vehicles taken from a wide range of segments. This year's winners range from the econobox Honda Fit to the Audi R8, with the spaciously rectilinear Ford Flex somewhere in between. The Chevrolet Malibu was one of four vehicles to make the list for the second straight year, joined by the Corvette (this year in ZR1 trim), Volkswagen GTI and the trophy darling BMW 3-Series. With it's nod from Automobile, Jaguar's XF continues to bring home the hardware, with one tester calling it the best Jaguar sedan he's ever driven (not a stretch in our book). Other winners included the Porsche 911 and the stonking Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

Just like with Car and Driver's 10 Best list, the Nissan GT-R didn't make Automobile's All-Stars team - an interesting ommission considering that it was recently crowned their Automobile of the Year. (Note: no price cap got in the way of victory this time). In fact, the only Japanese model to make the cut was the Fit, while the Germans took home five spots. In all, we'd call the All-Stars a solid list, but we're more interested in hearing what you think. What's missing and what vehicle(s) need the boot?

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

[Source: Trading Markets]

Continue reading Automobile Magazine Announces 2009 All-Stars

Automobile Magazine Announces 2009 All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Jay Leno takes delivery of Corvette ZR1

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet

Click above to watch video after the jump

Jay Leno just picked up his new Corvette and posted a little video of its reception on Jay Leno's Garage. As you might expect based on some of his other vehicles, this isn't just any Corvette. No, it's a ZR1. Jay gives us a quick walk-around of the vehicle and points out the unique touches make this the most powerful Corvette ever. He even offers up some trivia, letting us in on the little known fact that the clearcoat used on the ZR1 costs $60,000/gallon. After the tour, Jay takes his newest addition out for a spin and shows off some of the steak behind the sizzle. Our favorite line? Jay tells us that repairs are relatively simple for the Corvette in his own unique way. Check out the vid after the jump to see what we're talking about. Thanks to everyone who sent in a tip!

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno takes delivery of Corvette ZR1

VIDEO: Jay Leno takes delivery of Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With GM on the brink, what will happen to the Corvette?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:18:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for our high-res ZR-1 burnout gallery

Some Corvette fans and avid forum members over at GM Inside News have already asked the unfathomable question of what automaker should take over the reigns of America's longest-running sports car if its parent company were to lose custody. Their answer, rather shockingly, was Toyota. We sure hope it doesn't come to that. Still, tough questions deserve thoughtful answers, and Motor Trend is asking away. Even if The General survives, what does the future hold for Team Corvette, which has seen its ranks diminished in the past few weeks with the loss of key players including Vehicle Line Executive Tom Wallace and John Heinricy, test-driver extraordinaire and director of the performance division?

With such important personalities retiring from the 'Vette project, one might wonder if GM's iconic performance car will lose out on planned development. That seems like a real possibility, but we need to realize that R&D funds may be better spent keeping the leaky company afloat, something that the Corvette isn't a major part of. At least there's an excellent, proven platform for the new team to build from.

Gallery: Covette ZR1 burnouts

[Source: Motor Trend]

With GM on the brink, what will happen to the Corvette? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For the kids: Help Mr. Stephens build a ZR1 engine

Dan Roth — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

For many, General Motors' Mr Stephens' Engine Shop online game is full of metallic looking stuff, none of it discernibly purposeful. What you're working with are extracted parts of the LS9 engine that powers the Corvette ZR1. Unless your ZR1 is in the shop for catastrophic engine failure, these components aren't usually seen out on their own. The General's little game has you correctly identify the major pieces and awards a prize after three rounds of correct answers (or lucky guesses). So many people, not just kids, are ignorant about the inner workings of the complex machine known as the car, so we applaud this effort to shed light on the mysteries that lie beneath the bodywork. Watch out for that fuel rail, we found it a little tricky to place. If anything, we're eager to get home and have the young ones begin learning auto anatomy. Thanks for the tip, Eden!

[Source: General Motors]

For the kids: Help Mr. Stephens build a ZR1 engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette ZR-1 knocks four seconds off 'Ring time

Michael Harley — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet

Click above for our high-res ZR-1 burnout gallery

Back at the Nürburgring, the hot Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 has just ripped four seconds off its claimed 7:26 lap. The new time, with Jan Magnussen at the wheel, is a claimed 7:22.4 for the full 12.93-mile loop. While the number is pretty bloody fast, it is still .3 seconds off the time earned by the Dodge Viper ACR (ouch, those three tenths really have to hurt!). We take these lap times with a grain of salt, as we've yet to see everyone on the 73-turn course under the same conditions, and with officially certified timing equipment. Again, so you don't have to Google the competition's best-claimed Ring times yourself, here they are: Porsche GT2 - 7:32, Nissan GT-R - 7:29, Corvette ZR1 - 7:22.4 and the Dodge Viper ACR - 7:22.1. Thanks for the tip, Xeyad!

Gallery: Covette ZR1 burnouts

[Source: Motor Gears]

Corvette ZR-1 knocks four seconds off 'Ring time originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette ZR1 to cost �109,000 in UK

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Chevrolet, UK

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Corvette ZR1

The car that Top Gear liked to drive, if not exactly to look at, has a price they definitely won't want to pay. At an on-the-road price of £109,000, the ZR1 costs nearly £48,000 pounds more than a Z06 in the UK. As if that weren't problematic enough, that price puts the left-hand-drive-only ZR1 £8,000 past the 911 Turbo and a colossal £55,000 beyond the GT-R Premium Edition. True, that's still the base GT-R, but Nissan has a whole lot of room to play with when it prices the V-Spec.

True as well, the price of the ZR1 also includes a driver training course and a 3-year / 60,000-mile warranty, which should count for something. Perhaps not £55,000, though. Luckily for Chevrolet UK, it will only have to sell two of them this year, and single digits in the years to come. You can read the full press release after the jump, and then decide if you'd rather have one lump of incredible American metal or a GT-R and a Swiss bank account.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Corvette ZR1 to cost �109,000 in UK

Corvette ZR1 to cost �109,000 in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette ZR1 dyno'd at 535 rwhp

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Supercars, Chevrolet

It always happens this way. Shortly after a new performance car is released to the public, it will find its way to a dyno shortly thereafter. When that new vehicle is the new performance king of the automotive world, aka the 2009 Corvette ZR1, our collective interest is piqued. So, how does it fare on the rollers? Two separate 'Vettes were tested, and the average output was about 535 horsepower at the rear wheels. After factoring in the normal 15-percent drivetrain losses for a rear-wheel drive car, that's pretty darn close to the claimed 638. After a bit of tinkering the team got that number up near 570, saying it's running a bit rich from the factory. Click here for the full graph.

Until the V-Spec GT-R is unveiled the ZR1's most natural competitor might be the normal Nissan GT-R; despite the pricing disparity between the two, they are the two most amazing performance bargains currently on the market. For what it's worth, the GT-R seems to be averaging about 420 horsepower at the wheels. Apples to oranges? Sure, but it's always fun to throw a little more fuel on the fire. If we didn't do it, you know it would come up in the comments. And so it will, have fun.

[Source: Corvette Blogger]

Corvette ZR1 dyno'd at 535 rwhp originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear reviews ZR1, hard to get past Corvette looks

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Chevrolet, UK

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Corvette ZR1

Let's not beat around any shrubbery with this: Top Gear magazine has reviewed the Corvette ZR1, and the quotes you need to know are, "The dynamics are better than an Aston DBS...," and "...[M]ake no mistake. What we have here is one of the truly great supercars."

Of course, there are caveats: it looks like a Corvette, the interior doesn't match those of its supercar rivals and the steering could use more feel. The latter quip is why you get other critiques like "...you don't get the precision of a 599." To have a UK magazine critique a Corvette against a 599 is probably the opposite of the insult it might appear to be on the surface. But don't take our word for it, follow the link and read for yourself how the ZR1 has "the performance and the chassis to match an SLR 722." It's not a bad way to start the week...

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

[Source: Top Gear]

Top Gear reviews ZR1, hard to get past Corvette looks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enter the Rumormill: 2012 C7 Corvette ZR1 with twin-turbo V6

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Chevrolet, Rumormill

While the world watches in awe as the Corvette ZR1 wretches the performance crown from its competitors, some people are already concerning themselves with its successor. How could GM possibly improve on its best 'Vette yet? Popular Mechanics speculated on what the 2012 Corvette could have in store, and some of the answers they've dug up are a bit surprising. Dual clutch gearboxes? Nope. Mid-engine? Nope. How about losing a few cylinders? Heresy! Before all of the V8 loyalists get their panties in a bunch, remember that you can do a lot with a twin-turbo six. While the Nissan GT-R is the latest example of huge pressure-induced horsepower from a six, the Jaguar XJ220 and past Noble efforts have proven the engine configuration more than adequate. While we don't have any problem with the idea of a high-boost 3.6-liter direct-injection sixer, we know that there's still plenty of room for a range-topping V8 engine and we feel confident that America's preeminent sportscar will soldier on with one -- at the very least -- as an option.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Enter the Rumormill: 2012 C7 Corvette ZR1 with twin-turbo V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1 [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:19:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Chevrolet, First Drive

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Last week, General Motors' Bowling Green, KY assembly plant began manufacturing the fastest, most powerful production Corvette in its 55-year history. We got our first official look at the 2009 Corvette ZR1 at the Detroit Auto Show in January and, at that time, Chevrolet officials hadn't finalized the numbers. Over the intervening months, GM continued to tease us with bits of information, including the ZR1's 205 mph top speed, 638 horsepower, 605 lb.-ft. of torque, and 7:26.4 lap time at the Nurburgring. Throughout all of this, we've been waiting patiently for one of the most anticipated invitations of 2008: the ZR1 First Drive.

That wait finally ended a few weeks ago when we got the call to arrive at GM's Milford Proving Grounds. All we needed was cooperative weather. As the sun crested the horizon on the appointed day, the darkened skies threatened to put the kibosh on our time with the King. But a few hours later, the clouds dissipated and the fun was officially underway.

UPDATE: Video of Corvette ZR1 on the Lutz Ring added after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1 [w/VIDEO]

First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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C4 Corvette ZR-1s gather for the coming out of their successors

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Chevrolet

Click the DR-1 above for a high-res gallery of the C4 ZR-1

At the coming out party for the new ZR1 Corvette last week at Milford Proving Grounds, General Motors decided to bring out a handful of ZR-1s (note the dash to distinguish it from the new model) from the first go around in the early '90s to remind us all of how far things have progressed in the past 18 years. The original ZR-1 was built from 1990-95 and, as with the new model, its engine was the heart of the car. In the late '80s when the ZR-1 was conceived, GM owned Lotus. The British sports car specialist designed the LT5 V8 specifically for the ZR-1. Aside from sharing bore spacing with the regular small-block, they had nothing else in common. The LT5 was an all-aluminum, dual overhead cam, 32 valve V8. At the time of its introduction, the motor had an output of 375 hp (eventually bumped to 405 hp in the last couple years of production), which was huge for the day, though tame by today's standards.

Unfortunately, the C4 Corvette wasn't a great car to start with. Even with the beefed up sills that were added to to the convertible, the C4 wasn't particularly rigid. The car rode hard and the huge clam-shell hood quivered constantly on anything but glass smooth pavement. While the expensive ZR-1 never sold in huge numbers, it did spawn some interesting derivatives that GM keeps in its Heritage Collection. Among the ones brought to Milford were one of the active suspension prototypes. These used a fully active hydraulic suspension system with no springs, but the hydraulics reportedly consumed upwards of 40 hp. One unique car from the collection is the DR-1 (above). This was the only ZR-1 convertible ever built and was produced for Don Runkle (hence the DR), who at the time was chief engineer at Chevrolet. The other three cars were stock ZR-1s of various vintages.

Check back here at 12:01 AM EST for our First Drive of the new Corvette ZR1.

Gallery: Corvette C4 ZR-1

C4 Corvette ZR-1s gather for the coming out of their successors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog drives the 2009 Corvette ZR1! (but we can't talk about it yet)

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:29:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Chevrolet, First Drive

Click above for high-res gallery of our ride in the Corvette ZR1

Chevrolet officially kicked off series production of the 2009 Corvette ZR1 at its Bowling Green KY assembly plant this week and decided to celebrate by inviting the media out to drive the new "King of the Hill". Since there are still several more waves of writers scheduled to drive the cars over the next week, we can't tell you what we thought of how it drives just yet. We can, however, share some photos of the cars we drove today around the Lutz-ring at General Motors' Milford Proving Ground. Stay tuned next Wednesday, August 20 for our full evaluation. In the meantime, enjoy the gallery and refresh your memory with our intro to the ZR1 from earlier this year.

Related:

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

Autoblog drives the 2009 Corvette ZR1! (but we can't talk about it yet) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM releases pics of Corvette ZR1 lapping 'Ring

John Neff — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Chevrolet

Click above for high-res gallery of the Corvette ZR1 with new pics

The stats we throw around when comparing cars has remained the same for years. A car's 0-60 mph time and top speed are the two most well known, but this year a new stat has emerged that tells us more about a car's overall abilities than just mashing the accelerator would. It's the lap time of the Nürburgring, and you're just not a contender for supercar of the year until you've done it. The Nissan GT-R really brought attention to this statistic when it began impressing spy photogs who watched it slither around the 'Ring all through its development. Then the GT-R posted a blistering 7:29 lap time. The stat was further thrust into the spotlight when a Corvette engineer promised that Nissan would not hold the record for long. And it didn't. On June 27th, the Corvette ZR1 ran the 'Ring in 7:26.4 to take the crown. While we've watched video of the ZR1's fast lap over and over, we haven't enjoyed any professoinal images of the ZR1 running the Nürburgring yet, until today. GM has just released four new photos of a production ZR1 on the famous German track, and while these aren't pics of the record run, they still show a ZR1 on the 'Ring and that's enough to become our next desktop wallpaper. Check out all the new pics in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

[Source: GM]

GM releases pics of Corvette ZR1 lapping 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Journos flog the ZR-1

Dan Roth — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet

We've all watched the video of Mr. Mero's fantastic ride around the Nurburgring in the Corvette ZR1; not even the horrid compression that YouTube serves up could ruin the sound of a force-fed LS-series V8. Rides are nice, and we'd hop right on in for adrenaline therapy, but what we want to do is drive the Super-'Vette. 0-60 Magazine shares our thinking, so they stuck their own shoe, Thomas Lyman, behind the wheel and sent him off around Milford. It looks like it was awesome, but everybody's keeping mum until the embargo lifts on August 20th. The video does a pretty good job of speaking for itself. Putting words in our future-mouths, our first impression is likely to go something like "holy mother of pearl!" repeated several times while breathing into a paper bag.

[Source: 0-60]

Continue reading VIDEO: Journos flog the ZR-1

VIDEO: Journos flog the ZR-1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 gets time on the track at Milford Proving Grounds

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Corvette ZR1.

Motive was invited out to the Milford Proving Grounds yesterday to sample GM's latest and greatest Corvette, the ZR1. Thankfully, the online pub was smart enough to mount a camera inside the 638 hp uber-Vette and captured video of Jim Mero, chief engineer and the man that lapped the ZR1 around the Nurburgring in 7:26.4, caning the coupe though the General's test track.

Hit the jump to check it out.

Thanks for the tip Mark.

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Continue reading VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 gets time on the track at Milford Proving Grounds

VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 gets time on the track at Milford Proving Grounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Birthing an LS9

Dan Roth — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

Automobile Magazine was invited into General Motors Performance Build Center to watch and lightly assist in the buildup of a ZR-1's internal combustion heart. It takes four-and-a-half hours of real time to go from a bare block to a fire-breathing, supercharged LS9, but through the magic of sped-up video, it only takes seven minutes of your life. You won't come away with anything productive for that time, unlike the people in the video, who get the pleasure of creating a small-block V8, but it's a neat picture of how it all comes together. We just hope that some other poor sucker gets the motor that the magazine intern fiddled with. Video posted after the jump.

[Source: Automobile]

Continue reading VIDEO: Birthing an LS9

VIDEO: Birthing an LS9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Corvette ZR1 attacking the Nurburgring

John Neff — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Supercars, Chevrolet

Click above for high-res gallery of ZR1 on the 'Ring spy shots

Corvette Chief Engineer (and Autoblog commenter) Tadge Juechter said last week that the new ZR1 "will be able to take the production-car track record at any racetrack" and should lap the famed Nurburgring race track in Germany in "seven minutes, twenty-something seconds." Considering Nissan just posted a new official lap time of 7:29 for the GT-R and that the GT-R V-Spec is reportedly clicking off laps in 7:25, them sounds like fightin' words. Well, the ZR1 is officially being flogged around the Ring as we speak, though no one has yet to report a lap time for this gorgeous red prototype that was spotted by KGP photographers. BridgetoGantry.com reports that yesterday there was a helicopter over the track "chasing something that sounded very V8 and awfully supercharged," so perhaps lap times will soon be forthcoming. We imagine the supercharged LS9 V8's 628 horsepower and the ZR1's 205-mph top speed will not disappoint.

Gallery: Corvette ZR1 on the 'Ring - spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Corvette ZR1 attacking the Nurburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 May 2008 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: ZR1 hits GM Style stage with Jeff Gordon behind the wheel

Chris Shunk — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 12:52:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

GM reached a climax of the senses with its Corvette ZR1 introduction at the GM Style kickoff to the 2008 NAIAS. Kid Rock was singing about the Motor City while Jeff Gordon drove in the ZR-1 on stage. The General threw in some scantily clad women and flashing lights for good measure, and the crowd of 1,500 was on its feet. We were there too, with camera rolling. Hit the jump to view the ZR1's grand entrance. Don't get too disappointed that the GM execs are blocking the view of the company's $100,000 supercar, as the super Vette gets elevated 15 feet in the air on a giant pedestal about halfway through the video.

Continue reading VIDEO: ZR1 hits GM Style stage with Jeff Gordon behind the wheel

VIDEO: ZR1 hits GM Style stage with Jeff Gordon behind the wheel originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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