Corvette Generations:

C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8

Corvette: Year by Year

1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963
1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974
1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Supercar
Status

Technology

Go Fast,
Museum Sinkhole

Engine
Parts

Specs

2009 Corvette C6 ZR1
Weight Savings and Aerodynamics

The ZR1 is based on the aluminum Z06 chassis, and like the Z06, is available as a coupe only. The roof is not removable. The ZR1 has more weight, due to the added supercharger and other items. This necessitated more weight saving measures, including a carbon-fiber roof. Since carbon-fiber breaks down in natural sunlight, a special and expensive clearcoat was necessary. The hood and front fenders are also carbon-fiber. Final weight of the ZR1 is approximately 3,350 pounds, which compares to the Z06 weight of 3,132 pounds.

Other distinctive ZR1 styling cues (besides that wonderful hood window!) include (above left) a chin splitter which channels air to the right places, (right) front fender vents which allow hot air to exit and (below) rocker panel trim and rear spoiler aerodynamic aids. The rear spoiler is body color painted; the chin splitter and rocker are unpainted carbon fiber. All items were wind tunnel tested for high speed stability.

Click here for 2009 Corvette, ZR1 slideshow

The ZR1 is available in seven exterior colors, including: Black, Velocity Yellow Tintcoat, Victory Red, Atomic Orange Metallic, Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and two new colors - Blade Silver Metallic and Cyber Gray Metallic.

There will be a blue theme in all ZR1s, said to be in deference to the Blue Devils, Duke University's sports teams. Duke is former GM CEO Rick Wagoner's Alma Mater, so there may be some truth to the early rumors that the new super Corvette would be formally known as the "Blue Devil". Blue can be seen in the engine cover (right), all four brake calipers, and in the "1" in the ZR1 badging (per door sill below).

Above: 2009 Corvette ZR1 in Cyber Gray Metallic and (below) in Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat.

The interior of the ZR1 will be similar to the Z06, including the lightweight seats. Only two options will be available on the ZR1: Chrome wheels and a luxury package. The uplevel interior package includes unique, power-adjustable and leather-trimmed sport seats (embroidered with the ZR1 logo); custom, leather-wrapped interior available in four colors; navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and more.