The wait is over and it is much worth it. The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 supercar is returning for the 2019 model year, and it is out to present a good challenge against current high-performance cars in the market. Aside from its very aggressive function-driven appearance, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 is also powered by a new exclusive supercharged V8 engine offering more than 700 horses on tap.
Chevrolet is resurrecting the ZR1 nameplate once more, signifying its intention to remain as one of the leaders in the supercar pack. By virtue of performance, the resurrected ZR1 lives up to its name as the new performance flagship of the Chevrolet brand. The previous ZR1 (Chevrolet Corvette C6) was powerful with its supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V8 engine delivering 638 hp (476 kW) of max output and a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).
Nonetheless, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 won’t lose after all as it has a more powerful engine under its hood. This is the main reason why Chevrolet dubbed the 2019 ZR1 as the fastest and most powerful production Corvette. This mill is the exclusive supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine officially dubbed as the LT5. This LT5 engine is designed to deliver the highest output so far for a Chevrolet production vehicle, as partly made possible by a new, more efficient intercooled supercharger that boasts of a displacement that is 52-percent larger than on the system found on the LT4 mill of the Corvette Z06. This is complemented by new dual-fuel-injection system employing primary direct injection and supplemental port injection. As a result, the new supercharged LT5 engine is able to deliver a whopping 755 hp (563 kW) of max output and 715 lb.-ft. (969 Nm) of peak torque (SAE-rated). Power is sent to the wheels through either a seven-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. Top speed of the Corvette ZR1 is pegged at over 210 mph.
To complement its powerful engine, the new Corvette ZR1 is provided with a new front fascia as well as a special carbon-fiber “halo” hood that is open in the middle. For further cooling needs, the new ZR1 is fitted with four new radiators for a total of 13 heat exchangers.
All ZR1 models come standard with downforce-enhancing front underwing. The new ZR1 could be also be availed in two aero packages -- a standard rear Low Wing and the optional adjustable High Wing. Customers seeking to achieve the highest top speed possible should go for the Low Wing package, which could generate up to 70 percent more downforce than the base aero package of the Z06. The downforce-optimized two-way adjustable High Wing -- part of the new ZTK Performance Package -- is suitable for customers aiming to achieve the quickest lap times. This feature allows the new ZR1 to generate 60% more downforce than a Z06 fitted with the Z07 Performance Package. The new ZTK Performance Package also includes a front splitter with carbon-fiber end caps, specific chassis and Magnetic Ride Control tuning as well as Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 summer-only tires.
On the other hand, the new Corvette ZR1 could be availed with the so-called Sebring Orange Design Package. This package wraps the 2019 Corvette ZR1 in Sebring Orange Tintcoat exterior finish, with its brake calipers, orange seat belts, interior stitching and rocker and splitter accent stripes all specified in orange finish. The package also features bronze aluminum interior trim.
As standard, the ZR1 comes with leather-trimmed seats, with available suede microfiber inserts. Nonetheless, further optional interior elements are available like the heated and vented Nappa leather-trimmed seats as well as a carbon fiber-rimmed steering wheel. Also available are competition sport seats, Performance Data Recorder and Bose premium audio system.
Unveiled at the 2017 Dubai Motor Show, the new 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be available to the public next spring.
