Chevrolet's 200+MPH 2009 ZR1 / LS9 Corvette Art Print

The Internet rumor mill worked three shifts for nearly two years on the recently introduced ‘09 ZR1. Fuzzy spy photos kept fans stoked, while all sorts of colorful names were bandied about. The buzz was that the Corvette team was hard at work on a new super-Vette. The only solid information was that the car would be based on the existing Z06. Everything else was up for delicious speculation. Automotive bloggers and magazine writers taunted us with names such as “Blue Devil,” “Stingray,” “Corvette SS,” and “Z08.” Then, in December ‘07, Chevrolet stopped torturing us and announced the return of the king: The ZR1 was back!

The new ZR1 is arguably the most aggressive production Corvette ever made. As we wrote last month, the ZR1 name was originally a racing option from ’70-1/2 to ‘72. The ’90-‘95 ZR-1, with its jewel-like LT5 engine, was a terrific machine, but it didn’t look that much different from a regular Corvette. Such is not the case with the latest ZR1. One has to go all the way back to the ’65-’69 big-blocks—with those amazingly loud side-mounted exhaust pipes—for more visual testosterone. The ‘09 ZR1 bears a strong resemblance to the L88 Corvettes, with their flared fenders and race-car-inspired details.

But unlike the earlier super-Vettes that were intended for track use only, this is a mega-muscle machine you can live with everyday. Forty years after the L88 and ZL1, we now have a Corvette that delivers unimagined performance in every area. Let’s draw some comparisons.

The new ZR1 packs 620 horsepower and 595 pound-feet of torque. The L88 and ZL1 engines never received accurate published power ratings, but real output was estimated to be close to 550 gross hp. The new ZR1’s LS9 engine is rated in net hp. It also passes emissions tests and is capable of over 20 mpg on the highway. The beasts of old got 8-10 mpg and had no emissions controls whatsoever. The new ZR1 also has a suspension that won’t hammer out your fillings and brakes that don’t have to be hot to work. Yes, 40 years of development have paid off big-time.

The ZR1’s stunning good looks are obvious from every angle. While the Z06 is a very aggressive-looking car, the ZR1 takes things to the next level. The entire front end and the roof section are made of carbon fiber. Chevy decided to show off the exotic material by using a $60,000-a-gallon clearcoat over the new chin spoiler, rocker panels, front fenders, and roof. The new hood is one inch taller than a regular Vette’s, bears a slight resemblance to the C3 big-block hoods, and features a Plexiglas window that shows off the LS9’s engine cover. The front and rear fender flares are the same as the Z06’s, but the front fenders have larger, more aggressive vents. The back end is finished off with a short, full-width spoiler. The only things missing are the side-pipes, rendered unnecessary by the car’s ultra-efficient conventional exhaust system. New ZR1 badges adorn the front fenders and rear bumper cover.

The new ZR1 couldn’t have much more exotic hardware. The all-aluminum LS9 engine is not only supercharged, it has an intercooler, port fuel injection, a 10.75-quart dry-sump oil system, and a LUK dual-disc clutch. The TR6060 six-speed transmission has been beefed up, and the gear ratios are closer than those in the Z06.

Now let’s talk about those wheels and brakes. The Speedline forged-aluminum wheels measure 19x10 inches in the front and 20x12 inches in the rear. For the first time since ’77, a Corvette will not be wearing Goodyear tires. The Michelin Pilot Sports measure 285/30-19 on the front and 335/25-20 on the rear. The brake system uses Brembo carbon-ceramic rotors that are vented and cross-drilled. They measure 15.5x1.6 and 15x1.4 inches fore and aft, respectively. Six-piston calipers are employed in the front, and four-piston units are used in the back. The brake pads are twice the size as those used on the Z06 and will last the car’s lifetime in street use. The basic Z06 suspension is modified with next-generation Delphi Magnetorheological (MR) variable shocks, softer springs, larger anti-roll bars, and revised rear-suspension geometry.

The interior has only slight addThe interior has only slight additions. The seatbacks feature “ZR1” embroidery, a boost gauge and “ZR1” tach face plate spruce up the instrument cluster, and the door-sill plates also bear the car’s model designation. And so you don’t forget how fast the ZR1 can take you, the speedometer goes up to 220 mph!

I am often asked, how I got into drawing cars. Well, I was one of those guys in school that was always drawing cars on my book covers and along the margins of my notes. When I graduated from Collingswood High School (in Collingswood, NJ), I thought I wanted to be a draftsman. It didn't take long for me to realize that my heart belonged to illustration.

I kept drawing drag racing and muscle cars and in 1975 had my first illustration published in "Drag Racing USA" magazine, and have never stopped.

Eventually, in the early '80s, I went to Philadelphia College of Art and studied illustration. After I put together a portfolio, I began my freelance career. In the early '90s I had the unique opportunity to work in the "Boys Toys" R&D Department at Tyco Toys where I worked on Tyco RC, Tyco HO, Matchbox, and Matchbox Collectibles product lines. Not only did I have receive a first-rate education in product design and development, I worked with some of the most talented and creative people I have ever known.

No, it wasn't like the Tom Hanks movie, "BIG," but I did share many wacky times there.

All along though, I kept my hand in the magazine biz and am currently a contributing artist and writer for "VETTE Magazine". And I now produce a monthly online newsletter called "The Corvette Report" with all kinds of juicy tidbits for the Corvette enthusiast.

I also enjoy researching the best mix of cool gear and art for motorhead enthusiasts of all ages and maintaining and updating the the Corvette Gear eBay store, as well as our other websites that are listed below

Thanks for stopping by and please bookmarks us!

Scott