Our road test for the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 help you decide if a 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is right for you.
ACCELERATION:
One of the fastest cars in the world. Explosive power is on tap both from a stop and at any speed. Chevy pegs the ZR1 at 3.4 seconds 0-60 mph, and it feels every bit that fast. Despite having 638 hp, this 'Vette is surprisingly easy to drive, with a low-effort shifter and smooth clutch.
RIDE QUALITY:
No luxury sedan, but the ZR1's ride control is quite good for a vehicle that emphasizes acceleration and handling. One of Chevy's goals in designing this super Corvette was to make it livable as a daily driver. By and large, the company's efforts were successful. It still bangs and crashes over large pavement breaks, but it absorbs bumps as well as can be expected.
HANDLING:
If Consumer Guide's scale went to 11 in this category, ZR1 would easily earn that score. Steering feel is quick and communicative. The words "body lean" mean nothing to this car. Its grip and balance put it in a class with some of the world's foremost exotic nameplates. ZR1's brakes, which have a rotor diameter larger than that of some cars' wheels, deliver short, controlled stops with outstanding pedal feel!
SOUND COMFORT:
It's loud, but almost gloriously so. At idle, the engine sounds little different than other Corvette models. As it spools up, it produces a distinct tone: Muscle-car roar combined with a bit of supercharger whine. Road and tire noise are plentiful, and the latter is especially tiring at highway speeds.
ROOM & COMFORT:
Comfortable seats provide adult-adequate headroom and legroom. A decently wide cockpit provides a comfortable place for those of wider girth to conduct the business of driving. ZR1 continues in the Corvette tradition of offering a manual-tilt and power-telescopic steering wheel. It works OK, but power operation for both functions would be welcome. Entry and exit are drop in/climb out, and ZR1's long doors don't make these tasks any easier. The design of the rear window produces annoying distortions.
CARGO:
Like other Corvette coupe models, cargo space is good. Liftover is high, but two golf bags and some soft luggage should have no trouble fitting in the ZR1's trunk.
VALUE & CLASS:
Base and Z06 Corvette models are plenty fast in their own right. That begs the question: Did Chevrolet need to make its iconic sports car any faster? The answer is well...yeah.. ZR1 is a model of engineering prowess that's surprisingly docile as a daily driver. Six figures is a lot to ask for a Corvette, but this amazingly capable coupe is almost a bargain in the grand scheme of ultra-high-performance automobiles.
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After years of speculation, spy photos, and rumors, General Motors revealed its Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 as a 2009 model. As expected, the ZR1 is the most powerful and most expensive Corvette model ever.
Conceived before GM’s financial implosion, the ZR1 is perhaps the hottest production car ever made in the U.S. With a top speed of more than 200 mph, it’s the fastest Corvette ever; with a price topping $100K, it’s also the most expensive. Buy now. Who knows how long it can persist?
An all-new LS9 motor produces 620 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 595 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. Delivering 100 horsepower per liter, the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 is mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox with a new high-capacity clutch designed for the increased power. The twin-disc 260mm design provides plenty of clamping power, while maintaining a relatively easy clutch action.
GM has not disclosed specific performance numbers, but the company admits a top speed of 200 mph is very likely. In terms of acceleration, the ZR1 most definitely beats its Z06 counterpart, thanks to a 115-horsepower output advantage. Since the Z06 rockets to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, it's a safe bet the ZR1 will be much closer to the 3.0 mark.
"It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1's is exceptional," said Chevy's Ed Peper. "Better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph."
GM used the Z06 chassis as a starting point, but further tuned the front and rear independent suspension to work with the ZR1's ultra-wide tires for increased grip. According to GM, the car achieves 1g cornering grip.
Exotic looks, exotic materials
The use of carbon fiber is pretty extensive throughout the ZR1. The wider fenders are made of the material, as are the hood, roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings.
The roof and front fascia splitter have a raw carbon fiber appearance with a protective clear coat. The hood is painted like the rest of the car, but the underside is exposed carbon-fiber-weave for increased novelty.
Another standout feature of the hood is a clear polycarbonate "window" that provides a view of the top of the engine's intercooler, with embossed "LS9 Supercharged" lettering.
Brakes, tires, and wheels
The ZR1 has the largest wheels ever of any production Corvette -- not just in diameter, but in width also. The rims measure 20 inches in rear diameter and 19 inches up front. Rear width is a whopping 12 inches, while the front wheels are nearly as massive at 10 inches of width.
In terms of wheel finish, a bright silver paint coat is standard and a chrome version is optional.
The matching Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires measure P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear. While Michelin's PS2 tires are offered on many vehicles, these were engineered specifically for the ZR1, GM says.
The car's braking system features carbon-ceramic rotors measuring 15.5 inches up front and 15 inches at the rear. GM says the rotors are so durable they should not requiring replacement for the life of the vehicle.
Squeezing the dics are six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers, painted in ZR1-exclusive blue.
Adjustable suspension
The ZR1 comes with GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC) suspension system. The MSRC shocks are automatically adjusted based on driving conditions and vehicle dynamics (cornering, braking, etc) for optimal handling. The system is adjusted every milisecond to provide sharp handling during spirited driving, and a smooth ride while cruising.
While the ZR1 is overall a more aggressive sports car than the Z06, it is actually less harsh over bumps, thanks to the MSRC technology. 'The damping control of MSRC allowed for front and rear springs that have a slightly lower rate than the Z06, which enhances the car's ride quality,' said Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer.
Optional premium interior features:
There is very little optional equipment on the ZR1. Aside from the aforementioned chrome wheels, the only other optional equipment is a premium interior package. The kit includes power-adjustable leather-trimmed sport seats, leather-wrapped interior elements (including the dashboard), a navigation system, and Bluetooth connectivity. The interior leather treatments are available in four colors.
MECHANICAL
Engine, 6.2L supercharged V8 SFI with dry sump oil system (638 hp [475.7 kW] @ 6500 rpm, 604 lb-ft of torque [815.4 N-m] @ 3800 rpm)
Transmission, 6-speed manual, short-throw includes launch control
Rear axle, 3.42 ratio, limited slip
Engine access, rear-opening hood
Rear wheel drive
Frame, aluminum
Magnetic Selective Ride Control for ultimate driver control and comfort through the use of driver-selected Tour or Sport modes. Includes cross-drilled brakes
Steering, power, speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion, variable ratio Brakes, 4-wheel antilock, 4-wheel disc
Exhaust, dual-mode aluminized stainless-steel with 4" polished stainless- steel tips
EXTERIOR
Wheels, ZR1 sterling silver painted aluminum 19" x 10" (48.3 cm x 25.4 cm) front and 20" x 12" (50.8 cm x 30.48 cm) rear
Tires, front P285/30ZR19 Michelin PS2 extended mobility
Tires, rear P335/25ZR20 Michelin PS2 extended mobility
ZR1 carbon fiber components includes roof, roof bow, front splitter and rocker extension with visible clear-coated carbon fiber weave pattern plus body-color dual front cove fenders, floor panel and raised hood with window
Headlamps, dual projector lamps, Xenon, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) low-beam tungsten-halogen high-beam with automatic exterior lamp control
Fog lamps, front, integral in front fascia
Mirrors, outside heated power-adjustable and driver-side auto-dimming, body- color
Glass, Solar-Ray light-tinted
Wipers, front intermittent
INTERIOR
Seats, front bucket with perforated leather seating surfaces embroidery and contrasting stitching
Seat adjuster, driver 6-way power
Console, floor 2 covered cup holders, ashtray with cigar lighter, auxiliary power outlet and CD storage
Floor mats, carpeted
Steering column, Tilt-Wheel, manual
Steering wheel, 3-spoke leather-wrapped
Steering wheel controls, mounted audio controls
Head-Up Display with dot-matrix readouts for street mode, track mode with g-meter, vehicle speed, engine rpm and readings from key gauges including water temperature and oil pressure
Instrumentation, electronic analog with Driver Information Center and 2-line display
Oil life monitoring system
Door locks, power programmable with lockout protection
Keyless Access with push button start and 2 remote transmitters that enable automatic door unlock and open by touching door switch
Windows, power with driver and passenger Express-Down
Cruise control, electronic with set and resume speed
Theft-deterrent system, vehicle push button start, immobilizer and audible visual alarm
Hatch release, push button open with power hatch pulldown
Air conditioning, dual-zone automatic climate control with individual climate settings for driver and right-front passenger and outside temperature display
Air filtration system with pollen filter
Defogger, rear-window, electric Mirror, inside rearview auto-dimming with compass, includes dual reading lights
Visors, driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors
Lighting, interior with courtesy, cargo and glovebox
Storage, with lockable glovebox and center console
SAFETY
Active handling improves traction and enhances vehicle stability
Traction control, all-speed
Performance Traction Management performance traction control with 5 selectable settings
Daytime Running Lamps Air bags, frontal and side-impact, driver and front passenger with Passenger
Sensing System (Always use safety belts and the correct child restraints for your childs age and size. Even in vehicles equipped with air bags and the Passenger
Sensing System, children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat. Never place a rear-facing infant restraint in the front seat of any vehicle equipped with an active frontal air bag. See the vehicles Owners Manual and child safety seat instructions for more safety information.)
OnStar, 1-year of Safe and Sound plan. Includes Automatic Air Bag Deployment Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance, Remote Horn and Lights, Hands Free Calling, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, and Low Mileage Discount (OnStar services require vehicle electrical system (including battery), wireless service and GPS satellite signals to be available and operating for features to function properly. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Vehicle Diagnostics capabilities vary by model. Remote door unlock success varies with conditions. Ability to locate stolen vehicles varies with conditions. Subscription Service Agreement required. Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) or visit onstar.com for OnStar's Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and details and system limitations. Service not available with a ship-to of Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands.)
Tire Pressure Monitor System air pressure sensors in each tire with pressure display in Driver Information Center | | 
 
 
 
 
 
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