Corvette brings out the big guns

General Motors fired its shot in the horsepower war at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit this week. And what a shot it was -- the new Corvette ZR1 packs an "estimated" 462kW and 823Nm.

The Corvette -- more a pocket battleship if you want to remain nautical -- is powered by a supercharged all-alloy V8, coded LS9.

Unlike the DOHC engine developed by Lotus for the C4 generation of Corvette ZR1, the LS9 is a traditional OHV unit that can trace its heritage back to the original 'small block Chev' engines that predated the all-alloy LSX families from the late 1990s.

The LS9 (more here) is fitted with an extremely tightly packaged four-lobe Eaton supercharger that fits into the vee of the V8. The design incorporates intercooler et al in one compact unit.

GM claims the LS9 delivers the Corvette ZR1 a better power-to-weight ratio than the Porsche 911 GTS, the Ferrari 599 and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

Chevrolet's choice of transmission for the new flagship is a race-standard, strengthened six-speed manual transmission with a close-ratio gear cluster and a high-capacity twin-plate clutch to handle the torque. The gearbox is not the only drivetrain element to hit the gym, with Chevrolet also upgrading the axle half-shafts and the torque tube.

In apposition to the ZR1's straightline potency, the car is kitted out, front and rear, with carbon-ceramic drilled disc brake rotors of 394mm diameter in front and 380mm at the rear. Insiders say the units are very closely related to the stoppers used on Bugatti's mega-dollar Veyron.

In normal driving, the brake rotors should never need replacing, according to Chevrolet. Six-piston calipers are fitted at the front, four-piston at the rear.

The ZR1's 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels run Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres developed specifically for the Corvette ZR1, measuring 285/30 ZR19 (front) and 335/25 ZR20 (rear). Suspension features Magnetic Selective Ride Control.

Visual cues that identify the Corvette ZR1 include wider front quarter panels with unique dual vents, a carbon-fibre bonnet with a clear polycarbonate panel over the engine's intercooler, an exclusive rear spoiler, a carbon-fibre roof, carbon-fibre door sills and front splitter.

In the cabin, the ZR1 is equipped with a 370km/h speedometer, exclusively branded sill plates and headrest embroidery, a boost gauge and a 'ZR1' tachometer.

Two options are offered for the ZR1, chrome wheels and a 'luxury' package. The luxury package includes electrically adjustable and leather-trimmed sport seats (featuring the ZR1 logo); leather-trimmed interior in four colours; navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity.

Recognising the ZR1 will be a future collectors' item, Chevrolet is building the car at the Bowling Green, Kentucky plant with a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) carrying an additional digit and the build number in sequence, specific to the ZR1 production. There is no indication Chevrolet will 'limit' production artificially, however.

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