Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1
Encyclopedia
The Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 is a high performance version of the Chevrolet Corvette C6
. Both the C3 from 1969–1971 and C4 Corvettes from 1990-1995 had ZR-1 models. However, the C6 variant is officially labeled as the "ZR1" while previous variants had a hyphen between the ZR and 1, as in "ZR-1".
R2300 roots 4-lobe supercharger with intercoolers from Behr, utilizing an air-to-water, dual-brick design. The supercharger's four-lobe design offers improved efficiency over three-lobe models. To avoid changes to the hood appearance, the supercharger's output was split into two halves. Each cylinder bank has an intercooler.
The cylinder walls of the LS3 are thicker than the Z06's LS7 since the LS3 has a smaller bore. Oil squirters under each piston help cool the pistons and cylinder walls are used for the first time in a production Corvette. Connecting rods and the inlet valve are made of titanium. Heads are made from a special heat resistant aluminum alloy. The camshaft lift was reduced from the LS7's to improve idle quality. With the addition of the supercharger to the 6.2 liter LS9, the higher lift camshaft was no longer necessary to achieve horsepower targets.
Lubrication is provided by an improved version of the LS7's dry sump system. The new system increases oil capacity from 8.0 to 10.5 quarts (9.94 liters). A new dual gerotor oil pump increases scavenge performance and oil pressure, enabling oil to be delivered under the most extreme conditions. Due to the increased pressure, the Ultraguard Gold UPF48R oil filter is required. The LS7 oilpan is used for the LS9 with the addition of an oil cooler which is mounted on the left side of the pan.
With the 2011 model, GM offers the optional "Corvette Engine Build Experience," where the customer visits the General Motors’ Performance Build Center to help assemble the LS9 for the ZR1 purchased. Factory technicians supervise the process and the normal warranty covers the engine built by the customer's hands.
The transmission is a 6-speed manual
Tremec TR6060 with a MH3 gearset. The 2008 Z06 featured the MM6 gearset. Top speed is achieved in 6th gear.
The two half shaft
s have different diameters (33mm left, 40mm right), designed to prevent resonance during acceleration and reduce the chances of wheel hop occurring.
. The ZR1 engines are built at the General Motor Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan
.
The system offers standing start launch modifications. When launching the ZR1 from a standing start, the shocks are completely softened on launch and stiffened on rebound. The softened shocks on launch aid the ZR1 by allowing weight to transfer to the rear, aiding traction. The ride control standing launch modifications are designed to minimize bounce.
The new high-end magnetic suspension system enables the ZR1 to deliver great handling and grip to achieve 1.10 g of average lateral acceleration.
The chassis, similar to the 2008 Z06, is made of aluminum. To cut weight, many panels are made of carbon fiber
. Panels made of carbon fiber are the fenders, hood, roof, splitter, and rocker extensions. To prevent the sun from damaging the binder in the exposed carbon fiber composite body panels, panels are protected with a clear-coating.
The rear wheels are the largest ever mounted on a production Corvette with 335/25 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires on 20 in (508 mm) wheels.
The official curb weight of the 2009 ZR1 was released to be 3352 lb (1,520.4 kg).
track car, the difference being a diameter reduction from 15.75 in (400.1 mm) to 15.5 in (393.7 mm) for added wheel clearance. The front calipers are Brembo 6-piston units.
Rear calipers are Brembo 4-piston units. The rear brakes are 15 in (381 mm) carbon ceramic rotors, originally employed as the Enzo Ferrari's
front rotors. Same as those used in the BMW M3 GTS
.
Both front and rear pads have twice the contact area of the Z06's, as well as the addition of brake pad wear sensors. The brake master cylinder, booster, ABS
unit and system controller are now sourced from Bosch in place of Delphi.
As a result, the ZR1 will stop from 60 mi/h in a current production car record breaking 96 feet (29.3 m).
The ZR1 features blue badges, engine valve covers, and brake calipers. The hood contains a polycarbonate window which allows the intercooler to be viewable. Doors and rear body are from the 2008 Z06. A larger than previous model spoiler spans the top rear bumper. Functional fender vents provide engine cooling. The lettering "LS9 Supercharged" can be viewed on top of the plastic supercharger cover through the hood window.
Chevrolet Corvette C6
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors introduced for the 2005 model year. The current generation Corvette is the first with exposed headlamps since the 1962 model...
. Both the C3 from 1969–1971 and C4 Corvettes from 1990-1995 had ZR-1 models. However, the C6 variant is officially labeled as the "ZR1" while previous variants had a hyphen between the ZR and 1, as in "ZR-1".
Engine design
The Corvette ZR1 engine is a heavily modified version of the LS3, designated the LS9. Producing 638 hp and 604 ft.lbf of torque, it is the most powerful production Corvette to date. The LS9 has a sixth-generation Eaton TVSTVS Supercharger
The TVS Supercharger is an automotive supercharger that was developed by Eaton Corporation to improve on all existing types superchargers. The TVS acronym stands for Twin Vortices Series....
R2300 roots 4-lobe supercharger with intercoolers from Behr, utilizing an air-to-water, dual-brick design. The supercharger's four-lobe design offers improved efficiency over three-lobe models. To avoid changes to the hood appearance, the supercharger's output was split into two halves. Each cylinder bank has an intercooler.
The cylinder walls of the LS3 are thicker than the Z06's LS7 since the LS3 has a smaller bore. Oil squirters under each piston help cool the pistons and cylinder walls are used for the first time in a production Corvette. Connecting rods and the inlet valve are made of titanium. Heads are made from a special heat resistant aluminum alloy. The camshaft lift was reduced from the LS7's to improve idle quality. With the addition of the supercharger to the 6.2 liter LS9, the higher lift camshaft was no longer necessary to achieve horsepower targets.
Lubrication is provided by an improved version of the LS7's dry sump system. The new system increases oil capacity from 8.0 to 10.5 quarts (9.94 liters). A new dual gerotor oil pump increases scavenge performance and oil pressure, enabling oil to be delivered under the most extreme conditions. Due to the increased pressure, the Ultraguard Gold UPF48R oil filter is required. The LS7 oilpan is used for the LS9 with the addition of an oil cooler which is mounted on the left side of the pan.
With the 2011 model, GM offers the optional "Corvette Engine Build Experience," where the customer visits the General Motors’ Performance Build Center to help assemble the LS9 for the ZR1 purchased. Factory technicians supervise the process and the normal warranty covers the engine built by the customer's hands.
Transmission
The ZR1 flywheel has been improved over the 2008 Z06. The flywheel was upgraded by going from six to a nine bolt design and cutting off nearly 9.8 ounces (278 grams) for improved throttle response and acceleration.The transmission is a 6-speed manual
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
Tremec TR6060 with a MH3 gearset. The 2008 Z06 featured the MM6 gearset. Top speed is achieved in 6th gear.
Differential/drive
The differential is a limited slip with carbon and steel plates. The differential uses SAE 5W-80 Dexron LS lubricant.The two half shaft
Half shaft
The term half shaft is another name for a front-wheel drive shaft, which is also called the constant velocity axle or CV axle. There is one half shaft per wheel. Some may further to this part as a CV shaft....
s have different diameters (33mm left, 40mm right), designed to prevent resonance during acceleration and reduce the chances of wheel hop occurring.
Production
Production vehicles are hand assembled in Bowling Green, KentuckyBowling Green, Kentucky
Bowling Green is the third-most populous city in the state of Kentucky after Louisville and Lexington, with a population of 58,067 as of the 2010 Census. It is the county seat of Warren County and the principal city of the Bowling Green, Kentucky Metropolitan Statistical Area with an estimated 2009...
. The ZR1 engines are built at the General Motor Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan
Wixom, Michigan
Wixom is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 13,498 at the 2010 census. The city was home to the former Wixom Assembly Plant, which produced the Lincoln LS, the Ford Thunderbird, the Ford GT, and the Lincoln Town Car...
.
Ride control
The name of the ride control system is Magnetic Selective Ride Control (MSRC). MSRC is provided by Delphi Automotive Systems from technology invented by the GM Research Laboratories. The system uses two modes of control: Tour and Sport.The system offers standing start launch modifications. When launching the ZR1 from a standing start, the shocks are completely softened on launch and stiffened on rebound. The softened shocks on launch aid the ZR1 by allowing weight to transfer to the rear, aiding traction. The ride control standing launch modifications are designed to minimize bounce.
Suspension
The ZR1 features a double-wishbone suspension system and Magnetic Selective Ride Control—which adjusts shock-absorber damping in real time to either "Tour" or "Sport" mode.
The MSRC shocks are automatically adjusted based on driving conditions and vehicle dynamics (cornering, braking, etc) for optimal handling. The system is adjusted every millisecond to provide sharp handling during spirited driving, and a smooth ride while cruising.
The new high-end magnetic suspension system enables the ZR1 to deliver great handling and grip to achieve 1.10 g of average lateral acceleration.
Chassis/body
Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber, alternatively graphite fiber, carbon graphite or CF, is a material consisting of fibers about 5–10 μm in diameter and composed mostly of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are bonded together in crystals that are more or less aligned parallel to the long axis of the fiber...
. Panels made of carbon fiber are the fenders, hood, roof, splitter, and rocker extensions. To prevent the sun from damaging the binder in the exposed carbon fiber composite body panels, panels are protected with a clear-coating.
The rear wheels are the largest ever mounted on a production Corvette with 335/25 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires on 20 in (508 mm) wheels.
The official curb weight of the 2009 ZR1 was released to be 3352 lb (1,520.4 kg).
Clutch
The 260 mm (10.2 in) ZF-Sachs twin-plate clutch supplants Z06's 290 mm (11.4 in) single-plate unit to reduce inertia for better shift feel. The lower clamping force reduces clutch-pedal effort. The clutch upgrade is considered a dramatic improvement over the unit employed within the Z06.Brakes
The front brake rotors are similar carbon ceramic design as those employed in the Ferrari FXXFerrari FXX
The Ferrari FXX is a high performance race car built by automobile manufacturer Ferrari in Maranello, Italy. The FXX is based on the street-legal Enzo. Production of the FXX began in 2005.- Overview :...
track car, the difference being a diameter reduction from 15.75 in (400.1 mm) to 15.5 in (393.7 mm) for added wheel clearance. The front calipers are Brembo 6-piston units.
Rear calipers are Brembo 4-piston units. The rear brakes are 15 in (381 mm) carbon ceramic rotors, originally employed as the Enzo Ferrari's
Enzo Ferrari (car)
The Enzo Ferrari is a 12 cylinder mid-engine berlinetta named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. It was built in 2002 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon-fibre body, F1-style electrohydraulic shift transmission, and Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide ceramic composite...
front rotors. Same as those used in the BMW M3 GTS
BMW M3
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 3-series, and sold with coupé, sedan and convertible body styles...
.
Both front and rear pads have twice the contact area of the Z06's, as well as the addition of brake pad wear sensors. The brake master cylinder, booster, ABS
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
unit and system controller are now sourced from Bosch in place of Delphi.
As a result, the ZR1 will stop from 60 mi/h in a current production car record breaking 96 feet (29.3 m).
Ignition
Coil packs are identical to those used on the LS3. The coil packs are mounted on the valve covers.Fuel system
A unique fuel pressure regulator varies pressure between 36.3 psi (250.3 kPa) and 87 psi (599,843.9 Pa) depending on rpm.Identification
Specifications
Estimated- Displacement: V8V8 engineA V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
6.162 l (375.7 cu in) w/ (Eaton) TVS SuperchargerTVS SuperchargerThe TVS Supercharger is an automotive supercharger that was developed by Eaton Corporation to improve on all existing types superchargers. The TVS acronym stands for Twin Vortices Series....
& Intercooler. - Horsepower: 638 bhp at 6500 rpm
- Torque: 604 ft.lbf at 3800 rpm
- Bore: 103.25 mm (4.1 in)
- Stroke: 92 mm (3.6 in)
- Compression: 9.1:1
- Supercharger maximum boost: 10.5 psi (0.723949515765 bar)
- RedlineRedlineRedline refers to the maximum engine speed at which an internal combustion engine or traction motor and its components are designed to operate without causing damage to the components themselves or other parts of the engine...
: 6500 rpm - Clutch: 260 mm (10.2 in)
- Final Drive Ratio: 3.42
- 1st gear ratio: 2.29
- 1st gear top speed: 106 km/h (65.9 mph)
- 2nd gear top speed: 155 km/h (96.3 mph)
- 3rd gear top speed: 210 km/h (130.5 mph)
- 6th gear ratio: 0.67
- Wheel size front: 19 in (482.6 mm) diameter by 10 in (254 mm) width
- Wheel size rear: 20 in (508 mm) diameter by 12 in (304.8 mm) width
- Tire size front: 285/30R-19
- Tire size rear: 335/25R-20
- Brakes front: BremboBremboBrembo S.p.A. is a manufacturer of automotive brake systems, especially for high-performance cars and motorcycles. It was established in Bergamo, Italy in 1961. Soon after the company was formed, it specialised in disc brakes, which were exclusively imported from the United Kingdom at the time...
15.5 in (393.7 mm) - Brakes rear: Brembo 15 in (381 mm)
- Front/rear balance: 52/48
- Curb Weight: 3324 lb (1,507.7 kg)
- 0-60 mph (96.6 km/h): 3.3
- Top speed: 205 mi/h
- Quarter mile (~400 m) time: 11.2
- Quarter mile speed: est. 135 mi/h
- Production: 2000 units per year (estimated)
- Price: US$United States dollarThe United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
111,120 to US$United States dollarThe United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
121,100 - Lateral acceleration: 1.10 g (average)
Awards and recognition
- 2009 Performance Car of the Year, Top Gear
- Best New Cars of 2009, About.com Cars
- Automotive Journalist and Top Gear presenter Jeremy ClarksonJeremy ClarksonJeremy Charles Robert Clarkson is an English broadcaster, journalist and writer who specialises in motoring. He is best known for his role on the BBC TV show Top Gear along with co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May...
's Car of the Year Award. - Achieved a Nordschleife lap time of 7 minutes and 26.4 seconds making it one of the fastest production cars to lap the circuit. / Inc., Quarter Mile time of 10.89 Sec..
- The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 was tested at the Nurburgring by Jim Mero on June 9th, 2011. It was a base specification car with optional super-slick DOT track competition tires (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure) and non-stock safety equipment. It recorded a time of 7:19.63 (Video confirmed), the 5th-best time ever for a production vehicle.
- Achieved the fastest recorded speed for a production car on the Bonneville Salt Flats of 176.54 mi/h driven by Jeremy Clarkson of the BBC TV Show Top Gear.