During the USA debut of the 2019 Corvette ZR1 Coupe and Convertible models in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening, GM’s Mark Reuss was given the honors of introducing the fastest and most powerful Corvette in the 65-years of the model.
Along with the Corvette ZR1 Coupe, the low-wing Corvette ZR1 Convertible model made its first public showing. The 2019 Corvette ZR1 convertible model is the first ZR1 drop-top since the original 1970 model year ZR1.
Pricing of the 2019 Corvette MSRP will start at $119,995 while the Convertible will start at $123,995.
“The new Corvette ZR1 convertible is a supercar in all respects,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “Few others can challenge the ZR1 convertible’s power and speed while offering the exhilaration of top-down motoring.” “The ZR1 convertible is a no-compromise supercar,” said Corvette Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter. “Thanks to the strong structure, the suspension tuning between coupe and convertible models is identical, meaning the ZR1 convertible offers the same benchmark performance, including a top speed of over 200 mph.”
The ZTK Performance Package RPO is priced at $2,995 which includes front splitter with carbon-fiber end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and specific chassis and tuning to the Magnetic ride control. Also included is a high-wing which generates up to 950 pounds of downforce. Even with the ZTK high-wing, the Corvette ZR1 capable of 200+ mph.
Mark told the crowd that the ZR1’s SAE certified 755-hp 715 ft-lb torque will propel the C7 King of the Hill to a top speed of 212 mph! The car is capable of a 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds and a high 10-second quarter mile.
One of the hallmarks we learned from watching the Corvette ZR1 at the Nurburgring is the angry sound from its exhaust. The ZR1s exhaust comes in four distinct modes and sound levels: Stealth, Tour, Sport and Track. In Stealth mode, the ZR1 is quieter than the Corvette Z06, while in Track mode it is significantly louder. In Track mode, the ZR1 is running with an unrestricted exhaust flow for maximum performance.
FIRST MODERN-ERA CORVETTE ZR1 CONVERTIBLE MAKES DEBUT
Chevrolet drops the top — and the hammer — with the 2019 Corvette ZR1 convertible
2017-11-28
LOS ANGELES — Chevrolet today dropped the top on the 2019 Corvette ZR1 with the global introduction of the ZR1 convertible, the first ZR1 drop-top since the original 1970 model-year ZR1.
On sale next spring alongside the Corvette ZR1 coupe, the ZR1 convertible emphasizes Corvette’s iconic proportions and functional sculpture, highlighting the seamless transition between the exterior and interior.
The ZR1 coupe will carry a suggested retail price of $119,995, while the ZR1 convertible will start at $123,995 (prices include destination charge, but exclude tax, title and other dealer fees).
“The new Corvette ZR1 convertible is a supercar in all respects,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “Few others can challenge the ZR1 convertible’s power and speed while offering the exhilaration of top-down motoring.”
The performance and technology introduced on the Corvette ZR1 coupe carry over to the new ZR1 convertible. The strength of the Corvette’s aluminum chassis means the only structural changes in the convertible are accommodations for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts. The power top can be operated remotely or while driving up to 30 mph.
In fact, the curb weight difference between the ZR1 coupe and convertible is less than 60 pounds (27 kg), with most of the difference attributed to the folding top hardware.
“The ZR1 convertible is a no-compromise supercar,” said Corvette Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter. “Thanks to the strong structure, the suspension tuning between coupe and convertible models is identical, meaning the ZR1 convertible offers the same benchmark performance, including a top speed of over 200 mph.”
Top speed-enabling aero, horsepower
The Corvette ZR1’s unique aero package is central to the coupe’s 212-mph (341 kph) top speed. Its standard, stanchion-mounted Low Wing generates road-holding downforce with minimal drag, enabling the benchmark top speed. This was evident during top-speed testing at Germany’s Papenburg proving ground.
An adjustable High Wing is part of the new $2,995 ZTK Performance Package, which also includes a front splitter with carbon-fiber end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and specific chassis and Magnetic Ride Control tuning. It is designed to help generate faster lap times through maximum grip in the corners, with up to 950 pounds of downforce. The top speed is lower with the High Wing but still exceeds 200 mph.
Complementing the ZR1’s aero advantage on the way to 212 mph is the thrust generated by the exclusive LT5 6.2L supercharged engine, which is rated at an SAE-certified 755 horsepower (563 kW) and 715 lb-ft of torque (969 Nm). A seven-speed manual transmission and a ZR1-first paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission are offered with it. Preliminary testing has shown 0-60 mph in under 3.0 seconds and the quarter mile in the high 10-second range when the engine is equipped with the eight-speed automatic.
The LT5 features a new, more efficient intercooled supercharger system, along with GM’s first dual fuel-injection system, which employs primary direct injection and supplemental port injection. Compared to the supercharger system on the Corvette Z06’s LT4 engine, the LT5 employs a larger, 2.65-liter supercharger that generates more boost while spinning at a slightly slower speed. That reduces heat to help maintain a lower air intake temperature for optimal performance.
Four new radiators also help manage cooling in the ZR1, which features 13 radiators in all, including circuits for engine oil, transmission and differential cooling.
A distinctive voice
A new, patent-pending exhaust system is the voice of the supercharged LT5 engine and offers the most aggressive sound ever for a production Corvette.
Building on the bi-modal exhaust system offered on other Corvette models, it features four distinct modes and sound levels: Stealth, Tour, Sport and Track. In Stealth mode, the ZR1 is quieter than the Corvette Z06, while in Track mode it is significantly louder.
In Track mode, a spring-loaded passive valve closes to allow virtually unrestricted exhaust flow for maximum performance. The exhaust note for all modes was carefully tuned to deliver a distinctive sound.
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 coupe and convertible will be on display to the public Dec. 1-10 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Source:
Chevrolet.com
Related:
[PICS] Two 2019 Corvette ZR1s Running South Florida’s Alligator Alley
[VIDEO] Yet Another Great 2019 Corvette ZR1 Reveal Compilation
View the Official Corvette ZR1 Website and Download the ZR1 Hero Card
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![[VIDEO] Chevy Teases the Reveal of the Corvette ZR1](https://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/uploads/2024/04/041024_1-218x150.jpg "[VIDEO] Chevy Teases the Reveal of the Corvette ZR1")
Do you know if it will be available in Europe? I heard that it won’t be street homologated because of the high engine and aerodynamic appendices. Can you confirm this?
Hi Marco
The Corvette ZR1 doesn’t meet certain EU pedestrian safety standards so it will only be available in the USA and the Middle East.
High 10’s in a 1/4 mile? 755 hp should do better than that, it should be in the 6’s or low 7’s. Perhaps the wrong driver or no hook up off the line? That aside, I like the ZR1 in the red or blue, perhaps the yellow. I’ve seen them and they look great!
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