An ultra-high-performance ZR1 model joins the Chevy Corvette C7 lineup for the 2019 model year, representing the fastest and most powerful production Corvette ever.
According to Chevrolet, the C7 Corvette ZR1 is “a supercar that pushes Corvette’s performance legacy with the highest power, greatest track performance and most advanced technology in its production history.”
“I’ve never driven a Corvette like this before, and nobody else has either, because there’s never been one like this before,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “Its unprecedented performance puts all other global supercars on notice that the ZR1 is back.”
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 is powered by the new LT5 6.2L V-8 engine that advances Corvette’s supercharging legacy, which began with the 2009 sixth-generation ZR1 and continued with the 2015 seventh-generation Z06, which is powered by the LT4 6.2L V-8.
The LT5 delivers the highest output ever for a Chevrolet production vehicle, in part made possible by a new and more-efficient intercooled supercharger system that offers 52 percent more displacement than the LT4 supercharger in the Z06.
Helping the LT5 achieve its record output is GM’s first dual-fuel-injection system, which employs primary direct injection and supplemental port injection.
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 is offered with two transmissions:
- 7-speed manual
- 8-speed paddle-shift automatic, marking the first time an automatic transmission has been offered in a ZR1
The 2019 Corvette ZR1’s appearance is driven by function, contributing to its distinction as the fastest production Corvette to date.
An all-new front fascia is designed to channel air to cool the propulsion system and drivetrain. Four new radiators bring the heat-exchanger total to 13.
A special carbon-fiber “halo” hood is open in the middle to clear the LT5 engine’s supercharger/intercooler assembly. Additional features, including aero packages with stanchion-mounted wings, help push the ZR1 harder on the track for more confident handling and faster lap times, enabling the ZR1’s top speed to be over 210 mph.
“As the highest-performing Corvette ever, the ZR1’s design supports its capability in every way,” said Kirk Bennion, Exterior Design manager. “The new wings, for example, help generate more downforce without adding drag, enhancing road holding and top speed.”
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 features a driver-focused, well-appointed cockpit that includes standard leather-trimmed seats with optional sueded microfiber inserts.
Heated and vented Napa leather-trimmed seating is available, as are a carbon fiber-rimmed steering wheel, competition sport seats, Performance Data Recorder, Bose premium audio system and more.
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 elevates the Corvette’s track capability with two aerodynamics packages honed in the wind tunnel:
- The standard package features a standard rear Low Wing, which delivers the highest top speed and helps generate up to 70 percent more downforce than the base aero package on the Z06.
- The optional ZTK Performance Package includes a two-way-adjustable High Wing offers maximum downforce on the track for the quickest lap times — about 950 pounds worth. That’s 60 percent more downforce than the Z06 with the available Z07 Performance Package. The ZTK Performance Package also includes a front splitter with carbon fiber end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 summer-only tires, and specific chassis and Magnetic Ride Control tuning for greater cornering grip.
Both of the ZR1’s wings are tied into the chassis, like the Corvette Racing C7.R racecar, for strength and stability.
All 2019 Corvette ZR1 models also feature a downforce-enhancing front underwing, a Chevrolet first.
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 also debuts an optional Sebring Orange Design Package.
Based on its Sebring Orange Tintcoat exterior color, the package also includes orange brake calipers, orange rocker and splitter accent stripes, orange seat belts, orange interior stitching and unique, bronze aluminum interior trim.
The new design package complements the Corvette ZR1’s tradition of offering maximum performance with refinement and design distinction.
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 made its debut on November 12th in Dubai.
When
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 will become available in the springs of 2018.
Where
The 2019Â Corvette ZR1Â will be available globally in all markets where the Corvette is available.
Engine
| Type: | LT5 6.2L Supercharged V-8 with direct and port injection |
| Bore & stroke (in / mm): | 4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92 |
| Block material: | Cast aluminum |
| Cylinder head material: | Cast aluminum |
| Valvetrain: | Overhead valve, two valves per cylinder |
| Fuel delivery: | Direct and port injection |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 755 @ 6300 rpm (SAE certified) |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 715 @ 4400 rpm (SAE certified) |
Transmission
| Type: | 7-speed manual with Active Rev Match | 8-speed paddle-shaft automatic |
| Final Drive Ratio: | 3.42 | 2.41 |
Fuel Economy
| Manual | Automatic | |
| City | 15 MPG | 13 MPG |
| Highway | 22 MPG | 23 MPG |
Chassis & Suspension
| Front Suspension: | Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite spring, Magnetic Selective Ride Control |
| Rear Suspension: | Short/long arm (SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper and lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite spring, Magnetic Selective Ride Control |
| Steering Type: | Variable-ratio rack-and-pinion with electric power assist |
| Turning Circle (ft. / m): | 39.2 / 11.6 |
Brakes
| Brake Type: | Front and rear power-assisted discs with two-piece carbon ceramic matrix rotors; fixed six-piston aluminum front calipers and fixed four-piston aluminum rear calipers |
| Front Brake Rotor Size (in / mm): | 15.5 / 394 |
| Rear Brake Rotor Size (in / mm): | 15.3 / 388 |
Wheels & Tires
| Front | Rear | |
| Wheel Size: | 19-inch x 10.5-inch | 20-inch x 12-inch |
| Standard tires: | Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat | |
| Optional tires: | Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (on optional ZTK package) | |
| Tire Size: | P285/30ZR19 | P335/25ZR20 |
Exterior Dimensions
| Wheelbase (in. / mm): | 106.7 / 2710 |
| Overall Length (in. / mm): | 176.9 / 4493 |
| Overall Width (in. / mm): | 77.4 / 1965 |
| Track front (in. mm): | 63.6 / 1615 |
| Track rear (in. mm): | 62.5 / 1588 |
Interior Dimensions
| Headroom (in / mm): | 38 / 962 |
| Legroom (in. / mm): | 43 / 1092 |
| Shoulder Room (in. / mm): | 55 / 1397 |
| Hip Room (in. / mm): | 54 / 1371 |
Capacities
| Fuel Tank: | 18.5 gal. / 70 liters |
| EPA passenger volume (cu. ft. / L): | 52 / 1472 |
For more on the upcoming Corvette ZR1, check out our Corvette news and Corvette ZR1 news coverage.
A leaked December 2017 issue of Car and Driver revealed the following about the C7 ZR1 prior to its official debut, including:
- Powered by 6.2L V8 LT5 engine making 750 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque. The engine is not a DOHC, but is rather an upgraded LT4 V8 with a larger supercharger, larger throttle body, stronger crankshaft and a new fuel injection system
- Will shoot flames from the exhaust
- Heavier than the C7 Corvette Z06 by 140 pounds
- Identical suspension to the Corvette Z06 but with different tuning
- Faster and more capable on the track than C7 Corvette Z06, including being 2.5 seconds quicker around Virginia International Raceway per Corvette team testing
- Offers a ZTK performance package that adds aggressive aerodynamic components; not all cars will feature the big wing
- Not an all-out hardcore car like the Camaro ZL1 1LE; rather, the Corvette team views the ZR1 as more forgiving and believes that the C7 Z06 is the most hardcore Corvette
Prior to the unveiling of the C7 Corvette ZR1, we had the following evidence to the vehicle being in development:
- Trademark: General Motors filed a trademark application for ZR1 in May 2016, confirmed that GM is interested in making a vehicle with the name
- Various spy shots of a high-performance Corvette C7Â undergoing testing, including:
- April 2017: C7 ZR1 logo spotted on the wheels of a ZR1 prototype
- April 2017: C7 ZR1 video undergoing testing on a track produces sounds of a supercharged vehicle
- April 2017: interesting exhaust system spotted on a C7 ZR1 prototype to muffle the noise
- April 2017: C7 ZR1 prototype spotted undergoing testing on the Nürburgring
- April 2017: C7 ZR1 Convertible spotted undergoing testing
- April 2017: C7 ZR1 gas guzzler tax spotted in ordering system
- March 2017:Â C7 ZR1 prototype spotted undergoing testing at Laguna Seca
- January 2017:Â mid-engined Corvette spotted undergoing testing alongside C7 ZR1
- January 2017: C7 ZR1 prototype spotted undergoing testing in the snow
- November 2016:Â C7 ZR1 prototype spotted with less camouflage
- October 2016: C7 ZR1 prototype spotted cloaked as a Viper ACR
- October 2016: C7 ZR1 prototype spotted in traffic jam
- October 2016:Â C7 ZR1 prototype spotted testing in Colorado
Discussion
Discuss the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 in our Chevrolet forum.
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