Chevrolet News:2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Arrives With 755 Horsepower

[William Maley]

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After countless months of speculation, spy photos, and someone leaking out the cover of this month's Car and Driver, Chevrolet has revealed the 2019 Corvette ZR1. This is the maddest Corvette that Chevrolet has ever built.

Beginning under the hood, the ZR1 packs an LT5 V8 engine. While carrying the same name as the engine found in the original ZR-1, the new ZR1 skips the dual-overhead cams found in the original LT5. Instead, Corvette engineers took the supercharged 6.2L V8 found in the Z06 and installed a larger Eaton supercharger that pumps in 52 percent more air into the engine. The LT5 also features direct and port fuel injection, upgraded crankshaft, dry sump lubrication, and a 4-inch throttle body (the largest ever fitted to a Corvette). The end result is action with 755 horsepower and 715 pound-feet of torque. Chevrolet is keeping quiet the 0-60 mph time, but did say the ZR1 can reach a top speed of 210 mph.

Like the Z06, the ZR1 will be available with the choice of a seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. According to a report from Automobile, engineers tried to fit GM's new ten-speed automatic into the ZR1 but couldn't due to packaging issues with the Corvette's architecture.

Polarizing is the best way to describe the Corvette ZR1's styling, especially in the front with large air ducts. This is to help maximize cooling with each duct featuring a radiator and intercooler. The front fenders are slightly wider to make space for wider tires. Unlike the previous ZR1 with a window on the hood showing off the supercharger assembly, the new model makes do with a carbon fiber “halo” hood featuring vents and a shaker piece covering the supercharger.

The ZR1 shown in the photos provided by Chevrolet features the optional ZTK performance package which comes with an adjustable high-wing kit, front splitter with carbon-fiber end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and special tuning for the chassis and magnetic ride control system. The large rear wing is said to provide 60 percent more downforce than the Z06 with the optional Z07 package. The standard ZR1 sticks with a fixed, low wing that is said to deliver the highest top speed.

Those wanting to stand out further with their ZR1 can order the Sebring Orange Design Package. It includes a Sebring Orange Tintcoat for the exterior, brake calipers finished in orange, rocker panels and splitter featuring orange stripes; orange seatbelts and stitching for the interior; and bronze aluminum trim.

The Corvette ZR1 arrives at dealers next spring. No word on pricing, but we wouldn't be shocked if it begins over $100,000.

Source: Chevrolet
Press Release is on Page 2

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2019 CORVETTE ZR1: RETURN OF THE KING

• The fastest, most powerful production Corvette ever retakes its supercar crown

DUBAI — The King is returning, stronger than ever.

Chevrolet today introduced the 2019 Corvette ZR1, 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 Corvette ZR1’s exclusive LT5 supercharged engine, which is rated at an SAE-certified 755 horsepower (563 kW) and 715 lb-ft of torque (969 Nm), is establishing a new benchmark in performance. Further, the ZR1 elevates Corvette’s track capability with two wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics packages, including an available High Wing that provides an estimated 950 pounds of downforce.

Most powerful ever

The ZR1’s LT5 6.2L V-8 engine advances Corvette’s supercharging legacy, which began with the 2009 sixth-generation ZR1 and continued with the 2015 seventh-generation Z06. The LT5 delivers the highest output ever for a Chevrolet production vehicle, thanks in part to a new, more-efficient intercooled supercharger system that offers 52 percent more displacement than the Z06’s LT4 supercharger. GM’s first dual-fuel-injection system, which employs primary direct injection and supplemental port injection, helps the LT5 achieve its record output.

Seven-speed manual and eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmissions are available with the LT5. It’s the first time an automatic transmission has been offered in a ZR1.

Fastest ever

The 2019 Corvette ZR1’s aggressive 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 for propulsion-system and drivetrain cooling, with four new radiators bringing 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 onto the track for more confident handling and faster lap times. Top speed of the ZR1 is 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 ZR1 will offer two aero packages: a standard rear Low Wing, which delivers the highest top speed and helps generate up to 70 percent more downforce than the Z06’s base aero package, and an available two-way-adjustable High Wing that offers maximum downforce on the track for the quickest lap times — about 60 percent more downforce than the Z06 with the available Z07 Performance Package. All models also feature a Chevrolet-first, downforce-enhancing front underwing.

The adjustable High Wing is part of the new ZTK Performance Package, which 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.

Sebring Orange Design Package

The Corvette ZR1 introduced today also debuted a dynamic, available Sebring Orange Design Package. Centered 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 driver-focused, well-appointed cockpit includes standard leather-trimmed seats, with sueded microfiber inserts offered. Heated and vented Napa leather-trimmed seating is also available, as well as a carbon fiber-rimmed steering wheel, competition sport seats, Performance Data Recorder, Bose premium audio system and more.

The 2019 Corvette ZR1 goes on sale next spring, poised to take on the world’s best.

It’s good to be the King.

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[Scout]

Thet fuel delivery system leaves me with questions.

Edited November 12, 2017 by Scout

[smk4565]

Amazing power, styling looks a bit too fast and furious or cartoony with the big wing.  But the C7 overall isn't one of the better looking Corvettes.

[Scout]

13 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

Amazing power, styling looks a bit too fast and furious or cartoony with the big wing.  But the C7 overall isn't one of the better looking Corvettes.

So, if I read that correctly what you are saying is, rice is not your preferred flavor.

[Robert Hall]

I like the look w/ the big wing...kind of looks like a street version of the C7R...kind of a real race car look.

[oldshurst442]

I like boyracer styling.  Functional or not. It just has to look good to...me.

This latest generation ZR-1.

It WILL have great performance. No doubt about that.

210 mph. Not too shabby for a front engined (far back as possible making the Vette mid-engined?) and rear wheel drive.  755 horsepower is why...I guess. And lots of air work and air flow and air passing and downforce.

Which leads me to talk about the looks of it.

Its OK. Not mind blowing. I like it. I just prefer the Z06 Z07 C7R package more.

I find that the on the C7 Vette, my boyracer acceptance is limited to the Z06 Z07 C7R package.

In yellow over orange...

[David]

Love the look of this corvette in that gun metal grey color or what ever Chevy is calling it. One question is how is this not pedestrian friendly? They say it cannot be sold in Europe cause the front end is not pedestrian safe. The black grill reminds me of the Italian super cars, either the lambo or ferrari, cannot remember which right now, but it looks good.

[William Maley]

20 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Love the look of this corvette in that gun metal grey color or what ever Chevy is calling it. One question is how is this not pedestrian friendly? They say it cannot be sold in Europe cause the front end is not pedestrian safe. The black grill reminds me of the Italian super cars, either the lambo or ferrari, cannot remember which right now, but it looks good.

I think this paragraph from Car and Driver has your answer,

Quote

Stay home from Europe, that is. Forgoing European sales and ignoring the Continent’s rulebook meant not having to meet its stringent pedestrian-protection regulations. In Europe, the head of anybody who steps in front of a moving car is entitled to smash through a minimum amount of (relatively) soft material and space before contacting hard engine parts such as intake manifolds, superchargers, or intercooler bricks. Here in the U.S.A., we have thicker skulls—perhaps related to an above-global-average dairy intake—and our regulators will let you bonk your noggin on an engine that sticks up through the hood. The largest chunk of that carbon-fiber strip running down the center of the ZR1’s nose is, in fact, the intercooler cover. As Juechter describes it: “You’ve got no air gap between the engine and the hood, you’ve got no hood blanket, you’ve got no construction between the hood inner and outer. All that stuff usually stacks on top [of the engine], but we consumed all of that and then let the engine crawl out another inch, inch and a half.” Adds Bennion: “It was a challenge to get that hood right. It could get real backwoods on you real fast.”

 

 

[David]

2 minutes ago, William Maley said:

I think this paragraph from Car and Driver has your answer,

 

Thank you, I read it but just zoned on realizing they want a cover over the engine to supposedly protect the pedestrians. Crazy stupid I think, but OK, it is socialist Europe.

[Suaviloquent]

Somehow I feel like this version of the Corvette ZR1 is kinda like the iPhone 8 Plus. Super powerful guts, expected pack leading performance on most general benchmarks used against peer and above competition, but tried and true styling from the past several years.

The real Corvette we're all supposedly waiting for is the 2020(?) mid-engine one? Is that going to be the Corvette version of the iPhone 10? 

Okay, stupid analogy aside... it's probably going to tear apart anything it competes against on power and performance. 

[David]

4 minutes ago, Suaviloquent said:

Somehow I feel like this version of the Corvette ZR1 is kinda like the iPhone 8 Plus. Super powerful guts, expected pack leading performance on most general benchmarks used against peer and above competition, but tried and true styling from the past several years.

The real Corvette we're all supposedly waiting for is the 2020(?) mid-engine one? Is that going to be the Corvette version of the iPhone 10? 

Okay, stupid analogy aside... it's probably going to tear apart anything it competes against on power and performance. 

I can see what you mean, after all why buy the Ford GT when you can have two of these for the price of one GT. So under powered compared to this.

[Robert Hall]

15 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Thank you, I read it but just zoned on realizing they want a cover over the engine to supposedly protect the pedestrians. Crazy stupid I think, but OK, it is socialist Europe.

No, EU pedestrian impact rules require a crush zone for the hood.  Problem is the hood bulge would be so big (like an outlaw scoop) it would cut into driver visibility...

[Suaviloquent]

Look man, part of the GT's price is it's history and heritage. And you can bet that the person who bought a GT can and most likely will get some kind of modern Corvette too.

Plus it's MADE IN CANADA quality, which you can't get in the United States....

Well....duhhh...stupid point aside,

The cars compete on performance but much less elsewhere. The GT also can't really perform much better than it can because of homologation issues, and how strictly they had to match the production and race car to optimize the GTE race car. Which of course was BP'd to hell in it's second year of Ford's leg in the LE MANS because no one would want to watch 4 straight years of Ford using a dedicated car to win it's class. The same class which is filled with cars that aren't devoted to solely exist to win there and sell very low volumes as an uncompromising and rather uncomfortable supercar.

The GT has intangible value, hard to assess, different person to person. This Corvette may have some bench stats to read off a list somewhere, but that's again value for dollar, which is immaterial once you start getting higher and higher into six figures. 

[Cmicasa the Great]

Love the power.. but I'm sitting this one out til the Mid-Engine arrives. IF anything I would get a used Z06. 755HP is awesome.. but in the wrong hands WOW. The Demon for instance will kill someone I guarantee within weeks of it hitting the market. I believe that this having 755HP is essentially the equivalent of the Dodge in the fact that this is 1000lbs lighter and has GM engineering

[daves87rs]

Holy....

Waiting for the battle versus the Hellcat.....BRING IT!

[Cmicasa the Great]

6 hours ago, daves87rs said:

Holy....

Waiting for the battle versus the Hellcat.....BRING IT!

A ZL1 will outgun a Hellcat. Did U mean Demon?

[daves87rs]

1 hour ago, Cmicasa the Great said:

A ZL1 will outgun a Hellcat. Did U mean Demon?

Sorry...... Yep!!!!

[surreal1272]

19 hours ago, smk4565 said:

Amazing power, styling looks a bit too fast and furious or cartoony with the big wing.  But the C7 overall isn't one of the better looking Corvettes.

How do you feel about the boy racer spoiler on this?

 

Edited November 13, 2017 by surreal1272

[ccap41]

2 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

How do you feel about the boy racer spoiler on this?

 

That spoiler is waaaay less boy-racer, imo.  One the driver looks over when looking out the back and the other the driver looks under when looking out the back. Solid, non-adjustable vs adjustable and the overall shape of the AMG's is cleaner and simpler than the ZR1's. 

[Robert Hall]

Definitely looks inspired by the C7R wing...

[smk4565]

35 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

How do you feel about the boy racer spoiler on this?

 

I don’t, I would take a GT S over a GT R but I would take an SL over a GT also.   But that wing doesn’t look as tacky as the ZR1’s.

[Robert Hall]

I wonder if this engine will turn up in other GM models..maybe a Camaro Z/28 or Escalade V-series..

[surreal1272]

47 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

I don’t, I would take a GT S over a GT R but I would take an SL over a GT also.   But that wing doesn’t look as tacky as the ZR1’s.

Benz bias kicking in there because it looks every bit as “tacky” as the Vette, which is pulled almost straight off of the racing Vette. 

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

That spoiler is waaaay less boy-racer, imo.  One the driver looks over when looking out the back and the other the driver looks under when looking out the back. Solid, non-adjustable vs adjustable and the overall shape of the AMG's is cleaner and simpler than the ZR1's. 

See my above response and add this. The green model does not have an adjustable spoiler but this one does. 

 

Edited November 13, 2017 by surreal1272

[Robert Hall]

As far as the AMG GT wings, the street version wings are quite mild compared to the race car...

[ccap41]

23 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

Benz bias kicking in there because it looks every bit as “tacky” as the Vette, which is pulled almost straight off of the racing Vette. 

See my above response and add this. The green model does not have an adjustable spoiler but this one does. 

 

Definitely not pulled straight off the C7R, they're both raised but that's about all the similarities. 

That wing on the yellow car looks terrible. That's itty bitty and looks awkward, like it doesn't belong. 

It isn't Benz bias, its just that one is a cleaner and more subtle design than the other(at least for me). The whole AMG GT lineup is a much cleaner look than the Vette. 

[surreal1272]

47 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Definitely not pulled straight off the C7R, they're both raised but that's about all the similarities. 

That wing on the yellow car looks terrible. That's itty bitty and looks awkward, like it doesn't belong. 

It isn't Benz bias, its just that one is a cleaner and more subtle design than the other(at least for me). The whole AMG GT lineup is a much cleaner look than the Vette. 

The bias was not for you and looks part is purely subjective since they are two totally different cars in two different price brackets. I’m not crazy about the spoiler but it does serve a function and the rest of the car looks sharp to me as opposed to the stretched out 911 profile of the Benz. Just my opinion though. 

[Drew Dowdell]

On 11/12/2017 at 3:34 PM, Scout said:

Thet fuel delivery system leaves me with questions.

What questions?

[smk4565]

16 hours ago, daves87rs said:

Holy....

Waiting for the battle versus the Hellcat.....BRING IT!

Until the Demon hits a corner...

[Scout]

2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

What questions?

"GM’s first dual-fuel-injection system, which employs primary direct injection and supplemental port injection, helps the LT5 achieve its record output."

 

I realise I don't keep up on this kind of stuff the way I used to but, two separate injection systems?  That's new to me. I didn't realize that was even a thing. 

[Robert Hall]

49 minutes ago, Scout said:

"GM’s first dual-fuel-injection system, which employs primary direct injection and supplemental port injection, helps the LT5 achieve its record output."

 

I realise I don't keep up on this kind of stuff the way I used to but, two separate injection systems?  That's new to me. I didn't realize that was even a thing. 

Didn't know it was such a thing either...I guess it's something new to add complexity and add as an advertising talking point.

[balthazar]

... and add like 100 HP- you forgot that point.

[Scout]

54 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Didn't know it was such a thing either...I guess it's something new to add complexity and add as an advertising talking point.

I've started reading up on this a little. Apparently it's not a new thing. Just new for GM. I don't remember ever seeing it advertised or talked about though. 

50 minutes ago, balthazar said:

... and add like 100 HP- you forgot that point.

After doing some reading on this, I don't think it's all about power gain. 

[Robert Hall]

I'll have to read up on it..don't recall it being mentioned in the C&D article, the main thing they mentioned regarding the engine was the larger supercharger relative to the Z06...

[Cmicasa the Great]

Amazing the clownish BS arises again. No offense to those complaining about the spoiller.. but I highly doubt that U are the target for the ZR1. I say that with the utmost respect too. The Spoiler is, like other iterations of it, incorporated to HELP exact 950lbs of DOWNFORCE on the car at higher speeds and in track conditions. Anyone who has driven a car like this above 170, let alone 210+, will tell U that at a certain point.. your ass becomes insanely LITE. That is absolutely no good at that speed for various reasons.

 

 

I'm still researching the fuel system, but they aren't planning on running into any first year Z06 cooling issues it seems

 

[A Horse With No Name]

On 11/12/2017 at 3:44 PM, smk4565 said:

Amazing power, styling looks a bit too fast and furious or cartoony with the big wing.  But the C7 overall isn't one of the better looking Corvettes.

Well now, all along I thought they kept you in a padded room. 

[ccap41]

We all understand there is a purpose for the wing. That doesn't mean it looks right on the car. 

This is incorporated much better into the body. 

 

[Drew Dowdell]

18 hours ago, Scout said:

"GM’s first dual-fuel-injection system, which employs primary direct injection and supplemental port injection, helps the LT5 achieve its record output."

 

I realise I don't keep up on this kind of stuff the way I used to but, two separate injection systems?  That's new to me. I didn't realize that was even a thing. 

GM isn't the first to do this.  I don't know who was, but I do know that Toyota is using such a system on the latest version of its V6es.    Part of it has to do with efficiency.  Direct Injection is great at certain operating conditions, in others, it's not so hot and port injection is better. 

[Robert Hall]

4 hours ago, ccap41 said:

We all understand there is a purpose for the wing. That doesn't mean it looks right on the car. 

This is incorporated much better into the body. 

 

The AMG GT is a very clean design for the most part...different cars for different buyers..the AMG is competing w/ Porsche 911 shoppers.    The Corvette goes for the more brash, cartoonish styling to appeal to the inner 15 yr old of their 65 yr old buyers.  (j/k)

 

 

Edited November 14, 2017 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[surreal1272]

3 hours ago, ccap41 said:

We all understand there is a purpose for the wing. That doesn't mean it looks right on the car. 

This is incorporated much better into the body. 

 

Oh good picky lord. Just read the explanation given by Casa before slamming the design. It obviously wasn’t done that way just for nothing. We are not talking about a 94 Civic where is looks like a damn bi plane in reverse. I personally think the Benz spoiler looks worse than on the Vette simply because it doesn’t go with the rest of the cars design. Same complaint, different car.

[balthazar]

2 hours ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

... their 65 yr old buyers.  

What do you think the ABA of the MBAMGGT is?

[Robert Hall]

15 minutes ago, balthazar said:

What do you think the ABA of the MBAMGGT is?

I would think it would be lower.  I know in Phoenix Corvettes seem to really attract an older crowd.  I chatted with a 75yr old at Cars & Coffee in Scottsdale last year w a new Z06.  He had a C4 ZR1 and C6 ZR1 and home...all the Corvettes at the event seemed to have owners in the AARP demo...Corvettes are like Harleys--they attract older male buyers.   Nothing wrong with the that..when I get to old fart status, I want to drive something fun.  

Edited November 14, 2017 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[David]

17 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

I would think it would be lower.  I know in Phoenix Corvettes seem to really attract an older crowd.  I chatted with a 75yr old at Cars & Coffee in Scottsdale last year w a new Z06.  He had a C4 ZR1 and C6 ZR1 and home...all the Corvettes at the event seemed to have owners in the AARP demo...Corvettes are like Harleys--they attract older male buyers. 

This happens every time you push an auto to 6 figures plus. Youth cannot afford to buy the top end, just those nearing the grave with a foot already partially 6 feet under.  

[Robert Hall]

1 minute ago, dfelt said:

This happens every time you push an auto to 6 figures plus. Youth cannot afford to buy the top end, just those nearing the grave with a foot already partially 6 feet under.  

And not to mention youth today don't want cars, at least not those you have to drive yourself. 

[David]

4 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

And not to mention youth today don't want cars, at least not those you have to drive yourself. 

We'll it is not XBox where you can just reset and start over. It actually requires skill and responsibility, something I see missing in many Millennials. 

[ccap41]

16 hours ago, surreal1272 said:

Oh good picky lord. Just read the explanation given by Casa before slamming the design. It obviously wasn’t done that way just for nothing. We are not talking about a 94 Civic where is looks like a damn bi plane in reverse. I personally think the Benz spoiler looks worse than on the Vette simply because it doesn’t go with the rest of the cars design. Same complaint, different car.

To each their own. 

At least their downforce goal was achieved without ridiculous tacked on pieces.. 

I've already said I don't care how functional the ZR1's pieces are, they don't flow well. Nothing really flows well on the C7. Personally, I don't think the C7 will age as well as an other Corvette just because the design. It isn't as clean as any other Vette and this is a perfect example of that. It is obviously the best Vette to date but I think the C5 & C6 will age better

[Cmicasa the Great]

Zero reason to establish a whole new topic.. so: 

DID CHEVY JUST PUT OUT A 755HP ZR1 Corvette that gets the same fuel economy as the 650HP Z06?

 

Horsepower (hp @ rpm):    755 @ 6300 rpm (SAE certified)
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):    715 @ 4400 rpm (SAE certified)

               Manual                         Automatic
City           15 MPG                 13 MPG
Highway    22 MPG               23 MPG