The fastest, most powerful and highly advanced Corvette ever, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 was unveiled during a global launch event in Dubai yesterday. It is not only the most powerful Corvette ever but also has the greatest track performance thanks to the exclusive LT5 supercharged engine.
“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 highly advanced LT5 supercharged engine can create a mighty 755 horsepower (563 kW) and 715 lb-ft of torque (969 Nm). The new 2019 Corvette ZR1 comes with two wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics packages encompassing a High Wing that renders about 950 pounds (430.91 Kgs) of downforce. What makes this ZR1’s LT5 6.2L V-8 engine so powerful is a new, more-efficient intercooled supercharger system that provides 52% extra displacement than the Z06’s LT4 supercharger. The new 2019 Corvette ZR1 will be the first to have automatic transmission. Customers can opt between seven-speed manual and eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmissions.
Chevrolet has made a number of tweaks in the design of the vehicle and the engine to make it pass 210 mph (337 km/h) mark.
“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 give customers two aero packages: a standard rear Low Wing, rendering the highest top speed with 70% extra downforce compared to the Z06’s base aero package. The other option is two-way-adjustable High Wing rendering around 60% extra downforce than the Z06 with the accessible Z07 Performance Package.
There is a new Sebring Orange Design Package available for ZR1 featuring 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 matches to the highest performance of ZR1 with a driver-focused cockpit. The standard features comprise of leather-trimmed seats, with sueded microfiber inserts or heated and vented Napa leather-trimmed seats, and a carbon fiber-rimmed steering wheel, competition sports seats, Performance Data Recorder, Bose premium audio system and more.
The new 2019 Corvette ZR1 will reportedly hit the dealerships by the second half of 2018.