C6 Corvette ZR1 Is Still a Spectacularly Powerful Thrill Ride

By -

C6 Corvette ZR1 Review

Fifteen years after it launched, the C6 Corvette ZR1 is still a heck of a lot of fun, even at today’s ever-rising prices. 

When the C6 Corvette ZR1 debuted way back in 2009, it quite literally shocked the world, thanks mostly to the fact that it arrived packing the supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 engine churning out an incredible, almost-unbelievable for the time 638 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque. With only one transmission option – the Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual – the C6 Corvette ZR1 was a true world-beater, reaching a top speed of 190 miles-per-hour and throwing egg in the face of far more expensive and exotic machinery at the time. Now, 15 years later, it’s still a wildly impressive machine.

Recently, the folks at Throttle House were able to take this C6 Corvette ZR1 for a spin, right on the eve of the debut of the all-new C8 version. While it’s down roughly 400 horsepower on the newest ZR1, the C6 ZR1 remains a heck of a bargain, even as values have begun to creep up in recent months. Truly, the biggest downside is the fact that this is an older Corvette, meaning that it’s a bit lacking in terms of fit and finish – particularly, inside the cabin.

C6 Corvette ZR1 Review

However, none of that really matters when you step on the accelerator. This particular example is also fitted with Lingenfelter’s 710 package – giving it 710 horsepower – along with an exhaust update, meaning that it’s even more outrageous than the already-insane stock version. Our hosts quickly discover this once they slip behind the wheel on the track, as they’re so taken back by the sheer brute force of the ZR1 that they have a hard time discussing silly things like interior quality.

C6 Corvette ZR1 Review

Our hosts are also quite surprised at how “hammer-like” the C6 Corvette ZR1 is, given the fact that it’s always been known as America’s sports car. Regardless, those qualities also make it a heck of a lot of fun to drive, if not terribly precise. It even looks a bit subdued compared to the C8 ZR1, though the way it performs on the track is actually pretty close to newer vehicles like the Lotus Emira – not quite on C8 Z06 levels, but not terribly far off, either.

On the same token, our hosts correctly point out that the C6 Z06 is a far better deal at the moment, and it’s nearly as competent on the track – particularly with some modifications. Thus, as more and more collectors gravitate toward the C6 Corvette ZR1 – driving prices ever-skyward – it’s nice to know that we’ll have a suitable, affordable alternative for some time. However, if you can afford a “Blue Devil” now, it might just be the time to go out and get one.

Join the LS1Tech forums now!

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:21 AM.