Slideshow: The History of Corvette ZR1
Corvette makes a super-hardcore version of the Z06 called the ZR1 and has been pretty good at it for quite some time now.
1. The ZR1
The ZR1 nameplate first started in 1969 as an extreme version of the C3 Corvette. Now, "ZR1" is synonymous with speed, brutality, and craziness. The whole idea behind a ZR1 model variant is to be more powerful than the outgoing Z06, to look wilder, and to be as loud and obnoxious as possible--all characteristics of a monster car.
To date, there are four ZR1 models from the C3, C4, C6, and C7 eras. As of late, the new 2019 ZR1 has just been released and are probably your best bet to owning one anytime soon. The others, well, they're rare as hell and hard to come by. If you find one, hold onto it for years and years.
2. C3 ZR1
The C3 Corvette was manufactured from 1968 to 1982. The engine and chassis for the C3 were brought over from the C2 that came before it. The interior and exterior were all new and oh-so 70's. The C3 came with a whole plethora of engine choices varying from an LG4 Small-Block V8 to an LS6 Big-Block V8. Transmissions were either 3-speeds of 4-speeds.
The ZR1 was a $1,221 option. It was only available with the LT-1 engine option. It did get an array of upgrades from a normal C3 such as a solid-lifter small-block engine, four-speed transmission that could withstand extra power, more powerful brakes, aluminum radiator, a new suspension with special springs, shocks, stabilizer bar, and spindle-strut shafts. The list of things the ZR1 didn't have is also equally as long: power windows, power steering, air conditioning, a rear-window defogger, wheel covers, and radio. The idea was to have a car that was as close to a racecar as possible. No creature-comforts here!
A total of 53 C3 ZR1's were made from 1970-72.
>>Join the conversation about the past, present and, future of the Corvette ZR1 right here.
3. C4 ZR1
In 1986, Chevy set out to make the fastest car ever built. To help them achieve that monumental goal, the guys at Lotus helped develop the engine. It was an LT5, an aluminum-block V-8 which produced 375 horsepower. The prototype at the time (called "King of the Hill"), wasn't just a normal C4 with extra power stuffed inside. Instead, the guys at Lotus made sure that the 'Vette could fly around a track without running into walls so they added updated braking and steering systems along with a new suspension setup.
When the ZR1 went on sale in 1990, it cost an absurd $58,995 and $66,278 by 1995. That was twice the price of a base C4 at the time and cost as much as some of its more refined European competitors such as Porsche. The ZR1 wasn't just a case of all bark, no bite; instead, it produced some wild figures that were groundbreaking for the time. It did 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and had a top speed of 180+ mph.
>>Join the conversation about the past, present and, future of the Corvette ZR1 right here.
4. C6 ZR1
The C6 ZR1 was a return to form for the ZR1 nameplate. There was no ZR1 for the previous model, the C5. so people were very excited. The codenamed "Blue Devil" caused a lot of media attention due to leaked photos, rumors about power, and its various names (at one point it was going to be the Z07). When it finally made its media debut in 2009, the ZR! boasted a supercharged 6.2 L LS9 V8 producing 638 hp and had a top speed of 192 mph.
The ZR1 had tons of other upgrades over the Z06 such as excessive use of carbon fiber, wider tires, ceramic brakes, new intercooler, and Magnetic Selective Ride Control, which changed the stiffness of the rode based on the roads surface and grip levels.
>>Join the conversation about the past, present and, future of the Corvette ZR1 right here.
5. C7 ZR1
Earlier this year, Chevy released its latest iteration of the ZR1. This time, the ZR1 makes 755 horsepower 715 lb-ft from its all-new 6.2 L pushrod LT5 V8 engine equipped with a 2.6 L Eaton supercharger. It also has improved aerodynamics with huge splitters and massive spoiler that was developed in conjunction with Pratt & Miller's Corvette racing team. The ZR1 also get a new exhaust system, upgraded crankshaft, carbon ceramic brakes, sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and is offered in either a 7-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.
The ZR1 can come as a convertible if you so desire. The price starts at $120,000 which makes it the most expensive Corvette to date.
>>Join the conversation about the past, present and, future of the Corvette ZR1 right here.
6. The Future
The next version of Chevy's Corvette (the C8) will be a mid-engined and seek to destroy the likes of Mercedes, McLaren, Porsche, and even Ferrari. There is no telling what the power output will be or even if the engine will remain naturally-aspirated. This will be the first time Corvette has changed its engine layout in over 60 years. The decision was made to compete with the newer and more dynamic supercars.
The ZR1 will most likely make a comeback for the C8 model years but those will be a few years away. For now, get yourself the new ZR1--it may be the last Corvette with a manual transmission!
>>Join the conversation about the past, present and, future of the Corvette ZR1 right here.
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