Test drive: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The ZR1 is Chevrolet's newest super-Vette -- 638 supercharged horsepower, lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber construction, and a six-figure price tag. So when Chevrolet called and offered me a chance to drive it at their Milford Proving Grounds in Detroit, I was thrilled beyond belief.
How was it? Man, oh, man -- driving the ZR1 was one of the most memorable experiences of my career as an auto hack. I even got to take a quick spin -- slowly and carefully -- in the first customer-ready ZR1, VIN 00001 (picture of the car here and the VIN plate here. GM plans to add this car to their Heritage Collection.)
I went back and forth as to how to write this review -- should I relate all the fascinating technical details (this car really is an engineering masterpiece), or should I try to describe what it's like to pilot this beast? I tried to do a bit of both, but as always, I leaned towards the latter. Check out my 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 test drive and review.
I went a little snap-happy with the ol' Pentax, so along with my review you'll find a couple dozen more photos in my 2009 Corvette ZR1 photo gallery. Be sure to check out the tire smoking sequence (shortcut to the pics here, here and here). -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
Once again Corvette proves that it really is America’s great sports car. The ZR1 has everything performance-wise to compete with the likes of Ferrari and all the other exotics. Perhaps it may lack in mystique or sexy lines, but those are not part of a sports car’s description (though nice to have!). Best of all GM can make such a car for so much less. Once again Mopar and Fomoco are left in the dust!
Very nice. I think Vettes are about the best cars being produced in Detroit these days. A $100K Vette is no longer a deal but one must admit that this is a “killer” car. My only issue with these cars is the interior. It looks cheap (too cheap) – even with the $3-4K “pleather” package.
incredible!!!
way to go GM!
I ordered mine in red. Unfortunatly right after that my alarm clock went off. Damn!
Talk about nocturnal emissions.