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ZR1 pics courtesy of Car and Driver [2]
We’ve waited and wondered for months.
But finally, a GM authorized peek at the 2019 Corvette ZR1 is scheduled for this Sunday! After many breathless predictions–and more than a few dead ends–we’ve got the biggest ‘Vette news since the 7th Gen intro and it’s right around the corner.
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Until then, check out these pics from a CorvetteForum member that leaked a scanned copy of Car and Driver’s ZR1 story and we’ve condensed a cheat sheet to whet your whistle. Here’s are the details of the 2019 Corvette ZR1.
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Body
- Unique fenders and hood from A-pillar forward. With FOUR heat exchangers in the new proboscis. Each nostril also contains a radiator and intercooler as well. The car tips the scale 140 pounds heavier than the Z06, mostly ahead of front wheels.
- Heat soak? What heat soak?
- Front fender vents unique to ZR1.
- Available in coupe and convertible
- ZTK performance package–with the bigger wing and 500 pounds of downforce–Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, specific suspension tuning and magnetic ride control.
- Smaller wing is standard equipment.
- Big riser hood and front fascia will NOT pass European pedestrian standards so look for Stateside availability only.
- Predicted to be over two seconds faster than Z06 around Millford.
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Mechanical
- 6.2 liter Supercharged V8–dubbed LT5– with 750hp/680 ft-lbs of torque with direct and port fuel injection.
- Eaton 2650cc blower is 2.9 inches taller than LT4 and presented some packaging concerns.
- A seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic will be your transmission choices. Corvette Online was correct about this as a little birdy told us the ten-speed automatic won’t fit the now aging C7 platform.
- Aside from unique motor, the Z06 and ZR1 are almost identical in every other respect. They share transmissions, gear ratios, standard and optional rubber and Mag ride. The ZR1’s front tires are half an inch wider and has the optional Z07 brake package–with new pad material–as standard equipment, but most everything is shared between siblings and is quite a testament to the robust C7 chassis that it takes 100 more horsepower without a sweat.
- 0-60 in less than three seconds
[6]Interrior is mostly carry-over. With specific trim and badging unique to ZR1
How Much?
Look for an MSRP of roughly $120,000.00
Here are key factors influencing timing of public roll-out of the ZR1 and when it will go on sale.
- The 2018 Corvette Model Year Will Be the Shortest In Decades
Unclaimed dealer orders ended October 27.
After a brand new paint line added, Bowling Green resumes ’18 production on November 6.
Orders for 2018 terminate November 16.
Last week of 2018 production is January 22. 2018 model year will be roughly three months long, with only 9,700 models produced.
- 2019 Corvette Model Year Begins End of January
Order guide goes live November 20.
Orders commence November 30.
2019 production starts January 29.
- What Does This All This Mean?
Chevy announced the ZR1 reveal will be live on Sunday, November 12 via social media. Then the order guide for 2019 models drops on November 20. Between the official review and order guide, the next milestone is the Dubai Auto Show, [7]running Nov 14- 18.CorvetteBlogger showed an invitation that a reader supplied that hints the latest supercar from Chevrolet might debut there.
[8]Pic courtesy CorvetteBlogger
If we don’t see the official reveal in the Middle East, the LA Auto Show [9] is next up, running December 1-10, 2018 and finally, The North America International Auto Show [10] running January 14-21, 2018.
So after the the official sneak peek reveal from Chevy social media on Sunday, where the little white ball on the Corvette ZR1 roulette wheel in the sky lands is anyone’s guess.
Where do YOU think the Corvette ZR1 will debut?
Let us know in the comments section below.
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