The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is Supercharged and Superbad
Many Vette enthusiasts chomped at the bit to see exactly what rabbit Chevy would pull out of the hat with the 2009 Corvette in order to improve upon the sweeping improvements that were made to the 2008 model. The wait would certainly prove to be worth it as the 2009 model year saw the rebirth of a legend in the Corvette ZR1.
The ZR1 marked the return of the king and everyone just knew that it was going to be fast; and was it ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 featured a 6.2 liter V-8 supercharged engine that put out a blinding 638 bhp. This was basically a street legal race car and many that tested the new ZR1 had reported the top speed going over 200 miles per hour. It featured a six speed manual transmission and was set apart from the rest of the lineup thanks in part to its carbon fiber use on the hood, roof bow, roof panel, rocker moldings, and the front fascia splitter.
The rest of the Corvette lineup for 2009 was just as impressive and the Z06 was not replaced by the ZR1 but rather complimented by it. The Z06 returned its bigger 7.0 liter V-8 engine and still pumped out an impressive 505 bhp. But because it was not supercharged like the ZR1, it was not as fast. Still doing 0 to 60 miles an hour in less than four seconds was a fast ride and there was no taking away the raw power of the Z06.
The base model coupe and convertible still features an impressive 430 bhp and even that could be bumped up to 436 horsepower if the buyer opted to pay for a dual mode exhaust system. While the horsepower paled in comparison to that of the Z06 and the ZR1, the base model Vette still made enough ponies to throw back just about anyone in their seats after takeoff.
The base models for 2009 were made available with the Magnetic Selective Ride Control which would adjust the suspension automatically and had two modes for the driver to select. Another option was to have the Z51 package installed for a firmer and nonadjustable suspension more suited to the needs of a racer.
The Corvettes transformation from a onetime six cylinder car to the mighty beast that it had become was complete. Sales for the 2009 year were excellent and the new ZR1 proved to be a wise choice for the GM people as it not only received rave reviews, but a good number of buyers as well.
While the 2009 Corvette was still a pricey vehicle by many standards, as always it had proved to be a tremendous bargain in the world of the ultra sports exotics. With the handling and flat out speed of the 2009 Corvette even the most finely tuned and ultra expensive imports took a backseat when performance was discussed. Once again Chevy had improved ever so slightly on its masterpiece and closed out the first decade of the new millennium in great fashion.
Tags: 2009 Corvette, Corvette ZR1, ZR1
