America’s legendary sports car receives 765hp 6.2-litre supercharged V8 and new eight-speed automatic option.
Is it road-legal?
Welcome to the latest Corvette from Chevrolet wearing the racy ZR1 badge. The C7 base car has become the fourth Corvette to get the ultimate in steroids after the C6, C4 and C3 generation models.
Launched in Dubai this week in fiery orange hue, the new ZR1 sports the usual carbonfibre bits on the exterior to signify its high-performance status for the road. Yes, it’s street-legal.
But if you want to take the ZR1 to the track, there’s the so-called ZTK Performance Package to further improve downforce including front air splitter, adjustable suspension and Sport Cup 2 tyres from Michelin.
Which V8 does it get?
The ZR1 gets the LT5-designated 6.2-litre V8 producing 765hp and 969Nm. New performance-enhancing features in the LT5 comprise of dual fuel-injection and more efficient supercharging and intercooling system.
For the first time, the ZR1 comes with a two-pedal option in the guise of eight-speed automatic with steering-mounted paddle-shifters; seven-speed manual is still available.
Chevrolet says the ZR1 is capable of reaching a top speed in excess of 335kph, although it didn’t mention the 0-100kph acceleration time. But with so much power, expect its record to be within three seconds scant.
But it isn’t available in right-hand drive…
True, but that apparently was never a problem from some Thai enthusiasts wanting an American muscle car. The sales date for the ZR1 has been set for the second quarter of 2018.
Although pricing hasn’t been announced yet, expect the ZR1 to cost anywhere between 10-15 million baht if imported to Thailand. Another supercar from a mass-market brand with such giant-slaying performance is the Nissan GT-R.
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