General Motors today took the wraps off of the second-generation Chevrolet Corvette C6.R race car, based heavily on the new 2010 Corvette ZR1. The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette C6.R is powered by a new 485-hp 5.5L V8 and will compete in the new unified GT class in the 2010 American Le Mans Series as well as the GT2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The GT rules require the use of many production-based components, making the ZR1 and C6.R the closest street and racing Corvettes since the 1960s.

“Simply put, without Corvette Racing, there would not be a Corvette Z06, much less the ZR1. And, without the foundation of the Corvette C6, Z06 and ZR1, the Corvette Racing team would not be the dominant presence in production-based racing.”

Click through for the press release.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1:

Press Release:

New Corvette Racing C6.R and Production Corvette ZR1 Represent the Culmination of More Than 10 Years of Technology Transfer

Updated C6.R to Race in 2010 Le Mans, 50 Years After Corvette’s First Appearance in Legendary Endurance Race

DETROIT – Corvette Racing’s second-generation C6.R will be powered by a new 5.5L production-based V-8, to compete in the new unified GT class in the 2010 American Le Mans Series as well as the GT2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The updated C6.R and  the Corvette ZR1 on which it’s based represent the strongest link yet between a production Corvette and the modern Corvette Racing team. Both cars are well-equipped to compete on and off the track with showroom competitors including Aston Martins, BMWs, Porsches and Ferraris.

Corvette has a long history of production-based endurance racing, making its first appearance at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1956, and its first appearance at Le Mans in 1960. Then Corvette chief engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov leveraged the racing program to improve the production Corvette, as evidenced by the development of heavy-duty and high-performance components and the introduction of the race-bred Z06 option on the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray.

The transfer of technology between racing and production cars resumed with the start of the modern Corvette Racing program in 1999. More than a  decade later, it’s impossible to imagine one team without the other, according to Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer:

“Simply put, without Corvette Racing, there would not be a Corvette Z06, much less the ZR1. And, without the foundation of the Corvette C6, Z06 and ZR1, the Corvette Racing team would not be the dominant presence in production-based racing.”

1999 – 2004: The C5-R acts as a catalyst for Corvette performance

Corvette Racing campaigned the C5-R from 1999 through the end of the 2004 season. The first-generation car scored 35 victories in 55 races, won its class at the 12 Hours of Sebring three consecutive years, posted three 1-2 finishes in the GTS class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and earned four consecutive ALMS manufacturers championships for Chevrolet.

It also served as a catalyst for Corvette performance.

In 1999, the fifth-generation Corvette C5 produced 345 horsepower from its 5.7L V-8. Leveraging the powertrain technologies developed for the C5R, Corvette brought back the hallowed Z06 moniker in 2001, packing a 385 horsepower 5.7L V-8.

In addition, the C5-R helped shape the sixth-generation Corvette, introduced for the 2005 model year. Corvette Racing’s influence could be seen in the C6 Corvette design, which featured flush headlights for better aerodynamics; a single, large grille opening for the engine air intake, radiator, and brake cooling; a lower coefficient of drag; and low 3,179 pound curb weight. Lessons from racing were also integrated in the 6.0L LS2 V-8, the most powerful standard Corvette engine to date, with 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the C6 Corvette delivered unprecedented performance, including a 186-mph top speed, acceleration from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and quarter-mile runs in 12.6 seconds at 114 mph.

2005 – 2009: The co-development of the C6.R and Z06

The C6 Corvette served as a foundation for the joint development of two new, high-performance Corvettes: the 2006 Corvette Z06 and the Corvette Racing C6.R, introduced in 2005.

Both cars were powered by 7.0L small-block V-8 engines, with dry-sump lubrication systems, CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads, titanium valves, forged steel crankshafts, and plate-honed cylinder bores.

For the Z06, the collaboration translated into 505hp, 470 lb.-ft. of torque, and searing performance: 198-mph top speed, acceleration from 0 – 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and quarter-mile runs in 11.7 seconds at 125 mph. Racing’s influence was also evident in the Corvette Z06 use of lightweight carbon fiber front fenders and wheelhouses, and aerodynamics package – including a front splitter, air extractors behind the front wheels, radiused trailing edges on the wheel openings, brake cooling scoops, widened rear fenders, rear diffuser, and spoiler.

For the C6.R, homologation on the Z06 translated into 42 wins, four consecutive ALMS drivers and manufacturers championships, and three victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

2010: Introducing the second-generation C6.R, based on the ZR1

In the 2010 American Le Mans Series, Corvette Racing will compete in the series’ production-based GT category (formerly GT2) and in the GT2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a second-generation C6.R that is homologated on the Corvette ZR1.

The GT rules require the use of many production-based components, making the ZR1 and C6.R the closest street and racing Corvettes since the 1960s.

Introduced for the 2009 model year, the ZR1 is the fastest, most powerful car ever produced by Chevrolet. To deliver 638 hp, the LS9 V-8 engines are hand-built using many of the processes developed by the race team. To deliver a 205-mph top speed, the ZR1 aerodynamics package also utilizes race technology – including wide carbon fiber front fenders with dual vents, a full-width rear spoiler, and a front splitter.

The updated C6.R utilizes the ZR1 body design, aerodynamic package, aluminum frame and chassis structure, steering system, windshield, and other components.

Aluminum frame: The new Corvette C6.R is built on the same aluminum frame rails that underpin production Corvette Z06 and ZR1 models. Other production chassis structures in the race car include the windshield frame, the hoop around the rear of the passenger compartment, the door hinge pillars, the drivetrain tunnel, the firewall, and the floor pan.

Steering system: The new Corvette C6.R utilizes the production steering column out of the ZR1, with a fully adjustable steering wheel, and production rack-and-pinion steering rack.

Body profile: The Corvette C6.R race car is now virtually identical to the Corvette ZR1 street car in appearance, as GT rules require production-type fenders with simple flares to accommodate wider tires.

Aerodynamics: The new C6.R utilizes the full-width, production rear spoiler from the ZR1, and a production-based ZR1 front splitter that extends 25mm, in contrast to the 80mm splitter allowed under the GT1 rules. Although the aerodynamics package does not produce the same levels of downforce as the GT1 car, the C6.R is more predictable over a wide range of speeds.

Where the C6.R and ZR1 differ significantly are in situations where GT rules actually prohibited the use of the more sophisticated ZR1 components. For example, the ZR1 is equipped with carbon-composite brake rotors, while GT regulations require ferrous (steel) brake discs. And, where the ZR1 utilizes a 6.2L, supercharged V-8, the C6.R will use a naturally aspirated small-block, production-based 5.5L V-8.

The Corvette C6.R race cars’ 5.5-liter Chevrolet small-block V8s are developed, built and maintained by GM. The Corvette C6.Rs’ LS5.5R is a naturally aspirated race engine, based on the Corvette Z06’s 7.0-liter LS7 engine (which in turn was developed with the 7.0L race engine used in the C6.R GT1 cars), built on production cast-aluminum cylinder blocks.

Pending GT2 class regulations specify a maximum displacement of 5.5 liters, the reduction in displacement to meet this requirement was achieved by shortening the crankshaft stroke and reducing the cylinder bore diameter. In accordance with the regulations, the race engines have two 28.8mm diameter intake air restrictors. The LS5.5R engines are equipped with dry-sump oiling systems, CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads with titanium intake and exhaust valves, and sequential electronic port fuel injection. The race engines use E85R ethanol racing fuel in the ALMS and E10 fuel in Le Mans.

Race on Sunday, Sell on Monday

Clearly, Corvette Racing’s success in production-based endurance racing has played a significant role in improving the performance of the production Corvette. In addition, as the racing and production cars have become more closely linked, Corvette Racing has also shown a positive impact in Corvette sales.

“Corvette sales tracked directly to customer leads at ALMS races have doubled from 2005 to 2009,” says John Fitzpatrick, Chevrolet Performance Cars marketing manager. “This proves what we have heard anecdotally from other Corvette owners: Watching production-based Corvettes win against legendary marques like BMW, Porsche and Ferrari, on legendary tracks like Sebring and Le Mans, makes Corvette all the more desirable.”

###

2010 Corvette ZR-1 and Corvette Racing C6.R Specifications

- By: Omar Rana

If you missed Top Gear this past weekend, you missed a pretty exciting segment where Jeremy Clarkson test-drives the Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 and compares it to GM’s Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Wondering who won? Check out the video after the jump – but make sure you do it soon before YouTwit takes it down.

Refresher:

Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI: Power comes from a 5.2L V10 producing a total of 528-hp. Mated to a R-tronic transmission the R8 5.2 V10 FSI quattro goes from 0 to 60 mph comes in just 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: LS9 supercharged 6.2L V8 engine producing 638-hp and 604 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 mph comes in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph.

- By: Omar Rana

Italian company Zagato helped a Russian student from Moscow State University of Industrial and Applied Arts revive Italian brand Iso Rivolta.

Known as the Iso Rivolta Marella, the Italian supercar is based on the underpinnings of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – meaning that under the hood is a 6.2L V8 LS9 supercharged engine making 638-hp with a peak torque of 595 lb-ft. No word on 0 to 60 mph timings but we don’t expect to be anything shy of 3.5 seconds.

As of right now the Iso Rivolta Marella exists only as a scaled down model; however, we’d like to see it be produced some day.

Iso Rivolta Marella:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Cardesign (via CarScoop)

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 completely destroyed: What you see above is a picture of a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 completely destroyed after a horrible head on crash. Check out more pictures at WreckedExotics.

Chinese woman pulls 6 cars with her hair: This past week, Zhang Tingting became the first woman to successfully pull 6 cars over 50 meters with her hair. All we have to say is – ouch. We’re guessing she uses Garnier – Jalopnik

Fastest cars under $50,000: Forbes has put together a list of the fastest cars for under $50,000. Some picks include the Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, BMW 335i, Audi TTS, 2010 Camaro SS and the Ford Mustang GT. The Nissan 370Z seems to missing from the list and we’re pretty pissed off about that. On a side note, you should definitely go for the car pictured below. – Forbes

- By: Omar Rana

Obviously it would be a bold statement to say that the Corvette ZR1 can beat the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce – in fact it would be down right blasphemous. However, can ZR1 actually keep up with the Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce? Well, the folks at AutoCar decided to figure that one out.

Refresher:

Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce: 6.5 V12 producing 670-hp and a peak torque of 487 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph comes in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 212 mph.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: LS9 supercharged 6.2L V8 engine producing 638-hp and 604 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 mph comes in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph.

Make the jump for the video.

- By: Omar Rana

Meet the 1 of 1 special edition Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Hero Edition by General Motors. GM built and designed the car to honor the Kids Wish Network’s “Hero of the Month.”

The special edition Corvette ZR1 Hero Edition is the only unit produced with red accents, special graphics and carbon fiber trims. No powertrain upgrades were made to the supercharged 638-horsepower LS9 V8 engine. The Corvette Team Members Ray Krawczyk, Harlan Charles and Tadge Juechter have all signed their names under the hood. 

Last year’s Corvette Dream Giveaway generated enough money to fund the Hero Program for a year. This year, tickets for the Corvette ZR1 Hero Edition start at just $3 and there is no cap on how many tickets will be sold. There is also no limit on how many tickets an individual can purchase. The price per ticket will decrease as you purchase additional tickets while your odds of winning will increase.

Click here to purchase your tickets.

Follow the jump for more pictures.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Hero Edition:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: Corvette Blogger

It will obviously set you aside from the crowd and will definitely turn heads when you drive it down the street. However, the Bertone Mantide will cost you a whopping $2 million according to creator Jason Castriota. Who’s going to by a $2 million car that has the underpinnings of the Corvette ZR1 when they can just go for the $104,920 Corvette ZR1 itself?

“The project has an anonymous benefactor, but it is in fact for sale either as a singular example, or with the possibility of building an extremely limited series,” Castriota said in an e-mail message to the Wheels blog of New York Times.

He said that Bertone may build only three or five units of the Mantide, though it “would not rule out producing as many as 10.”

The Bertone Mantide is powered by an LS9 engine making a total of 638-hp, which allows for a 0 to 62 mph time of just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 217 mph.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Bertone Mantide:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Wheels

The first time we saw the Hyundai Equus in person was at the 2009 New York Auto Show – it was also the first time we saw Hyundai’s full-size sedan on U.S. soil – until now.

Hyundai Equus spotted in L.A. with U.S. plates: A 2010 Hyundai Equus was spotted roaming around in L.A. by a member of the Genesis Owner forum. The car made its U.S. debut at the 2009 New York Auto Show last month. Hyundai says that it is testing the North American market to see if the model will be appealing to U.S. customers. – CarScoop

Ferrari crashed on the set of Nicholas Cage’s new movie set: A stunt drive crashed a Ferrari F430 on the set of Cage’s new movie “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” Two were injured. – Straightline

First crashed 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 ends up on eBay: Allegedly the first crashed ZR1 has hit the auction block on eBay with a starting bid of $75,000. – eBay (via Jalopnik)

- By: Omar Rana

Stile Bertone has finally revealed his Project M car as the one-off Betrone Mantide.

The Bertone Mantide features the underpinnings of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 wrapped in radical Stile Bertone aerospace inspired design.

The LS9 engine gives the Mantide a total 638-hp. However, with a significant drop in weight with carbon fiber body panels, interior trim, seats and even the wheels, the Mantide promises better performance than the ZR1 itself. 0 to 62 mph is said to come in just 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 217 mph.

You can check out the video, high-res images and the press release after the jump.

Bertone Mantide:

Bertone Mantide Video:

Press Release:

Stile Bertone is proud to present the ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE one-off MANTIDE.

Few, if any, automobiles have been as awe-inspiring as the show-stopping prototypes and “fuori serie” cars designed by Stile Bertone – the Alfa Romeo Carabo, the Lancia Stratos Zero and the Lamborghini LP500 prototype to name just a few

TRADITION

Stile Bertone has a long history of creating one-off prototypes based on the mechanicals of Chevrolet’s sporting automobiles spanning over 50 years. Today, Stile Bertone is proud to utilize the mechanicals of the formidable 2009 Corvette ZR1. Employing know-how from the Le Mans winning Corvette C5R, the ZR1 is the greatest all-round performance car in the world, the undisputed “King of the Ring”, posting the fastest ever lap time for a true production car at 7:26:4 seconds on the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany, long considered the benchmark for a car’s true performance. Mantide has been designed and fully engineered in collaboration with the renowned Danisi Engineering and aims to be the world’s greatest street legal performance car, wrapped in an iconic and radical Stile Bertone design.

Mantide’s futuristic design draws equal inspiration from modern aerospace and the world of Formula One. The iconic theme is clear to see: a teardrop-like fuselage which tightly encases the mechanicals and the passenger cell which is embraced by two prominent wrapping aerodynamic appendages. While shockingly bold and technical, Mantide’s unique design maintains a sensuality unique to Italian sports cars thanks to a futuristic interpretation of the classic Kamm Back two volume silhouette.

The aerospace inspired design aesthetic is further characterised by innovative yet beautiful forms which are fully driven by performance: the low-slung nose, jet fighter style teardrop canopy and butterfly opening doors, as well as the numerous air inlets and exhausts for maximum air efficiency.

Mantide also boasts cutting edge aerodynamic performance fine-tuned in an advanced full scale wind tunnel. Features include a Le Mans prototype-derived flat floor and diffuser as well as “flying buttresses” which help to increase aero efficiency, guarantee a lower drag coefficient and greater levels of down force. The final aerodynamic results are class leading, with drag reduced by 25% (Cd 0.298) and a 30% improvement in down force. The Mantide not only delivers greater speed and stability, but also more efficiency and therefore lower fuel consumption.

The Mantide promises even greater performance than the ZR1, due to significant weight savings and its highly advanced aerodynamics. Using carbon fibre for all body panels, interior trim, seats and even the wheels, the overall vehicle weight has been reduced by 100 kilos. The result is a staggering 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 351 kph (217mph) Safety and chassis rigidity have been increased with the incorporation of an FIA regulation triangulated roll cage, light-weight carbon fibre racing seats and 4pt racing harness for track use.

Stile Bertone invites you to follow Mantide on its year-long journey as it travels to major auto events around the globe at www.insideprojectm.com

By: Kap Shah

Source: Bertone (via Jalopnik)

n2a Motors, makers of the Anteros, have released sketches, clay model photos and details of their latest project called the ‘Stinger.’ 

Inspired by the 2nd generation 1963, ‘65 and ‘67 Corvette Sting Rays, the Stinger is built on the 2009/2010 C6 Corvette Chassis. When using a new Corvette donor car with a 430-hp LS3 V8, the Stinger can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds while returning a fuel-economy figure of 16/26 mpg (city/highway).

Serial numbers 001, 002 and 003 have been reserved exclusively for the ZR1-based Stingers featuring a 638-hp LS9. Those Stingers can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph. Numbers 004 through 010 are reserved for the Z06-based Stingers with 505-hp achieving a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.7 seconds.

n2a Motors is taking orders now with production to begin Oct. 1st.

n2a Motors Stinger:

Press Release:

n2a Motors announced today that it is accepting deposits on the Stinger, the latest model in their line of critically-acclaimed coachbuilt automobiles. Slated for January 2010 delivery, the Stinger is inspired by the 2nd generation 1963, ‘65, and ‘67 Corvette Sting Rays and is built atop the 2009/2010 C6 Corvette chassis.

The ‘63-67 Corvettes are among the most revered, iconic, and beautiful cars in automotive history. The Stinger pays homage to the historic 2nd generation Corvette with a sleek, carbon-composite body featuring the front end and hood scoop from the 1967 Corvette, a mid-section reminiscent of a ‘65 Corvette, and the famous split-window rear end of the ‘63 Corvette, and has a level of performance and safety that engineers of the era could never have dreamed possible. Utilizing a new Corvette donor car, the Stinger achieves 0-60 in 4.3 seconds with a 430 hp/424 lb.-ft. torque LS3 V8 engine rated at 16 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. Since the chassis and safety equipment remain unmodified, GM’s 100,000 mile powertrain warranty remains completely intact and the Stinger can be serviced at any GM dealership.

n2a Motors starts by removing the donor Corvette’s body panels and installing the new carbon-composite Stinger body, a process that takes over 800 hours for n2a’s coachbuilding craftsmen to complete. The interior is entirely new with re-contoured leather seats, leather dash, wool carpeting, and leather-wrapped interior panels. Wheels and cat-back exhaust are removed and replaced with n2a’s custom-made components. The n2a moniker stands for “no two alike,” referring to n2a Motors’ policy of building unique vehicles for each customer. No two vehicles will be built with identical color combinations, ensuring that each customer receives a unique car customized to his or her tastes.

n2a Motors has reserved serial numbers 001,002, and 003 for ZR1-based Stingers. Featuring the 638-hp LS9 engine, the ZR1 is the fastest and most powerful Corvette ever produced. Stingers built on the ZR1 platform rocket from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 205+ mph. Serial numbers 004-010 are reserved for Z06-based Stingers, which are 505 hp with a 0-60 time of just 3.7 seconds. n2a Motors is accepting deposits to reserve a serial number and a place in the production order. Production is expected to commence October 1st.

The Stinger is n2a’s third model, following the successful 789 and Anteros models that debuted in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Both are built on the C6 Corvette platform and utilize carbon-composite bodies, a carry-over from n2a’s background in stealth technology prototyping for military contractors.

- By: Kap Shah

It has come to this. We came across this video on YouTube and thought you might like to check it out.

Video description: “With General Motors hanging on by its fingernails and oil prices as unstable as the whole world’s economy, maybe this will be the ’stimulus’ to return GM to profitability! How about an all-electric ZR1 Corvette?!!“

About two days ago we brought you a video of retired John Heinricy taking the 2009 Corvette ZR1 with a Hennessey ZR700 package around a track. At first we thought the former head of GM’s Performance Division was just having some fun while feeding his need for speed. Well, it seems like Heinricy and Hennessey are up to something more… much more.

Apparently Heinricy, who drove the Cadillac CTS-V around the Nurburgring in a lap time of 7:59.32, is working with Hennessey Performance to take the Corvette ZR1 back to Green Hell for another crack at a record breaking time. The production version of the Corvette ZR1 currently sites in fifth-place in the world of Nurburgring lap times with 7:26.4 under its belt.

Heinricy and Hennessey are now planning to head back to the Nurburgring with a modified Corvette ZR1 with a 705-hp ZR700 Hennessey package under the hood. The ZR700 allows the Corvette ZR1 to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds with a top speed of 212 mph.

Check out these renderings of what the finished ZR700 Corvette ZR1 will look like when it heads to Germany.

Hennessey ZR700 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1:

Source: WOT

John Heinricy, who retired after working with GM for 38-years, recently got behind the wheel of the 2009 Corvette ZR1 with a Hennessey ZR700 package.

The former head of GM Performance Division and chief engineer of the new 2009 Cadillac CTS-V and ZR1, tested his skills on the 705-hp ZR1 to see what Hennessey came up with.

The Hennessey ZR700 package allows the ZR1 go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds with a top speed of 212 mph. A second package, known as the ZR750 makes a total of 755-hp and 730 lb-ft of torque. That allows the ZR1 to run from 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 217 mph. Since this is part 1 of the video, we’re guessing Heinricy will test the ZR750 in part 2.

Make the jump for the video.

Earlier this morning we reported that the General Motors disbanded its High Performance Vehicle Operations unit. GM said that engineers from the department will now focus on more high-volume Cadillacs, Buicks, Chevrolets and Pontiacs and that all high-performance projects are on an indefinite hold.

However, Camaro SS fans can rest assured that the 422-hp Camaro is still on its way. According to Inside Line who spoke with spokesman Vince Muniga, the Camaro SS “is not threatened at all.” Muniga said that the Camaro SS along with the Corvette ZR1 and Corvette Z06 are regularly engineered cars and don’t go through HPVO.

HPVO is responsible for products such as the V-series Cadillacs, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, HHR SS and a V8 version of the Colorado.

Muniga said that the Cadillac CTS-V is also a regularly engineered car and will continue through its life-cycle.

Chevrolet Camaro SS:

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1:

Cadillac CTS-V:

Source: Inside Line

As if the 638-hp 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 wasn’t powerful enough already, Hennessey Motorsports has decided to offer two performance package upgrades for the Chevy beast that takes it up to a total of 755-hp.

The first package, known as the ZR700, adds a supercharger pulley and blower snout upgrade, an intercooler system upgrade, a K&N air filter and a reprogrammed EMC (engine management computer). All that allows the 2009 ZR1 to produce 705-hp with a maximum torque of 717 lb-ft. 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds with a top speed of 212 mph.

The second package, known as the ZR750, adds everything from the ZR700 package and more for a total of 755-hp with a peak torque of 730 lb-ft. 0 to 60 is cut down to just 2.9 seconds with a top speed at a whopping 217 mph.

For pricing and other details call Hennessey Motorsports at 877.885.7077.

Follow the jump to see a video of the Hennessey ZR700 in action.

2009 Corvette ZR1 – Hennessey ZR700: 11.03 @ 136 mph:

ZR700 – 705 HP Engine Upgrade:

- Power: 705 HP @ 6,400 rpm
- 717 lb-ft Torque @ 3,800 rpm

Performance:
- 0-60 mph: 3.1 sec.
- 0-150 mph: 13.9 sec. (stock = 17.1 sec.)
- 1/4 mile: 11.0 @ 136 mph (tested on factory Michelin tires)
- Top Speed: 212 mph (estimated)

Inlcudes:
- Supercharger Pulley & Blower Snout Upgrade (increases boost from 11 to 14 psi)
- Intercooler System Upgrade
- K&N Air Filter
- Re-program Engine Management Computer
- Stainless Steel 1 7/8 inch Headers
- High Flow Catalytic Converters with Mid Pipes
- Hennessey & ZR700 Exterior Emblems (Optional)
- Hennessey ZR700 Premium Floor Mats
- Professional Installation at HPE
- Dyno Testing & Tuning

ZR750 – 755HP Engine Upgrade:

- Power: 755 HP @ 6,600 rpm
- 730 lb-ft Torque @ 4,000 rpm

Performance:
- 0-60 mph: 2.9 sec.
- 0-150 mph: 13.1 sec. (stock = 17.1 sec.)
- 1/4 mile: 10.7 @ 139 mph
- Top Speed: 217 mph (estimated)

Inlcudes:
- Supercharger Pulley (increases boost from 11 to 15 psi)
- Blower Gasket
- K&N Air Filter
- Re-program Engine Management Computer
- 6600 rpm Rev Limiter (200 rpm over stock)
- Stainless Steel Headers
- High Flow Catalytic Converters with Mid Pipes
- High Flow Cylinder Heads
- Camshaft Upgrade
- Intercooler System Upgrade
- Hennessey & ZR750 Exterior Emblems (Optional)
- Hennessey ZR750 Premium Floor Mats
- Available as a Mail Order Kit as well as Installed at HPE

While Motor Trend picks the Nissan GT-R as its car of the year and Top Gear picks the Volkswagen Scirocco – Jeremy Clarkson, who is well known for his hatred of American automobiles, has named his car of the year as the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

“Oh, it’s not built very well,” said Clarkson. “After just three days in my care, the boot lock disintegrated and the keyless go system refused to acknowledge the keys were in the car, but I didn’t mind because there is simply no other car that looks this good, goes this fast – in a straight line and around corners – and that most of the time bumbles about like a forgetful uncle.”

Clarkson even shows some emotion about GM’s financial troubles saying: “It is an epic car and I’m only sad that unless the healthcare and pensions company that makes it can be turned around, it will be the last of the breed.”

2009 Chevrolet Corvettte ZR1 in Action:

Source: TimesOnline

While many of you may be disappointed by the Detroit Big 3 right now, let’s set our anger and other feelings aside and let Jay Leno remind us of some of the amazing cars that Detroit has produced for us. The Chevrolet Corvette has not only become an American icon but has taken on its rivals on their own home turf with the Corvette ZR1 bringing in a Nurburgring lap time of 7:22.4 (even winning praise from Jeremy Clarkson).

Refresher: 6.2L V8 engine produces 638-hp and 604 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 comes in at 3.4 seconds with a top speed.

Follow the jump for the video.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1:

While Motor Trend was hanging out at Chrysler’s Arizona Proving Grounds in over half a million dollars worth of the world’s hottest cars, they decided it was the perfect opportunity to take each vehicle to its top speed. Check out these videos of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Porsche 911 GT2, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and the Nissan GT-R as 24 Hours of Daytona winner Didier Theys takes them around a five-mile oval.

Refresher:

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: LS9 supercharged 6.2L V8 engine producing 638-hp and 604 lb-ft of torque.
2009 Nissan GT-R: 3.8 L twin-turbocharged DOHC V6 engine that produces 473 horsepower and a peak torque of 430 lb-ft.
2008 Porsche 911 GT2: 3.6 liter 6-cylinder producing 530-hp with a maximum torque of 505 lb-ft.
2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano: V12 producing 620-hp with and 448 lb-ft of torque.

Follow the jump for the videos.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1:

2009 Nissan GT-R:

2008 Porsche 911 GT-2:

2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano:

Source: MotorTrend