2009 Corvette ZR1

In October, we posted a video claiming to show the fastest quarter mile time set for a bone-stock Corvette ZR1. That run of 10.851 @ 129.89 MPH was just eclipsed last week by Corvette Forum member "blownlt1" who ran 10.74 @ 133.21 mph in his bone-stock (including tires) 2009 Corvette ZR1. Both these runs happened at the same track - Maryland International Raceway. [More]  

Lingenfelter had their Corvette ZR1 test mule making quarter mile passes at Maryland International Raceway on December 7th and during one of the runs, the Corvette ran 9.81 @ 145.74 mph. This is believed to be the first Corvette ZR1 to see the 9's on a quarter mile run. Here is what was modified to make the ZR1 a sub-10 sec car: "Car is running a stock 3.42 rear diff. Factory halfshafts. 2.66 Z06 gearset that has been micropolished...  

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, MISC Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for high-res image gallery After providing us an exclusive glimpse inside the Hennessey Performance workshop, the Texas-based tuner has let more details slip on the development of the Venom GT -- a Lotus Elise-based supercar packing Corvette ZR1 firepower. Before the production version debuts at the Geneva Motor Show this March, Hennessey has released a...  

V8TV hooks up with the team at Lingenfelter Performance Engineering at SEMA 2009 for an in depth talk about how to wring more power out of the new Corvette ZR1. LPE knows from experience as they tuned a Jetstream Blue ZR1 without modifying the stock LS9 to achive a quarter mile time of 10.02 at 138 mph! Source: Motorator Related: [VIDEO] Lingenfelter Twin-Turbo Corvette Z06 Hits 226 mph    

Autoblog had the rare opportunity to visit GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan where they worked along side master engine builder Mike Armstrong to assemble an LS9 engine. The PBC is unique to GM's other engine assembly centers as each engine is assembled by hand from start to finish by a single engine builder as opposed to sending the engine down an assembly line where multiple workers add the same part over and over. [More]  

Back in May we revealed the Corvette Dream Giveaway raffle to benefit the Kids Wish Network was pairing a unique 1 of 1 Hero Edition Corvette ZR1 with a classic 1967 Corvette Convertible that will be given away to one lucky winner on Christmas day. While the focus on that blog post was the special edition Corvette ZR1, we thought it appropriate to take a closer look at the big block Sting Ray that will also be given away to help make a...  

People realize the Bertone Mantide is based on the $103,300 Corvette ZR1, right? I mean, we agree the interior is awful, but it's not the kind of problem it should take an extra $1.82 million to fix. In total, Bertone plans to make 10 Mantides. Who else is silly enough to drop that kind of money on a body kit and some Alcantara inserts? Reportedly, Jay Leno is on the list. OK, OK, the Mantide does weigh 220 Lbs less than the ZR1 and it does...  

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM Our completed LS9 V8 - Click above for high-res image gallery When you think of brands like Aston Martin, Ferrari and AMG, the idea of their engines being built by the hands of skilled craftsmen is no great surprise. However, most people would be very surprised to learn that General Motors has its own special facility dedicated to building its highest performaning engine by...  

Autoblog builds an LS9 for someone's Corvette ZR1 Each supercharged LS9 fitted to the Corvette ZR1 is hand-assembled by a crack team of GM's finest craftsman. Surprising, GM let us help out on a factory tour of its Wixom assembly plant. VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG crash-test video shows off exploding door hinges How do you get our of your SLS AMG if it flips on its roof? Mercedes has fitted the gullwing coupe with explosive charges and...  

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for image gallery Hennessey Performance is on a roll. First we got a Cadillac CTS-V that accelerates so violently it sets off its OnStar system. Then we get a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1-powered pony car that handily won our Best Camaro of SEMA. Now this: The first shots of the Hennessey Venom GT, a lightweight, LS9-powered ICBM aimed directly at the...  

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty Bertone Mantide - Click above for high-res image gallery Love it or loathe it, the Bertone Mantide is one of the most striking automotive designs of the decade, and coupled with the Corvette ZR1's performance, Jason Castriota has created one of the most exclusive supercars in recent memory. The second of ten Mantides has been delivered to its new owner before its...  

For those that want to go the whole nine yards with the 2010 Camaro Fesler-Moss packages, muscle car builder Chris Fesler and former GM specialty vehicle director Jon Moss, have created the Limited Edition package. That is, if you're actually willing to spend more than what it would cost you to park a brand new Corvette ZR1 and a loaded 2010 Camaro SS in your garage, as the Limited Edition Camaro is priced at a hefty $150,000 or $110,000 if...