The 2009 Corvette ZR1 engine is certified at 638 hp at 6,500 rpm, with 604 lb-ft torque at 3,800 rpm. Engine certification is based on a series of self-certification tests conducted by the manufacturer that are witnessed and verified by an SAE-qualified observer. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is a car that not only gives you a custom ride, but it gives you a powerful ride with plenty of speed. The engine purrs like a kitten and roars like a lion at top speed. The 2009 Corvette ZR1, an American supercar, brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design. The new LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power plant that supports the ZR1's performance capability.

Cars like the ZR1 are typically weekend cars and not used for daily driving. The average emissions from a Civic are more likely to greater than those of a ZR1 driver due to levels of use. Carbon fiber is employed in the hood, roof, and front fascia. With high-performance suspension and tuning, the 2009 Corvette is unmatched among other American sports cars. Carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo provide the kind of stoppage you'd expect from an arriving 737. These are the same high-heat-handling discs used in the Ferrari Enzo.

Power is absolutely explosive from a stop, and it doesn't let up until you're almost at the red line. The dual-plate clutch and smooth shifter make rapid gear changes easy and fun. Powered by a supercharged LS9 6.2L small-block engine, the ZR1 hasn't even received an official horsepower number from the engineers toiling away at the General. All Harlan Charles, project manager for the Corvette team was able to tell us last week was the new high-powered 'Vette engine is capable of producing at least 100 horsepower per liter. Powered by a supercharged version of GM?s 6.2-liter V-8 engine called LS9, the ZR1 boasts an SAE-confirmed 638 hp and approximately 604 lb.-ft. It will be capable of reaching 205 mph and cornering at better than 1 g of lateral grip.

Exposed carbon-fiber is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker molding, and front splitter. Widened, carbon-fiber front fenders with specific dual lower vents, and a full-width, body-color rear spoiler incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp are also unique to the ZR1. Exposed carbon-fiber is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker molding, and front splitter. Widened, carbon-fiber front fenders with specific dual lower vents, and a full-width, body-color rear spoiler incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp are also unique to the ZR1.

GM says it's the first automaker to put a clear coated, exposed carbon-fiber weave into production. Normally, ultra-violet sun rays break down the weave over time. GM hasn't released the final power figures for the small-block, single camshaft V-8 , but it is reportedly capable of a minimum of 100 horsepower per liter. With the Eaton supercharger, and an air-to-liquid intercooler, output as high as 650 horsepower would certainly not be out of the question. GM Powertrain testing shows the engine makes approximately 300 horsepower (224 kW) at 3,000 rpm and nearly 320lb.-ft. Torque tops 585 lb.-ft.(793 Nm) at about the 4,000-rpm mark, while horsepower peaks at 6,500rpm.

The 2009 Corvette ZR1 has 19 inch front wheels, and 20 inch rear wheels. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is the best car ever made. It redefines what performance cars are capable of, not by its numbers (the 0-to-60 in 3.3 seconds and a 205 MPH top speed figures are no longer noteworthy north of $100,000), but by how it makes those numbers so accessible.