The 2009 Corvette goes on sale this summer. Chevrolet has announced details of the 2009 Corvette ZR1 with the promise of an American supercar that will establish new benchmarks for production-based power and performance. Chevrolet Enters the World of Supercars with Corvette ZR1 Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette – an American supercar that brings the technology and engineering refinement of carbon-fiber, ceramics and electronics together in a distinctive design. A lot of speculation is out there right now about the pricing structure of the new 2009 Corvette ZR1. Sure, the 2009 Corvette will be the fastest car GM has ever built, priced at $100,000. No one seems to be commenting on the apparent see-through panels behind the front wheel openings of the 2009 Corvette ZR1.

This Corvette has been known within GM as the Blue Devil, after the mascot of GM CEO Rick Wagoner's alma mater, Duke, and also as the Sting Ray, Z07, and Z06. It appears the "Blue Devil" Corvette already is so quick it has even outrun a freeze on large and powerful rear-drive cars at General Motors, and it's not even finished yet. The answer is the 2009 Corvette , engineered to be the most powerful, best performing, highest priced Chevy in history. We had heard that several preproduction Corvette ZR1s were being built and in all likelihood they will be used for further testing. GM has an "Any Time Any Where" mentality when it comes to running the Corvette ZR1 on public tracks, having shocked the auto world back in October with a couple of hot laps around Laguna Seca. The Corvette will no doubt live on with a C7 set to debut in the next few years.

The ZR1 is the first car ever to have a carbon fiber clear coat that will last the life of the car. Like the original 1990 ZR1, the heart of this new model is the engine. GM says the ZR1 will be the most fuel-efficient 600-hp car in the industry at 26 mpg on the highway—not exactly a shocker, given how thrifty the 505-hp Z06 rides. Chevy says the horsepower and torque were necessary to help the ZR1 achieve a top speed of more than 200 mph. You have to realize that they're only going to make a handfull of these ZR1's, it's not like everybody is going to be driving one. This year, the big star of the show, and the final vehicle to roll out on the runway, was the 2009 Corvette with Jeff Gordon behind the wheel. If you're not lucky enough to be headed to NAIAS this coming week, then by all means check out Eric's great write up and get your information overload on the ZR1 chassis. Yet another video has surfaced of the introduction of the 2009 Corvette at the GM Style event last Saturday. Imagine a vehicle with the raw power and mass-appeal such as the ZR1 being released.

After years of rumors the 2009 Corvette has finally arrived. When the new Corvette ZR1 equipped with the LS9 engine (six-speed manual transmission only, automatic unavailable) appears this coming summer, it will become the first supercharged production Corvette in history. “Chevrolet’s goal with the new ZR1 is to show what an American supercar can deliver, at a price that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much – and does so with exceptional drivability,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager.

It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1’s is exceptional – better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph. Ride and handling the ZR1 is built on the same aluminum-intensive chassis as the Corvette Z06 and features similar independent SLA front and rear suspensions, with aluminum upper and lower control arms. Where the ZR1 differs is the suspension tuning, which was optimized for the car’s steamroller-wide front and rear tires. Magnetic Selective Ride Control is standard and tuned specifically for the ZR1. Exclusive exterior in the ZR1 is instantly recognizable, with perhaps the most identifiable feature a raised, all-carbon-fiber hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window. 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.

To overcome this, GM materials engineers put a lot effort into developing an additive for the clear coat that could be applied to the carbon to preserve it for the life of the car. carbon fiber is lathered with a clear coating that costs about $2,000 a gallon because of a rare additive. Along with the front splitter, the roof of the ZR1 is also made of visible carbon fiber. Carbon fiber roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings with clear-coated, exposed carbon-fiber weave.

There's also a solid possibility that the new hood on the new ‘Vette is made of carbon fiber instead of the traditional Corvette fiberglass. A power-plant dispensing 650 horsepower (or more), combined with an anticipated greater usage of carbon fiber throughout the vehicle to reduce weight, will result in unbelievable performance capabilities right out of dealers' showrooms. Chevrolet officially announced the 2009 Corvette an American supercar that not only establishes new benchmarks for production-based power and performance, but challenges global competitors with world-beating driving experience that also comes with a world-beating price of entry. Chevy's much anticipated 2009 Corvette did drive a loop at Laguna Seca on Saturday, and many photos were taken. It's about time we got more than just a peak at the 2009 Corvette ZR1.We loved the Barrett-Jackson auction on Saturday of the first 2009 Corvette ZR1, for $1,000,000 mind you.