Expectations of the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

By Dave Ashton

When it comes to the topic of the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, expectations are understandably high as it’s not just the cream of the crop as America’s favorite sports car with a long standing history, but this could be the last hurrah before a mid-engined version (check out the videos below for previews).

So, this Vette has to be a bit special and it’s definitely shaped up to be just that. A supercharged 6.2L 16v V8 engine with 755HP and 715lbs.ft. of torque, thru. a #GiveAShift 7 speed manual or 8-speed automatic, all weighing in at 1598kg. There’s even a convertible option for the first time. This equates to a 0-60 mph time of 2.85 seconds, a quarter mile in 10.6 seconds and a top speed of 212 mph. It’s even beaten the Ford GT at Virginia International Raceway by 1.37 seconds and costs $379,000 less. All very yummy……

The 2019 model is obviously not cheap at $121,000, especially compared to a base C7 model Vette at $55,495. But as above, you’re getting a lot of vehicle for your money.

The supercharger definitely lets itself known, sticking up through a mighty big hole in the hood (the supercharger is just too big to sit flush under the hood). Dressed in carbon fiber, it has 52% more displacement than the ZO6 LT4 supercharger. Chevy also had to include extra exhaust piping to keep noise levels down under 100 db, as this Vette is as loud as thunder.

All 2019 Corvette ZR1 models have a rear wing, but if you opt for the $2,995 ZTK Track Performance Package you get a huge adjustable carbon fiber hi rear wing, carbon fiber bits on the front splitter, Michelin Pilot summer only tires, higher ride and Magnetic Selective Ride Control™. Wheels come in the form of 19 inch front and 20 inch rear aluminium wheels, which some say are very reminiscent of those from the Ferrari family, whoever they are….

The interior is just as pleasing. Depending on your package, the seats can be a lovely mix of leather and carbon fiber, aswell as the steering wheel with suede to complement the feel and looks. You can also opt. for seats with microfiber with carbon fiber accents. There’s plenty of functionality here with loads of driving modes, including Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport and Track mode, all selected via the nicely placed mode select dial.
Included is a standard 8 inch diagonal LCD display with three customization themes. A heads up display, fully featured infotainment system and performance data recorder.

Clearly, the 2019 Corvette ZR1 has bucketloads of power, performance, looks and goodies to make it’s base asking price of $122,095 a steal, especially when comparing to the performance levels of others on the market. Considering it can smash cars three times its price and its all sports car, it still has a muscle car ethos of affordable power and performance as compared to the rest of the market (super sports muscle??)

So, the mid-engined C8 Corvette may be on its way, but the present design still has lots to offer. It’s not so much an old girl throwing everything into its last dance, but rather like Doctor Who just waiting to regenerate into its next new form with a new and improved sonic thingy.

Six C8 Corvettes On the Road In Yuma

5 reasons why the C8 mid engine Corvette will CHANGE the way you look at CORVETTES

Chevrolet.com for more info.

 

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