Chevrolet - Where horsepower is king and going strong



Chevrolet - Where horsepower is king and going strong

By Bill Schroeder

Let's bring everybody "up to speed" with the latest from Chevrolet. In 2006 ,Chevrolet released the ZO6 Corvette, A race inspired baby brother to the C6R race car that Chevrolet has been using to dominate the 24 hr of Lemans races for the many years in a row. The ZO6 was a 505 horsepower 427 cubic power rocket that was light weight had big brakes, a wide stance and stellar performance for the money. One could be had for $ 68K and would run with pricier cars like Fords GT40 priced at $175K and Dodge’s Viper SRT10 that was priced at $98K. Times couldn’t be any better for Chevrolet’s big dog!

While many where ripping there ZO6’s on the tracks and on the street, Chevrolet was working behind closed doors on there next leap into supercar range. Code named the “Blue Devil” Chevrolet released the 2009 ZR1 Corvette in October of 2008…….and boy did this set the world on fire!

It was etched out by a small team of gung-ho gearheads who've worked on this thing 24/7 for the last few years. The ZR1 is the most powerful car made by General Motors. The LS-9 engine is a supercharged 6.2 liter all aluminum power plant that develops 638 HP, has a top speed of 210 MPH (governed via the computer), quarter miles times in the 11.50 range and still meets EPA requirements which includes 22 mpg! The ZR1 comes equipped with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes (first of its kind in a production car), magnetic select-a-ride shock absorbers and many light weight carbon fiber body parts. It even has special mufflers that that when commanded by the engine’s computer will activate a solenoid that opens up the two center tail pipes for maximum flow and a outstand exterior rumble!. The front fenders, hood, roof panel, and c-pillar are carbon fiber and it is rumored the paint weighs more than the panels. The only upgrade package consists of hand sewn Draexlmaier leather interior with a navigation system priced at $10,000. The heads-up display will have a boost gauge for the supercharger when in the “track mode”

A "Google" search led to a interesting tidbit: a Montana car collector - Dave Ressler, bid a Million Dollars at a charity auction to own the Serial No. 1 …….. however:

Jay Leno became the owner of Serial No. 1 and has a great video on the internet explaining the car's important features. The link to the video is at:

Mario Andretti, probably the most famous race car driver in history picked up Serial No. 500 - ZR1 at the Corvette assembly plant on Dec. 11th ., Andretti holds the unique title of being the only race car driver to win the Indianapolis 500 and the Formula One World Championship. He states it's the best Corvette yet and stacks up to the best supercars in the world.

Oh, and the base price is $100,000 . Price includes a high performance driving school, not mandatory but recommended by GM.

The Capital Districts Dealer "Buzz" on horsepower

DePaula Chevrolet in Albany on Central Ave.:

Kara DePaula General Manager with a new ZR1

This is the “atomic orange metallic” -- however the most popular is the new “cyber gray”

(Jay Leno has selected the gray version)

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DeNooyer Chevrolet in Albany on Wolf Road:

Dany Cichon - Corvette Specialist states:

 The ZR1 is a spectacular super car -- if I could get five of them I could sell them all.

The Z06 is the best "bang for your buck" -- no gas guzzler tax -- great fuel economy and as docile as a cat -- with ALL the creature comforts.

Did you know that Jimmy Johnson, three time reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion owns one. Dale Ernheart Jr. also owns one. He is the 2004 Daytona 500 winner and the most popular driver from 2003 to 2008.

Rick Hendrick owner of several NASCAR stock cars and teams owns a ZR1 as well. Rick also owns one of the largest automobile dealer chains in the United States.

 

Salisbury Chevrolet in Schenectady:

Dan Carlton General Manager states:

Many Chevrolet enthusiasts that remember the late 60’s when dealerships like Yenko Chevrolet and Baldwin Motion Performance will appreciate the program that Salisbury Chevrolet in Schenectady has put together. The have joined forces with Redline Motorsports, also in Schenectady, in producing a limited run of modified ZO6 Corvettes that surpass the performance output of the new ZR1 Corvette. The cars start out as brand new 2009 ZO6 Corvettes with all the standard trim. From there it’s outfitted with a state of the art twin turbocharger system that will bring a stock ZO6 from 505 hp to 745 hp! Owner of Redline Motorsports, Howard Tanner, had explained to us that turbocharging is a highly efficient means of boosting an engines power output while still maintaining mannerisms and drivability like a production car. Mileage is actually improved as the engine’s volumetric efficiency is increased. The system used on the ZO6 package utilizes OEM quality parts. Items like cast iron exhaust manifolds, liquid cooled ball bearing turbo’s, stainless steel ducting and silicone hoses ensure the kits longevity and repeatable low maintenance performance.

Dan Carlton, who is the general manager of Salisbury Chevrolet and heads up their Performance Division, stated that the modified ZO6’s they sell in conjunction with Redline Motorsports, have been a big hit with potential ZR1 customers. With limited production and many dealers around the country applying a “market adjustment” tax, the car has been pushed away from many. The TopGun ZO6’s is priced below the ZR1’s MSRP and has a major advantage in all out power output. Of course the ZR1 has an all out race bred set of brakes which is a major upgrade from the ZO6 in which we are offering a Brembo brake upgrade for customers who look to “track’ there cars.

The “TopGun” package, as it has been labeled also includes a custom vented high rise hood, rear spoiler, carbon fiber engine covers, custom bi-mod stainless steel exhaust system (which is controlled by a switch in the glove box) and custom ZO6 Twinturbo badging as well as a certificate validating it’s build in a limited production run.

This trend of the upgrades through Salisbury Chevrolet is also leading into the new and exciting 2010 Camaro SS that is due to hit dealerships this spring!

I guess performance is still living live and well in the capital district!!!

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