Corvette ZR1 is Highly Anticipated

Next month, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit will play host not only to hundreds of elite sports cars and thousands of visitors, but to the most expensive and powerful Corvette ever produced.  According to the Detroit Free Press, the car possesses some pretty impressive statistics.  “Boasting a 620-plus horsepower V8 and a price expected around $100,000, the 2009 Corvette ZR1 is the result of General Motors Corp. chairman Rick Wagoner’s challenge to build the ultimate Corvette.  The ZR1 aims to match the performance of supercars like the 612-horsepower $273,845 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1 coupe, which accelerates to 62 m.p.h. in 3.7 seconds.”

Similar to the elite sports cars available to members of DFW Elite Car Club, the new Corvette ZR1 is expected to have a top speed over 200 miles per hour and the ability to remain in first gear from 0 to 60 miles per hour.  The Detroit Free Press describes some of the amazing features of the Corvette ZR1:  “The ZR1 will be recognizable on the street thanks to a clear panel in the hood that provides a view of the engine, a unique, clear-coated carbon-fiber roof and other changes that include massive disc brakes with a unique shade of blue used only on the ZR1. 

It took GM years to develop the clearcoat for the carbon-fiber because sunlight degrades the material over time. The coating, which only the ZR1 has, uses a special additive to prevent that. The additive alone costs $60,000 a gallon, while the mixture of clearcoat and additive applied to the roof costs $2,200 a gallon.”

Since the Corvette ZR1 won’t be out until sometime next year and the price tag puts it out of reach for many of us, it’s good to have other options for a little adrenaline-fueled fun.  DFW Elite Auto Rental offers a huge selection of comparable elite sports cars, including a Ferrari F430, a Lamborghini Gallardo, and a Bentley GT.  For those who want a truly memorable speed experience, DFW Drive Your Dream offers participants the chance to drive five of these amazing cars in a single day.

When the Corvette ZR1 does finally come out, it’s going to be an impressive car to drive.  Motor Trend describes the Corvette ZR1 as “arguably one of the most anticipated vehicles GM has produced in the last 20 years — an outrageous, fire-breathing Corvette pushing some 650 horsepower.”  With all of the bad news for American car manufacturers, it’s great to see that General Motors has a worthy entry into the elite sports car market.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a freelance writer living in the Twin Cities.  Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.