CORVETTE ZRI TO STAR AT DETROIT AUTO SHOW

If you are in the automobile industry and you have a very substantial unveiling, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is about as proper a venue as there is to make such an announcement.  That’s exactly what the folks at Chevrolet intend to in January of 2008 when they officially reveal the Corvette ZR1. 

As with many secrets in the automotive industry, the one that concerns the new Corvette ZR1 has been poorly kept.  However, who cares about all that when you have a Corvette that is aiming for performance supremacy over the likes of Ferrari and other industry titans. 

Ed Peper, Chevrolet’s General Manager stated, “our goal with the ZR1 is to show that an American supercar can deliver performance that beats exotics that cost two, three, or four times as much.”  The Corvette ZR1 features a 620-plus horsepower V8 engine and should cost approximately $100,000.  This sticker price is a big number compared to Corvettes of the past, but small compared to the $270,000 price tag of a comparable Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano F1 Coupe. 

The Corvette ZR1 will become available in 2009, but there is no word yet as to production numbers.  However, with fuel efficiency standards rising in the auto industry, you can bet that this car may be one of the last true American muscle cars.  For this reason, I predict that the Corvette ZR1 will be tough to find at anywhere near the sticker price. 

Add to that the price tag and the Corvette ZR1 starts looking unattainable.  However, car fans have known for years that a great way to get their mitts on the wheels of exotic cars is through exotic car clubs.  Want to find an exotic car sharing club in your city. Check out www.exoticcarclubs.com, a popular online directory of clubs. 

The problem is that many of these clubs have limited inventories and are sometimes slow to get the latest models.  As a resident of Frisco, Texas, I particularly like DFW Elite Car Club (www.dfwelitecarclub.com).  Its owner, Ron Sturgeon, is a certifiable car nut.  In fact, the club has an advantage over many of the start up clubs because it was able to begin with the cars from Ron’s personal collection. The clubs over 40 car paddock now includes three Corvettes (one of which is a Z06 ).  So good money says Sturgeon won’t be able to resist the fire-breathing ZR1. 

Car sharing clubs are a great way to gain access to many different exotic cars the burdens of ownership.  Owners of exotic cars are well acquainted with how much it costs in depreciation, maintenance, storage to own even one exotic. Membership in a car club eliminates those headaches and opens the way to an unmatched variety of driving experiences in the company of fellow enthusiasts. Members pay only a fixed monthly fee for an allotment of points that work like currency for reserving club cars. “We’ve worked very hard to create a place where fans of classic and exotic cars can come to enjoy, appreciate, and drive them,” says DFW General Manager Tom Warren.

For those with a less frequent exotic auto itch, consider renting an exotic car in Dallas from DFW Elite Auto Rental (www.dfweliteautorental.com).  You won’t find the classic and exotic cars that grace the showroom of this company in the inventories of traditional car rental companies. To find a car rental company that specializes in higher end cars in your city, visit www.rentexoticcars.net.  I am particularly drawn to DFW Elite Auto Rental because of how simple it is to make a Dallas rental car reservation over the Internet.  Add to that great weekly internet car rental discounts and you can’t get an easier way to rent a Viper or classic Corvette. 

Written by G.D. Gregory.  If you are interested in having me write stories for you or seeing my portfolio, please contact me at ggpsu@yahoo.com.