Forza Racing League

First Impressions: Arguably the most renown car in north america, the Corvette has been around for over 50 years and is not only still among the top rated production sport cars in the world but is still one of the top selling.

Just looking at brand new ZR1 is like looking into a window of the past; featuring everything Chevrolet has achieved and optimized to it's fullest potential. Despite looking 'other-worldly' different than that of it's origin, it still out performs much of it's competition and does it with pride.

Compared to it's slightly less powerful twin the Z06, you realize the only real design differences are the blacked out roof and the hood window, showcasing the Supercharged LS9 V8 engine that pumps out an rediculous 638 hp and nearly the same in ft-lbs to match. It's nickname among GM development staff was the 'Blue Devil' supposedly because of the $52,000 leap in technological and performance advancements between the ZR1 and the Z06. Either way, the ZR1 lives up to it's name.

Test Drive: There's a mix of initial reactions when you first grace your fingers along the steering wheel. One, you can feel the power before you even move. The intimidation of the car really makes you think twice before you try and take over. For all those who plan on driving one in the future; the car own's you, not the other way 'round.

One of the biggest issues with this car is power, and along with your initial reactions is the usage and placement of that power. Feathering the pedal is the best way to get used to the ZR1, but even still the braking which you would expect from a high performance sports car isn't up to par and when slowing down for a fast turn may come as a rude awakening. The worst part is that because of the cars nature and hefty price tag it already has top-of-the-line brakes and cannot be upgraded.

The turn radius is another issue: slowing down for a turn at speed while pulling hard on the wheel can result in a crash, but in feathering the brakes and letting off the gas entirely still isn't enough to make most turns even with a jumped braking period. So to get around this; slow early, and turn early. In much of the time we spent with the ZR1 it failed to really meet our expectations of what a $100,000 car should do, but despite it's horendous flaws, is one hell of a weapon to drive.

Specs:
Drivetrain: RWD
Engine: 6.2L Supercharged V8
Power: 638 hp
Torque: 604 lb-ft
Weight: 3,550 lbs
Transmission: 6-Speed
Price: $100,000

Our Results:
0-60 mph: 3.3 sec.
60-0 mph: 117 ft.
Max. Lateral G's: 1.11

Summary: If you're looking for a new, fast, shiney toy. Then keep looking. The ZR1 is a leathal weapon even to those with experience, and if you plan on using it for actual racing events you might want to do some serious practicing first.

If you plan on justifying where you 100K went you might want to look elsewhere. The ZR1 in my opinion is an elite version of the Z06 all you diehards have been waiting for. I'm not a diehard myself, but in the end it's not hard to be won over. The time spent with this machine is so gratifying that it's like sleeping with a bazooka under your pillow, which at the end of the day is worth every penny. - M1L

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