The 2009 Corvette has arrived with a vengeance and is available in three different models: the base sports car, the super performance Z06 and the exotic ZR1. The base model is no slacker with 430 horsepower and an three way adjustable suspension. The Z06 take performance to the next level. With over 500 horsepower available and suspension upgrades, it is a true performer. Zero to sixty times are under four seconds and sub-twelve second quarter mile times are possible. For those with an extra $100,000 to spend, the ZR1 is available. It is undoubtedly to ultimate Corvette.
2009 Corvette Coupe and Convertible
The base Corvette coupe starts at about $48,000 and the Convertible is priced at about $53,000. Both models feature the LS3 engine with 430 horsepower. For 2009, the interior is available with leather-wrapped accents on the upper and lower instrument panel, door pads and seats. Standard on all models are steering wheel audio controls and variable-ratio steering. Additionally, the hardware and software of the anti-locking braking, traction control and Magnetic Ride Control systems have been upgraded.
The LS3 is rated at 430 horsepower with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system brings a power rating to 436 horses. The LS3 features an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners. Breathing is accomplished via high-flow cylinder heads that are based on the large port/large valve design found on the 427 cubic inch LS7 engine. The design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber and the exhaust ports are designed for better flow.
2009 Corvette ZO6
With racing-inspired power train and suspension features, the Corvette Z06 delivers exceptional levels of performance and tested technology. Priced at about $75,000, it is on the expensive side but it is still a whole lot of car and compares very favorably to other exotic cars in much price ranges.
The heart of the ZO6 is the LS7 7.0L engine that delivers 505 horsepower, According to General Motors, the ZO6 delivers 0-60 performance of 3.7 seconds in first gear, quarter-mile times of 11.7 seconds at 125 mph and a top speed of 198 mph. The LS7 reintroduced the legendary 427-cubic-inch engine to the Corvette lineup.
2009 Corvette ZR1
The top of the line ZR1 is the first Corvette to cost over $100,000 and it is the first Corvette to have a top speed in excess of 200 mph. Its supercharged 6.2 liter LS9 engine produces over 630 horsepower. Everything about the car screams performance and the ZR1 has moved the Corvette from a well rounded sports car to the stratosphere of exotic super cars and at a fraction of the exotic car price.
The new supercharged LS9 6.2L small-block engine is the power plant the supports the ZR1’s performance capability. The secret to the LS9’s performance is a large, positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger. The LS9 is hand-assembled at the General Motor's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Michigan, and incorporates specialty processes typically seen in racing engines to produce a highly refined and precise engine.
The Z06 retains the 105.7-inch wheelbase of other Corvette models but it rides on all-new wheels, tires and brakes, as well as its own specially designed rear spring and roll stabilizer. The firmer suspension works harmoniously with large 18 x 9.5-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels and Goodyear 275/35ZR18 tires up front, and 19 x 12-inch cast-spun aluminum wheels with Goodyear 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear.
Complementing the suspension system is an equally capable four-wheel disc brake system, consisting of 14-inch vented and cross-drilled front rotors and 13.4-inch vented and cross-drilled rear rotors. The front rotors have red-painted six-piston calipers that use six individual brake pads. Individual brake pads are used because they deliver more equalized wear compared to what would otherwise be a pair of very long single-piece pads. For the rear brakes, four-piston calipers with four individual brake pads are used.
For much more information about all three models check out these links: 2009 Corvette, 2009 Corvette Z06 and 2009 Corvette ZR1.
