2009 First '09 Corvette ZR1 Auctioned at Barrett-Jackson 

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The first '09 Corvette ZR1 to go on sale will go to the highest bidder, Saturday, Jan. 19, at the prestigious Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. Proceeds from the ZR1's sale, as well as a trio of collectable authentic NASCAR Chevy Monte Carlo racecar hoods, will benefit United Way for Southeast Michigan. Tonight Show host Jay Leno will help present the car, along with Troy Clarke, president, GM North America. Representing United Way for Southeast Michigan will be President and CEO Mike Brennan and Vice President Beth Noble.

The ZR1 - introduced January 13 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit - is scheduled to roll onto the auction block by 8:30 p.m. PST. The auction will be broadcast live during SPEED's televised coverage. In addition to claiming the first ZR1 offered for sale, the winning bidder will also receive a package that includes:

• Delivery of the vehicle at the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Ky.
• A three-day experience at the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, with renowned Corvette racer Ron Fellows serving as a special instructor
• Tickets to the Tonight Show with Jay Leno
• A personal tour of Jay Leno's "Big Dog" garage

"The auction will be exciting and a great opportunity for the high bidder, but it also will do a lot of good -- 100 percent of the sale price will go toward helping United Way help those less fortunate in our community," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "The Barrett-Jackson auction is an ideal venue to showcase the generosity that is found in so many auto enthusiasts."

Barrett-Jackson's auction in Scottsdale is one of the largest annual classic car auctions and a spectacle for all car lovers. This year marks the event's 37^th anniversary and will see the auction of more than 1,100 classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods and other collectable automobiles.

The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is Chevrolet's first entry into the world of supercars. It is the fastest and most powerful car ever built by General Motors. It is powered by a new, supercharged 6.2L LS9 V-8 that produces at least 620 horsepower and helps propel the car from 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds and to a top speed of more than 200 mph.

Supporting its prodigious power output are race-bred elements that include a six-speed manual transmission with a dual-disc clutch; massive Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes; 19-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels; the second-generation of GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control; and stronger axles.

The ZR1 is instantly recognizable, thanks to unique exterior appointments that were developed to enable the car's performance, including extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber on the hood, fenders and roof. Some of the carbon fiber components, including the front splitter, rocker extensions and roof panel, feature a visible carbon fiber pattern coated with a unique, UV ray-blocking finish.

Distinguishing visual cues also include a polycarbonate window in the hood that offers a view of the LS9's intercooler below, new and wider front fenders that have a unique dual-vent design and a full-width rear spoiler. The large, 19- and 20-inch wheels also are specific to the ZR1.

Production begins in July 2008 and is limited to only 2,000 vehicles per year - each identified with a special VIN that denotes its sequential build number.