Corvette Blog

The 10,000 fanciers of the automobile who descended upon the Meadowbrook Concours d"Elegance in Rochester Hills, Michigan Sunday discovered a stunning collection of chrome and steel.

Because GM celebrates its One Hundredth Anniversary this year, there were many more GM products in attendance than I have seen at Meadowbrook before.  Of special note were the Corvettes, including the 1959 Sting Ray Special Racer and 1967 Astro I Concept (professional pictures below).

A gathering of supercars was parked near the mansion's extensive assortment of garages.  Included among them were the Bugatti Veyron, the Audi R8, and the Corvette ZR1.  I was told that the car I captured on my cell phone was Harlan Charles' daily driver.

[ Detroit News Article ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Events | 0 Comments Permalink

The ZR1: the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive vehicle GM has ever built! It is definitely a hot looking ride, but the official numbers make the car even HOTTER! Check this out. The 2009 ZR1 Chevrolet Corvettes, which are being built in Corvette’s Bowling Green production facility in Kentucky, ring in at $103,000.  To catch a video of a ZR1 being built, click below.  It takes only about four and a half minutes for the frame of the vehicle to be transformed into the ultimate riding machine!

[ AutoBlog ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Production , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

As always, we at CorvetteBlog have the latest constraints straight from General Motors.

This is the eighth week for ordering 2009 Corvettes.  Corvettes ordered this week have a Target Production Period (TPP) of the week of August 18-24, 2008.

• 2009 Corvettes:  Completely unconstrainted, all options available to order.
  
  
• 2009 Corvette Z06:  Completely unconstrainted, all options available to order.
  
  
• 2009 Corvette ZR1:  There is one constraint, the Q6B 19" Aluminum Chrome Wheel, with only 12 orders available nationally.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette Ordering , 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Buying a Corvette , Corvette Equipment , Corvette News , Corvette Production | 0 Comments Permalink

Since the first details were released on the 2009 Corvette ZR1, there have always been rumors that anyone purchasing a ZR1 would get a free session at a High Performance Driving School.  We now have confirmation that every ZR1 purchase includes a free two-day driving school offer.

The offer will be valid for the original purchaser and be valid for 12 months from the delivery date.  The two schools that are part of the program are Bob Bondurant in Pheonix, AZ and Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Las Vegas, NV.  You can choose which you want to attend.

The purchaser will receive information at delivery including the name and phone numbers of each school's concierge to set up their dates.  Of course getting there and staying there is all up to you, but heck, a free two day high performance driving school is nothing to shake a stick at!

So let's say you aren't interested in the school but still purchase a ZR1, there will be no refunds or financial implications.  This is an offer everyone should take advantage of.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Enthusiasts , Corvette Fun , Corvette News , Corvette Purchase Incentives | 1 Comments Permalink

As always, we at CorvetteBlog have the latest constraints straight from General Motors.

This is the seventh week for ordering 2009 Corvettes.  Corvettes ordered this week have a Target Production Period (TPP) of the week of August 11-17, 2008.  This is the first week back to ordering since the 2 week GM Summer Shutdown.

• 2009 Corvettes:  Completely unconstrainted, all options available to order.
  
  
• 2009 Corvette Z06:  Completely unconstrainted, all options available to order.
  
  
• 2009 Corvette ZR1:  There is one constraint, the Q6B 19" Aluminum Chrome Wheel, with no orders available nationally.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette Ordering , 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Buying a Corvette , Corvette Equipment , Corvette News , Corvette Production | 0 Comments Permalink

At long last, Chevrolet has just released the official pricing information for the 2009 Corvette ZR1.  The starting price (including destination) is $103,300.  This is not far off from original estimates people were making of $100,000 months ago.

Here's a breakdown of the other charges and options:

• $ 1,700 Gas Guzzler Tax
  
• $ 10,000 Option Package
  
• $ 2,000 Chrome Wheels
  

The only remaining unknown in this equation is what dealers will be charging over that MSRP.  It should be very interesting to see how this plays out and how much people will be willing to spend over sticker.

[ GM ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News | 3 Comments Permalink

We've been waiting just as long as you have, with just as much anticipation if not more.  Finally this morning, GM released information about the 2009 Corvette ZR1 allocation for Dealers.

June's 2008 Consensus represents the 2009 Model Year ZR1 allocation.  That means that dealers today find out how many ZR1's the have been allocated for the entire 2009 model year. 

Only Certified Corvette dealers will be allocated any ZR1's, so make sure if you're out there looking for a dealer that might have one, that they have been Corvette certified like us at CorvetteBlog.com.

Here's the kicker of the announcement, we still don't know 100% how many we'll have, just a very good estimate, and we don't know yet when they will be produced.  We should know that in the coming weeks when we have confirmation of the total allocation.  At that point they will let dealers know when their ZR1s will be produced.

As a reminder, we are taking deposits for our ZR1 allocation now!  Many of our readers have already put down deposits in anticipation and we welcome yours as well.  Feel free to give us a call at (888) 875-0728 or by leaving a comment below, which will be kept private. 

The exact announcement verbiage from GM is found after the jump.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette Ordering , 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvette Production | 3 Comments Permalink

Today Chevrolet hosted a meeting for all dealers via Satellite discussing May's sales results and 2009 vehicle enhancements and details.

While all that was going on, he did stop a second to talk about the ZR1.  While no additional details on allocation, distribution or first ordering dates was released, he did give us one nugget of information.

The 2009 Corvette ZR1 will begin production in July.

Seeing as dealers begin their vehicle consensus process again on Friday, perhaps we can expect some details regarding allocation and firm dates for ordering in the very near future!

We appreciate all of your calls about the ZR1 and allocation information from our readers.  As soon as we know anything we'll be posting a story and contacting those readers that have showed an interest.

In the meantime, feel free to check out our ZR1 photo gallery by clicking here.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Buying a Corvette , Corvette News , Corvette Production | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Here's a short, yet fun video showing the actual reveal of the 2009 Corvette ZR1 to the public in Detroit at the NAIAS on Saturday morning.  Sure, everyone saw the week's worth of media coverage on it, but there's just something special about seeing it in person - especially seeing it revealed!  Enjoy.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Kelly Blue Book had a great interview with Harlan Charles at the NAIAS last week.  Take a peak at Harlan's walk-around and thoughts on the 2009 Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

We loved the Barrett-Jackson auction on Saturday of the first 2009 Corvette ZR1, for $1,000,000 mind you!  Our friends at CorvetteBlogger have gone and put it on YouTube for everyone to enjoy, if you weren't lucky enough to be watching on Friday night.  Enjoy and relive this awesome moment!

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Events , Corvette Videos | 1 Comments Permalink

After AutoWeek named the ZR1 the "Best in Show" at the NAIAS, now our fellow Detroit News Readers have done the same thing!  The panel chose the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 as their "Best in Show" as well.

On Friday at the Detroit Economic Club's NAIAS luncheon, the awards were announced with great reception. 

Other vehicles honored included the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon as Most Awesome Off-Road Vehicle, Chrysler Town & Country as Best Family Hauler and the Ford F-150 for Most Innovative.

The way the awards are chosen is a pretty interesting, and fun process for those of us here in Detroit.  A panel of 100 readers was selected from over 1,000 applications to inspect all the vehicles and find the best of the huge show.  We think Detroiters are on the pulse of the automotive industry, and again they come through by giving the Corvette top honors.

[ Detroit News ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Pictures from NAIAS are one thing, but we love video too.  Lucky for all of us, Tom Wallace, the Chevrolet Corvette Vehicle Line Executive was filmed talking about his thoughts on the 2009 Corvette ZR1.  Wallace is also known as "Mr. Corvette" and for good reason.  Here he is talking about the ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

BREAKING NEWS!  How exciting it was!  A "Corvette on Steroids" as they said in the commentary.  The first 2009 Corvette ZR1 was just sold at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction for over $1,000,000, excluding the 10% bidders fee (Lot #1316),  with all proceeds going to the United Way of SE Michigan.  We watched the auction live on the SPEED Channel, hopefully you caught the event as well.

The car shown at the auction though, was not the vehicle that the bidder will receive.  The car they purchased will be LeMans Blue, the ONLY one produced in that color  with option code BD1, which will be immediately retired and the VIN number ending in 001.  The car will be delivered at the National Corvette Museum.

This was a completely unique auction tonight with Jay Leno helping to present the car along with Troy Clarke, the president of GM North America.  Was it me though, or was Jay Leno's description of the ZR1 half-assed?  I'd much rather have had Troy Clarke who knew everything about the vehicle give the description, but celebrity sells right?

You can check out all the other awesome things that went to the winning bidder of this masterpiece in our post just hours ago.

Now when can we get our hands on the next ZR1, that's the real question!?

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Events , Corvette News | 0 Comments Permalink

Barrett-Jackson, the leader in Automotive Auctions and Classic Vehicles is lucky enough to be auctioning off the first 2009 Corvette ZR1 tonight!  We will have full coverage on what the vehicle goes for, as we are monitoring the results live.  You can follow along tonight as well by tuning into the SPEED channel's coverage.

Proceeds from the sale of the ZR1 will go to the United Way for Southeast Michigan.  This is not like any other auction tonight either, as Jay Leno will help present the car along with Troy Clarke, the president of GM North America.  Representatives from the United Way will also be on hand for the presentation.

Not only will you get the HOTTEST new car around, but you also get the following:

• 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
  

[ Barrett-Jackson ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Buying a Corvette , Corvette Concept & Show Cars , Corvette Events , Corvette News | 0 Comments Permalink

We can't get enough of the 2009 Corvette ZR1, and neither can anyone else that's been to the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) here in Detroit.  Reviews are coming in left and right, and we feature one of them here.

AutoWeek's Editors have established their favorites from the show, and wouldn't you know it, the ZR1 is right at the top of their list.  They have given the 2009 ZR1 the "Best in Show" Award.  They say about the Corvette, "This is an iconic car and an iconic Corvette. A carbon-fiber body and 620 hp under the hood--we love it."

We love it too guys!  The other awards, which were given out Wednesday, include the Audi R8 TDI Concept named Most Fun, the Cadillac CTS Coupe named Best Concept, and the Ford F-150 named Most Significant.

[ AutoWeek ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvette Reviews | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

With the North American International Auto Show in full Preview-mode now, we are getting some great glimpses of the 2009 Corvette ZR1!  Today, Eric Bryant of AutoBlog had a fantastic write up on the ZR1 Chassis that is on full display at Cobo Center.

Chevy went all out by stripping down the hot ZR1 and giving us the bare bones of why this car is as great as it is, labeling each individual part with a number and giving show-goers the ability to understand what everything is.

If you're not lucky enough to be headed to NAIAS this coming week, then by all means check out Eric's great write up and get your information overload on the ZR1 chassis.  Don't forget to check out AutoBlog's gallery of images of the chassis as well.

Are you all as excited as we are to see this thing in person?!  Whew!

[ AutoBlog ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvette Pictures , Corvette Production | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Yet another video has surfaced of the introduction of the 2009 Corvette ZR1 at the GM Style event last Saturday.  This one comes to us from SlashGear.com and is a more lengthy version than others that we have posted thus far.  It really gives you a taste as to the evening's biggest reveal and star of the night!  Check it out.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Events , Corvette Fun , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

The GM Style show was too hot not to have a few posts to get you in the swing of things.  This video comes to us from TopSpeed.com and shows the reveal of the 2009 Corvette ZR1.  GM does know how to do a reveal, at least as part of their GM Style show.  It will be interesting to see how they reveal the vehicle to the press this week outside this show as well.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Events , Corvette Fun , Corvette News , Corvette Videos | 0 Comments Permalink

Last night in Detroit, GM had it's second annual GM Style show that showcases the hot new GM vehicle designs with fashion, music, and celebrities.  It really is an interesting way to get more media exposure and highlight your vehicles before most other automakers hit the ground in Detroit.

This year, the big star of the show, and the final vehicle to roll out on the runway, was the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 with Jeff Gordon behind the wheel.  The ZR1 no doubt be one of the hottest vehicles to see at the NAIAS starting this week.  Mary J. Blige, Maroon 5, and Kid Rock also took part in the event, which was open to about 1,500 people.

Our friends at AutoBlog have a great gallery of high-res pictures from the event last night, you can click over and check them out in full. 

Also, click on to see the video below of Bob Lutz, GM's Vice Chairman getting down with Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.  Classic, you don't want to miss it.

[ AutoBlog ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Events , Corvette Fun , Corvette News | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 1 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 L3 Supercharged Engine.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

A lot of speculation is out there right now about the pricing structure of the new 2009 Corvette ZR1.  We reported the price is supposedly set at about $100,000.  GM hasn't released any information on the final price, and we don't expect that to come for a while yet.  Some have speculated we could see pricing around $125,000, as well.

The real question becomes: what will dealers charge?  The production will be very limited, we know that.  Based on other vehicles such as limited edition Pace Cars, and the very limited Ron Fellows Edition from last year, dealers were charging over sticker then.  Imagine a vehicle with the raw power and mass-appeal such as the ZR1 being released. Given the expected brutal impact of the recent energy laws out of the U.S. Congress, what might this supercar go for at the beginning of production?

Peter De Lorenzo of AutoExtremist.com recently wrote his prediction of a price approaching $200,000!  We can't imagine the price going that high, but it does spark the question.  We've included Peter's comments after the jump.

We are accepting deposits for 2009 ZR1's now at CorvetteBlog.com, but like other dealers out there, have yet to establish our pricing policy.  If you are interested in learning about a deposit, feel free to give us a call at (888) 875-0728.

Stay tuned to CorvetteBlog.com for complete and breaking information on the 2009 Corvette ZR1, especially pricing details!

[ AutoExtremist ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Buying a Corvette , Corvette News , Corvette Pricing | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Wow.  When we came across the breakdown of the LS9 engine that our friends at Jalopnik did, we had to share it with all of you.

They have done a fantastic job of breaking down the engine into each different piece and part and laid it out in an easy to understand (and beautiful to look at) image on their site.

Click the picture or the link below to check out the large version.

[ Jalopnik ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Parts , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Ed Peper, Chevrolet's General Manager, recently wrote on the GM FastLane Blog about the 2009 Corvette ZR1.  I have to believe this is about the only interesting article they've posted on there in months, and even then there's nothing mind-breaking in it if you haven't been reading the many stories going around the Internet and the coverage here on CorvetteBlog.  Still, I think its important to hear the perspective of the higher-ups at GM.

You can tell he did have a hand in writing it though, especially if you've ever seen one of his enthusiastic speeches or dealer update sessions.

It is interesting to note the extremely positive bunch of comments readers have added to the post, the first such comments I've seen in a long time on the blog.

The last paragraph sums it up, "At Chevrolet, we couldn’t be prouder about the ZR1; it is a world-beating supercar from America that makes no apologies. And to those who question its capabilities or technical supremacy, I have only two words: Bring it."

[ GM FastLane Blog ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Looking for a quick run down of facts and FAQ's on the new 2009 Corvette ZR1?  Our friends over at Winding Road have just what you need.

Check out the link below for your quick guide to the ZR1, and stay tuned as we continue to be the source for up-to-date ZR1 information on our road to the 2009 North American International Auto Show when the ZR1 is released to the public!

[ Winding Road ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 2 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's Corvette ZR1 Photo of the Day.  Click on the photo for our entire gallery of high res images of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures | 0 Comments Permalink

When I saw these stories run across the wire I was amazed.  Sure, the 2009 Corvette ZR1 will be the fastest car GM has ever built, priced at $100,000.  This comes in below some estimates originally that it may be upwards of $125,000!

The Wall Street Journal reports, "GM is pulling the ZR1 brand out of its recent-history book, borrowing it from a special-edition Corvette that was sold in the 1990s but offered far less power. One of the features that is expected to set the ZR1 apart is carbon-fiber body panels that the company guarantees will last a lifetime. The carbon fiber is lathered with a clear coating that costs about $2,000 a gallon because of a rare additive."

That better be pretty damn rare!  But don't worry Vette lovers, we at CorvetteBlog WILL have allocation of these ZR1's when they become available.  No question about that.  Stay tuned!

[ Wall Street Journal ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pricing | 0 Comments Permalink

GM released new 2009 Corvette ZR-1 photos!  Click here for the entire gallery of photos.  We will also be featuring one image per day until the end of January here on the blog, but as always, you can go to our gallery to see all of them now.

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvette Pictures , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

Today's breaking news is a selection of three photos of the LS9 6.2L Supercharged Engine which will be used in the 2009 Corvette ZR1.

Th car itself will be revealed at the N.A.I.A.S., also known as the Detroit Auto Show in January.

[ AutoBlog ]

[ Other CorvetteBlogs on ZR1 ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News | 0 Comments Permalink

No one seems to be commenting on the apparent see-through panels behind the front wheel openings of the 2009 Corvette ZR1 (a.k.a. Blue Devil) seen prancing around the track at Laguna Seca last weekend.

And yet, it must be!  A close look into that photographed panel reveals the shape of engine parts.  Could this be a feature of the coming monster Corvette, or just a way to study the engine with the hood shut?  What do you think?

Blown-up fuzzy photo past the jump.

[ Related Blogs ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) | 0 Comments Permalink

The rumors were true!  Chevy's much anticipated 2009 Corvette ZR1 did drive a loop at Laguna Seca on Saturday, and many photos were taken.

Still partially hidden with blacked out panels, the car was unloaded from a trailer, and driven to much acclaim.  The ZR1 wheels are beautiful.  The raised, almost mounded, hood is clearly evolutionary in design.  The rear spoiler is full width.  It appeared to be in manual transmission iteration.  And, exactly what's going on behind the front wheel openings is still not clear to this writer.

Winding Road has the broadest selection of photography.  Enjoy!

[ Related CorvetteBlogs ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Racing | 1 Comments Permalink

Anyone who really knows isn't telling, but the photo posted today on Bad Boy Vettes might be that of a prototype 2009 Corvette ZR1.

Anticipations grows.  Expectation is that the new ZR1 will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show this January in Detroit.

A big thanks to Keith at CorvetteBlogger for the heads up on the Bad Boy Vettes story.

[ Related CorvetteBlogs ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) | 0 Comments Permalink

It's about time we got more than just a peak at the 2009 Corvette ZR1.  While there isn't too much in the way of speed (until the end), the video still offers us the best look yet at the upcoming addition to the Vette family.

650 HP is coming our way folks, and we at CorvetteBlog are ready!  We expect  the official release of the vehicle will be at the North American International Auto Show here in Detroit in January (where we will have full coverage)!

[ Fast Lane Daily ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvette Videos , Corvettes of the Future | 1 Comments Permalink

Our friend Keith, the CorvetteBlogger, brought to our attention that Jalopnik had posted some spy photos from the Priddy organization.  The accompanying report says:

At a quick glance this might look like an 'ordinary' Z06 with a vinyl-clad hood, but this Corvette is anything but ordinary!

Power for this beast will come from GM's new LS9 motor. The LS9 is a 6.2L, supercharged, small-block V8. This powerplant will put out anywhere from 600-650 horsepower. The supercharged V8 will utilize an integrated intake manifold intercooler, and it's expected to run a 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds. The 6.2-liter V8 will be built at GM's Performance Center in Wixom, Michigan. Our photographer reported that the exhaust note coming from this monster was "VERY mean....VERY angry."

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) | 0 Comments Permalink

Keith of CorvetteBlogger has reminded us of a blog he wrote on January 1, 2007, pertaining to the trademark application made by GM for the ZR1 nomenclature.

At the time, Keith wrote, "Now it would be irresponsible speculation on my part to think that GM would have an interest in using the ZR-1 RPO code for the Blue Devil / SS Corvette."

That speculation in January is now at odds with the recent announcement from Motor Trend.  The plot thickens.

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

This news broke Tuesday and has been rippling everywhere on the Net.  It appears that it was Todd Lassa's post at the Motor Trend Community Blog that got it started.  Word is, that the previously called Corvette Blue Devil will be called the Corvette ZR1.

You may know from a previous post that I have predicted Corvette SS.  In fact, I still want to believe that it will be Corvette SS.  Some of the other bloggers think that Lassa's statement is conjecture, and not based on an infallible source.  However, most of the solid advance information we have received so far has indeed come from Motor Trend!  Likelihood of accuracy here is, thus, pretty good.  As a result, Corvette Blog now has a new category of previous stories (at the right): 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil).

[ Stories on Future Corvettes ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvette Production , Corvettes of the Future | 6 Comments Permalink

The magazines and blogs are all over the Corvette SS (or Corvette Blue Devil or Corvette Z07) again.  There are articles on CorvetteBlogger, AutoBlog, and AutoNewsGuide, all linked for you to check out.  All of the articles appear to rely on a Popular Mechanics posting by Jim Dunne.  In turn, Dunne seems to have gotten his information from a large Michigan Corvette dealership. 

I can tell you that it wasn't our Corvette dealership, so I can't assure you of the authenticity of the remarks.  In summary, though, there seem to be five lines of thought currently being emphasized:

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

Chevrolet dealers were treated to a taste of upcoming Corvette product Thursday afternoon by video.

Though the program was on the 2008 Corvette, dealer after dealer questioned Chevrolet product staff regarding the availablity of the so-called Blue Devil, SS, Z07, Stingray, or Sting Ray.

Gary Claudio, North America Marketing Manager for GM responded time and again by saying: "Stay tuned, and save your money!  It will make you smile!"

Looks like a lot of people will be smiling ... we just don't know when!

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 1 Comments Permalink

In a clever and original consideration, Marty Padgett of the Car Connection website applauds GM for its promotion of the Corvette SS at the very same time it promotes the fuel saving Volt.  Chevy dealers, of course, would like to have both, and the sooner the better.  Personally, I'd like one of each.

In having two "halo cars"  so distinctly different, GM presents itself as the innovator of all things automotive and powerful, while at the same time holds out hope for an efficient, fuel saving, attractive, and hip family sedan.  Quite a feat!

[ Car Connection ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

Jim Dunne has provided the best photographs to date of the coming Corvette SS!  Just published by Popular Mechanics, shots from all sides give us a tantalizing look at what's on its way.

A power-plant dispensing 650 horsepower (or more), combined with an anticipated greater usage of carbon fiber throughout the vehicle to reduce weight, will result in unbelievable performance capabilities right out of dealers' showrooms.  Certainly the rumored cost of over $100,000 will limit the customer base, but once again the "performance for the buck" factor will make Corvette SS a runaway winner!

[ Popular Mechanics ]

[ Related Corvette Blog ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 3 Comments Permalink

Car & Driver today published a recent interview with Dr. Bob Lutz in regard to the upcoming Corvette SS.  Of course, the concern has been on how the recently announced HOLD on rear wheel architecture GM vehicle development might affect Corvette.  "Not at all" is the correct answer!

In an article they published under the title "2009 CORVETTE BLUE DEVIL CONFIRMED AND IN FINAL TUNING PHASE," Alisa Priddle reports that confirms Chevrolet's plan to have significantly more horsepower than Viper's 600, but certainly not 700 until at least the second year of the SS variant.

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

My snail mail copy of Corvette Fever just hit the in-box, and they have published a timetable on our highly anticipated Corvette SS.  Claiming infallibility from a GM insider, the author of the article states that this vehicle program was officially initiated on June 20, 2005.

The Anticipated Validation Testing completion date is October 15, 2007.  The Start of Production Date is March 8, 2008, less than a year away!

Body modifications of a grander sort than have been seen in any "spy shots" will be required to accommodate P335/25R20 tires.  The inside word is that the supercharged 6.2L LS9 engine will produce 650 horses and 650 foot-pounds of torque!  The transmission will be the six-speed MTX.  Electronic limited-slip differential and a next generation brake and engine intervention traction control system round out the package.

That ought to put thoughts of Vipers out of the minds of the last hold-outs!

[ Corvette Fever ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvette Production , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

GMsource.com is showing an alternative concept of the coming Corvette SS.  Chris Pauwels has taken the same information we used from the scooped SS being shipped out of Romulus for Germany, and penned a proposed look.  Please click to see it as I have not requested permission to use the photo.

Chris thinks that the hood will be raised perhaps an inch or two, but with no air scoop in the hood at all.  I agree that everything I've seen would accommodate this look, but I'm still leaning to the photo I showed a few days ago here at the Corvette Blog.

[ Corvette Blog Story ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

Corvette rumors.  Suggestions.  Disavowals.  Spy shots.  Retractions.  You'd think it was a soap opera!

When Winding Road broke their story about their bogus black Corvette SS, do you remember the hulking scoop on the hood?

When Jalopnik and others revealed the "real photos" of the red Corvette SS at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus last month, did you notice the cover/bra over the hood?  It is not hiding a raised scoop, right?  Where did it go?

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette Pictures , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

According to the Detroit News this past Saturday, photographs published on the new Corvette SS prototype with supercharger were removed from the website fast-autos.net.  They remain now two days later at three other websites (at the least): Jalopnik, GM Source, and Edmunds.

The question would be why can the photos be shown at some sites, and not others? What’s your take?

[ Detroit News ]

[ Jalopnik ]

[ GM Source ]

[ Edmunds ]

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

GM had said that they will improve the value of the storied SS nameplate in the Chevrolet franchise, and the next step is finally underway!  The SS Concept Car shown was introduced some years ago when the announcement was first made.

According to sources at AutoBlog today, the production code for the upcoming Corvette super powered performance machine is GMX245-SSC.  It is now clear that this rockin' 600hp (or more) Vette will be a version of the C6 generation because the first part of the code, GMX245, is used for the current C6 Base and Z06 models.

Posted By Bill Connell In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 2 Comments Permalink

The Corvette Blue Devil has been discussed for some time now and with much anticipation, the first spy shots of the powerful car are now available.

The Corvette Blue Devil will reportedly have a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, that sources speculate could push nearly 650-horsepower.  650, whew!

There's no major exterior design changes from these pictures, at least none that would catch the eye at first glance.  I'm a little disappointed... but with that kind of power, I won't complain.  What are you thoughts on the design?  Let us know.

Click over to Winding Road for more pictures.

[ Winding Road ]

Posted By Ryan In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvette News , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink

DETROIT -- Corvette rumors are as rampant these days as tabloid stories about Nick and Jessica. But aficionados' antennae are picking up emanations from deep inside General Motors that Chevrolet is readying an ultra Vette for 2008 that should outgun the new Z06

Posted By J.P. In 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Blue Devil) , Corvettes of the Future | 0 Comments Permalink