The better known ZR1 of the 1990’s started to come together in the 1980’s between the Corvette development team and the Lotus Engineering group. The two entities wanted to build an entirely new V8 engine that would be installed in a limited production line of Corvettes that were based on the C4 generation Corvette. This new engine, complimented the already long list of other large differences from its predecessor the C3, to include over 250 lbs weight difference, rear mounted transaxle, transverse leaf spring suspension and the central backbone.
The all aluminum block called the LT5 had the same displacement 5.7 liters/350cu. in. while also sporting the same 4.4 in. bore centers as the L98 engine did. However it was a 4 cam, 32 valve monster that put out 375 hp at 6000 rpms which by the way was only 5 horsepower shy of the very popular Ferrari Testarossa. To get a better idea, the L98 only put out 250 hp at 4400 rpms. It was only a matter of short time until everyone was happy with the way the LT5 performed and brought the production of the engine from Lotus in England to Mercury Marine plant in Stillwater Oklahoma.
There were a few things that stood out with the LT5 C4 Corvette, which was coded RPO ZR1 as an option from the base C4 Corvette. There were the 11 inch wide rear tires, wide bodywork, wider doors, rounded taillights and squared off exhaust tips. The ZR1 also boasted the ZF built 6 speed manual transmission and the all new FX3 suspension that was developed by Lotus Engineering. The option package started at $27,000 the first year and quickly grew to $31000 in its second year in which it stayed at this price for the duration of its existence.
Needless to say the ZR1 was an immediate success and not even the hefty price tag of almost $60,000 would slow it down. The ZR1 had some hefty performance numbers to go along with its price tag. Tests at the time stated a 0-60 time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. The ZR1 had an outstanding skidpad outing of.93g which meant that this beast was going to take the corners like no ones business and it soon did. March of 1990 on the 7.5 mile track at Ft. Stockton TX. The stock ZR1 took 3 open class world records for both speed and endurance, 5000 miles with an average speed of 173.791, 5000 kilometers with an average speed of 175.710 mph and 4221 miles at 175.885 mph.
In the next handful of years the ZR1 received a few different updates and upgrades that continued to enhance its overall appeal. Some of those changes were subtle moves and some were a little more bold. In 1992 badges were put on the fenders and traction control became a standard feature. Then in 1993 the cylinder heads were redesigned along with the valve train of the LT5 that ultimately brought the power up from 375 to 405 while the torque jump up a respectful 10 ft pounds. All in all the LT5 was the first V8 in the post smog era to have over 400 hp.
Even with the power improvements and all the other upgrades production of the ZR1 halted in 1995 with a total of 6939 ZR1s being built. This was a disappointment to so many people as the ZR1 was just a treat to drive. From its unique exhaust tone that was in between a Ferrari and a healthy small block V8 to the outstanding handling capabilities it possessed from the FX3 suspension along with everything else. One note worth mentioning was the 0-150 mph in less than a half of a minute! WOW.
Now enter in the new ZR1 Corvette, which has completely blown away the older ZR1s in every aspect that is imaginable. This was expected though as it has been a dozen years for the folks at GM to conjure up some insanely different and powerful ideas for the new ZR1. This is the quickest production Corvette ever made. Most of the body is carbon fiber on the new ZR1 which brings this animal in at a paltry 3132 pounds of power packed fun. The power plant on the new ZR1 is a 6.2 liter V8 that has an all new R2300 Eaton four lobe roots style supercharger sitting on top of it. This is apparent by simply looking through the polycarbonate window in the hood. This power plant boasts 620 hp which is more than the powerful Viper, the Ferrari 599 GTB and very close to the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640. However, the Ferrari and the Lamborghini both are over $300,000 while the new ZR1 comes in at a little over $100,000.
Ultimately the new ZR1 was built as a supercar out of the box that needs no modifying whatsoever. From its massive 15+ inch rotors to its fully built tranny and rear end the new ZR1 is ready to take to the track from day one. The new ZR1 will undoubtedly become a favorite to those few lucky people that end up getting one.