Honda FC Sport

Honda today revealed the Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda's V Flow fuel cell technology - already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan - and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain.
"The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future."
The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle's performance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport's low center of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars.
The ideal placement of the Honda V-Flow fuel cell stack and related components demonstrates the benefits of a platform-specific, hydrogen-powered fuel cell powertrain. The FC Sport is configured to accommodate a custom-formed high-power fuel cell stack, located between the rear seats, and a battery pack placed low in the middle of the vehicle. The electric motor resides just forward of the rear axle. Two fuel storage tanks, visible from above, are located above the rear axle.
The optimal placement of fuel cell components for performance also allows for a relatively large passenger cabin by conventional supercar standards with enough space for three seating positions. The interior layout focuses primarily on the driver with a racecar-like center driving position. The enclosed canopy opens upward from the rear to allow for entry and exit. Two rear passenger seats flank the driver's left and right side.
The sleek, low-profile body is designed to convey a high-technology appearance with sculpting that combines angular shapes in the front of the vehicle that taper into geometric, hex forms in the rear. The rear hex forms house cooling radiators for the fuel cell. Formula 1-style barge boards behind the front wheels enhance high speed aerodynamics and convey the vehicle's racing pedigree. The hydrogen storage tanks, visible from the rear deck, showcase the FC Sports fuel cell technology in much the same way that a "naked bike" motorcycle showcases its engineering technology.
The glacier white body color conveys the FC Sport's clean environmental aspirations while the dark wheels and deeply tinted glass provide a symbolic contrast befitting of the vehicle's unique combination of clean power and high performance. Green construction techniques further contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. An organic, bio-structure theme is carried through to the body construction where exterior panels are intended to use plant-derived bio-plastics

Ferrari 360

The Ferrari 360 was all-new in 1999 and offered in Modena coupe and Spider convertible body styles. They were powered by a mid-mounted 3.6-liter V8 that pumped out a raucous 400 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. Low-end power wasn't as plentiful with a "mere" 275 pound-feet at 4,750 rpm. The all-important 0-60-mph sprint was accomplished in a few ticks north of 4 seconds.
The standard transmission was a six-speed manual tied to a classic Italian gated shifter complete with chrome ball knob. Many Modenas and Spiders were ordered with the rather pricey F1 automated clutch manual gearbox that shifted via column-mounted shift paddles in a lightning-quick 150 milliseconds. Although we'd probably stick with the stick, the F1's adept ability at rev-matching downshifts and its automatic mode (admittedly not the smoothest system in the world) make it a good choice for both aggressive driving and commuting.

Ferrari have modified the exhaust exits on the side pods of the F60 chassis and to boost down force, they have redesigned the nose cone to be longer with a higher central section to increase the amount of air flow underneath. The team has also minimised drag with the addition of channeling vertical fin on the end plate to direct the air flow away from the front tyres. The rear view mirror mountings are attached to the lower section of the bodywork, which creates a vertical turning vane that was originally introduced by BMW Sauber in 2008.
Base: Maranello, Italy Team principal: Stefano DomenicaliMain drivers: Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe MassaEngine: Ferrari Type 056Chassis: F60Tyres: Bridgestone PotenzaDebut F1 season: 1950World Championship titles: 16Highest race finish: 1st (x209)Pole positions: 203Fastest lap times: 218. More Images...

Audi R8

Let me tell you about Audi's R8. For starters it's not a warmed over Lamborghini. Audi might own the Italian supercar maker, but happily it's decided not to just give the Gallardo some new clothes. The R8 is also pitched at a different sort of buyer, making direct comparisons pretty much worthless.The R8's low-slung nose sports a variation on Audi's now familiar trapezoid grille so you're left in no doubt as to who is responsible for this Tarmac-scrapping monster, but every other point of reference is new. Despite its silhouette, this is no pumped-up, adrenaline-fuelled TT. In reality it's much more than that.And with a mid-mounted engine, this is an Audi like no other. The company's even been kind enough to stick it under a clear cover so everyone can see it. What you'll be looking at is the firm's acclaimed 4.2-litre petrol V8 unit, which can also be found powering the A4-based RS4. In R8 guise it produces a healthy 420 horsepower at a heady 7,800rpm, and a considerable 430Nm from a more practical 4,500rpm.Naturally, being a performance Audi, it gets quattro four-wheel drive. But being a special performance Audi the bias is slightly towards the rear in a naughty, lets have some fun way. Completing the basics is a six-speed manual gearbox, complete with Ferrari-style gated shift. However, the optional R tronic 'box is worth a mention.

More important than the R8's outright performance, it doesn't feel intimidating to drive. You sit down low in the cabin, and quickly feel at home surrounded by familiar Audi switchgear, an elegant fascia housing a large colour display, the main instrument binnacle and a transmission tunnel separating you from your hopefully willing passenger.

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Lamborghini Gallardo

All Lamborghini Gallardo models are built on an aluminum space frame, with aluminum extruded parts welded to cast aluminum joint sections, and an aluminum body structure with thermoplastic hang-on parts such as fenders and door skins. The Gallardo is plenty light, but the Superleggera goes even further. From the outside, the Superleggera is nearly identical to the standard Gallardo coupe, with the exception of the Superleggera logo on the lower portion of the doors. But the shape hides a whole menu of lightweight parts including a carbon fiber diffuser under the rear end of the Superleggera, a pair of carbon fiber mirror housings, a carbon fiber driveshaft to the rear wheels, a polymer rear window and engine cover instead of glass, carbon fiber intake manifold, lightweight exhaust manifolds, forged aluminum wheels, and titanium wheel nuts, to make the car as light as possible

Inside the cockpit, the Superleggera has shiny gray carbon fiber door panels, a carbon fiber dashboard panel and carbon fiber console in order to save weight and look sexy. The headliner and carpet also have special graphics.

The standard Superleggera seats for the rest of the world's customers are carbon fiber sports seats that are closer to racing seats than street seats, with fore-aft adjustment only; since they are one piece, the backrest portion can't be adjusted separately, and some drivers simply won't be comfortable in the scantly upholstered seats.

The seats, in turn, are equipped with racing-style four-point seat belts, which means donning and adjusting two separate shoulder belts that come through openings in the seatbacks. Once adjusted to the body and cinched tight, the belts allow very little movement, so it's a good idea to close the doors first, because you won't be able to reach them once belted.

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BMW M3

Within the BMW M GmbH model range, the BMW M3 has always been that very special model living up in full to its motorsport heritage. Indeed, this already applied to the very first BMW M3 launched in 1986 and continued throughout the two subsequent model generations. And now this supremacy comes out once again most clearly in the 2007 version of the BMW M3.

Although the latest generation of the BMW M3 was based in its development on the new BMW M3 Coupe, the new high-performance model differs from the 'regular' coupe in terms of both looks and technical features. Apart from the load-bearing structure of the car, only the two doors, the bootlid, the windows, the headlights and rear lights have been carried over from the 3 Series Coupe. All other body components, by contrast, were specially developed for the new BMW M3.

The new heart of the latest BMW M3 is the eight-cylinder power unit that develops maximum output of 420 bhp (309 kW) hp from engine capacity of precisely 3,999 cc. Further equally impressive factors are the engine's peak torque of 295 lb-fts (400 Nm) as well as maximum engine speed of 8, 400 rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by a six-speed manual gearbox interacting with brand-new M differential lock. This setup accelerates the M3 to 100 km/h comes in just 4.8 seconds

A low-pressure version of BMW’s double-VANOS has been developed especially for the new eight-cylinder, reducing charge cycle losses and, in the process, improves engine output, torque and responsiveness, with an equally positive impact on both fuel economy and emissions. A separate throttle butterfly for each cylinder provides an immediate engine response.

In designing the interior, the specialists at BMW M have succeeded in offering the occupants maximum driving pleasure Double circular instruments with white illumination and red needles, the M leather steering wheel and the newly designed centre console all characterise the cockpit of the new BMW M3. The door cutout trim embellished by the characteristic M logo, the support for the driver's left foot made of brushed metal, the special design and colour of the inner door panels, as well as the trim strip made of high-quality, sophisticated materials exclusive to BMW M such as leather in carbon design or aluminium, all serve to underline the supreme and truly unique position of the new BMW M3.

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BMW M5

BMW has announced details of the revised 5 Series Saloon and Touring range, topped off by the new BMW M5 Touring. Powered by the back-to-back International Engine of the Year-winning engine driving through BMW’s unique seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox, the new M5 Touring offers up to 1,650 litres of boot space for owners needing to move sizeable loads... quickly.
With the previous M5 Touring (E34) only available in left-hand drive, the arrival of the new M5 Touring marks the first time the high-performance estate has been offered to British customers. Powered by the same normally aspirated 5.0-litre V-10 cylinder engine as its Saloon counterpart, the new M5 Touring redlines at 8,250rpm. 507hp and 520Nm of torque propel the car from zero to 62mph in 4.8 seconds (only 0.1 seconds slower than the Saloon). Without the 155mph electronic limiter the new M5 Touring would be capable of achieving 200mph while still transporting the largest of loads.
These levels of performance are in part made possible by the world’s first seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox with Drivelogic in a production car. The gearbox features eleven different change patterns to offer the driver a personally-tuned driving expierience - six settings vary speed and response of gear change in a manual mode and there are five automatic modes. A Launch Control function delivers the fastest possible acceleration from standstill.
Like the Saloon, the new M5 Touring features a three-stage DSC+ traction control system. The default mode offers drivers high levels of performance and stability. M Dynamic Mode allows an enthusiastic driver the ability to push the M5 Touring to, and beyond, the absolute limits of traction, permitting some sideslip and countersteering before the system cuts in and is selected in the M Drive Manager (see below). If the DSC button is pressed, DSC+ is completely disengaged.

BMW M's variable M differential also offers the highest levels of driving stability and traction, especially when accelerating out of high-speed corners, with up to 100 per cent of drive being transferred to the rear wheel with most traction. Finally, the Electronic Damper Control (EDC) system offers three suspension settings to complement the prevailing driving conditions.
MDrive Manager packages these programmable settings, so that the touch of a single button sets the car up as required. Like a boy visiting his favourite sweet shop, the M5 driver can select his preferred settings for power, gearbox, EDC and DSC modes, Head-up Display and the degree of Active Seat bolster support, via the iDrive menu. One-touch of the M Drive button on the steering wheel then selects the desired combination and instantly changes the character of the car. One moment the M5 Touring is a placid and practical family car, the next it’s more akin to a track day special.More details..

Nissan GTR

Motorsports is an important part of Nissan's strategy for building a strong brand with consumers who share our passion for high-performance driving," said Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. "In addition to being an important touch-point for consumers, motorsports serve as a dynamic proving ground for automotive innovation."

SUPER GT

The R35 model Nissan GT-R will be entered in the GT500 class of SUPER GT. This year's entries will incorporate changes that include an improved air-cooling system and a paddle-shift transmission. The vehicles also conform to the racing body's latest regulation changes to decrease down force through shortened vehicle overhang. NISMO provides technical assistance and vehicle development to all participating teams.

Europe

To check the performance of cars to be sold to racing teams competing in the FIA-GT1 class, a NISMO-developed car will run as a non-championship entry in 4 races in 2009, entered in a team partnership with Gigawave MotorSport. It is expected that the car is to be driven by Michael Krumm (NISMO) and Darren Turner (Gigawave).
Gigawave MotorSport, a racing team based in county Essex, England, has been competing in the FIA GT Championship since 2007. The team's parent company Gigawave Ltd., as an official partner of the FIA GT Championship, provides on-board cameras for real-time coverage of the races.

2008 Hamann Volcano

The serial Mercedes-Benz SLR is already one of the most impressive cars on our roads – but compared to the HAMANN VOLCANO it still looks rather harmless. Once again, HAMANN-Motorsport proves its cutting edge when it comes to refining superb sports cars. From a lift-reducing body design to a powerful performance enhancement to a lavishly styled interior, HAMANN focuses on all components of this luxury car and makes the automobile dreams of its exclusive clientele come true.
The total makeover of the Laupheim-based refiner is made of extremely light full carbon and consists of front- and rear wing extensions and also new side skirt attachments and sheathings. The front view of the Volcano is optically perfected with a newly designed bonnet which enhances the overall impression by its integrated hood scoop. But also for the rear, the refining technicians implemented new ideas giving the SLR appearance its finishing touch. Under the boot lid cover, HAMANN placed a strong diffuser which improves the car´s output in combination with the large rear wing. At the front axle, a newly developed front spoiler renders the necessary contact pressure. If desired, an especially developed overall paint for the VOLCANO in either aluminium/chrome or white/matt completes the striking appearance of this bolide.
The 21-inch rims named EDITION RACE with tyres measuring 255/30ZR21 at the front and 345/25ZR21 at the back render an optimal road grip. The design of the extraordinary light forged wheel thereby combines vitality and elegance and also perfectly fills out the wheel houses.

The HAMANN makeover is not only sportive, but also has a lot to offer under the bonnet. The HAMANN motor technicians get the most out of the Mercedes Benz V8-aggregate (5.4 litres, 626 hp, 780 Nm): 700 hp / 515 kW and a maximum torque of 830 Nm at 3,300 crankshaft revolutions per minute. The therefore necessary modifications include a newly programmed control unit, especially developed high performance exhaust manifolds and an amended belt pulley combination for the serial compressors. In order to facilitate the increased motor performance, HAMANN adds a second water pump and adjusts the gearbox electronics. Invigorated in this way and with the adequate sound from the six end pipes of the sport exhaust system, the VULCANO accelerates from naught to a hundred in only 3.6 seconds. With a maximum speed of 348 km/h, the HAMANN VOLCANO is 14 km/h faster than the serial model.

Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire

Building on the marque’s core values of « Art – Forme – Technique » , Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. has created the Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire, a unique model to celebrate the hundred year old history of the company. This special model takes up the traditional Bugatti two-tone-specification, but portrays it in onerather than two colours: in the most known light shaded Bugatti blue. The Centenaire’s unique combination of a « sprintblue matt » and « sprintblue gloss » hence offers a new impression of the two-tone-scheme known so far with parts of the engine also covered in this traditional Bugatti Blue.

The roof-trim-stripes and the exterior rearview mirrors are of polished, anodised aluminium. A special wheel design has been added – enhanced by a bright red brake-capillar. The grills at the front and at the side air intakes are in « mirror shine ».The interior of the Centenaire is fitted in a special «snowbeige» leather with quilting on the seats. The central console is covered in the same leather. New LED lights, Park Distance Control and a rearview camera have become part of the standard equipment for all Bugatti Veyrons from this year onwards. The Bleu Centenaire shares all performance characteristics of other Veyron models performance-, acceleration- and deceleration characteristics which have been highly praised ever since the Bugatti Veyron first appeared on the scene. The car will cost 1,35 Million Euro exclusive taxes and transportation.
The interior of the Centenaire is fitted in a special «snowbeige» leather with quilting on the seats. The central console is covered in the same leather. New LED lights, Park Distance Control and a rearview camera have become part of the standard equipment for all Bugatti Veyrons from this year onwards. The Bleu Centenaire shares all performance characteristics of other Veyron models performance-, acceleration- and deceleration characteristics which have been highly praised ever since the Bugatti Veyron first appeared on the scene. The car will cost 1,35 Million Euro exclusive taxes and transportation.

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Pagani zonda F

The Zonda F is one of the fastest supercars ever made. Built using Pagani's extensive experience in carbon fibre construction, the Zonda is leader with regard to fit and finish. With this car, Pagani Automobili is among a small group of independent supercar manufacturers that challenge more established competition such as Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini. During the outset of the Zonda project, Juan Manuel Fangio consulted and influenced Horacio Pagani on every aspect of the Zonda. Horacio says Fangio had great 'technical sensibility' and was a major source of inspiration for his car. Thus, it should come to no surprise that Pagani's latest work pays tribute to the late Fangio, a world champion five times over.
Zonda F is a special edition car that will be built alongside the regular production model. It takes the modifications adapted to the C12-S Monza and refines them into a more appealing package. As a result the Zonda F is lighter, more powerful and faster than its predecessor.
Aerodynamics play large role in shaping Zonda's new car. More traditional devices include a one-piece fixed wing which now gets undisturbed air thanks to relocated mirrors. To help airflow underneath, a larger front splitter and rear diffuser with twin stabilizing wings create even more downforce. At the front of the Zonda F is a much larger air intake to increase cooling effectiveness of the more potent V12 engine.
To give the Zonda F more power, a new induction system is used which replaces the standard Mercedes-Benz unit. It features larger intake apertures and, when combined with a larger, hydroformed exhaust, the 7.3 liter Mercedes-Benz engine reaches 620 bhp. This is up from 550 achieved with the standard Mercedes intake. A clubsport model is available as an option which increases power to 650 bhp @ 6200 rpm.
The chassis receives several upgrades which lighten both the overall and unspung weight of the Zonda. Newly designed 19 and 20 inch wheels make room for much larger brakes which can now be ordered in a ceramic compound for the first time. Combined with the titanium wheel nuts, and various trimmings of the carbon fiber tub, the Zonda F weighs 1230 kgs without liquids.
After all these changes it should come to no surprise that Pagani has made a much superior Zonda. With 650 bhp on tap, the clubsport model should easily rival cars including the Porsche Carrera GT and Ferrari Enzo.Prices and Images..

Mosler MT900 GTR XX

Mosler's mighty new supercar is on sale in Europe. The MT900 GTR XX is the company's 20th anniversary celebration model, and boasts Chevrolet's LS7 7-litre V8 engine. It provides 592bhp and 515lb ft of torque, in a car weighing a mere 1100kg. That's 547bhp-per-ton, meaning the MT900 is victorious in the inevitable Bugatti Veyron comparison.It propels the car from 0-60mph in a claimed 3sec and onto a 202mph maximum. It isn't just about unsophisticated V8 power and speed, though - the car's made predominantly of carbonfibre and kevlar, while the double-wishbone suspension boasts adjustable coil-over springs and adjustable blade anti-roll bars. The MT900 can deliver up to 1.16g through corners on road tyres. Its V8 is mid-mounted and provides the car with 40/60 front/rear weight distribution.It has successfully passed Euro4 emissions regulations as well as a raft of European crash tests. It has also passed the rather intriguing sounding ‘electro magnetic compatability tests’. That's good to know.If there's a gaping space between your Porsche Carrera GT and Ferrari Enzo that the MT900 GTR XX will perfectly fill, then Mosler Deutschland is the place to head. You'll have to arm yourself witharound £250,000 first, though…

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Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

The Dodge Viper represents one of the ultimate expressions of raw power that is still legal to drive on the street. Known more for it’s brute force and high speed than it’s finesse, the Viper is traditionally a vehicle that requires strong driver input in order to get the most out of the race-engineered platform. Despite these tradeoffs, or perhaps because of them, the Viper long has been a popular choice amongst club racers looking for something they can push to the edge of the envelope on the track. In recognition of this, Dodge has released the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR.ACR stands for American Club Racer, and this special edition Viper is packed with goodies for those who prefer to flog their rides on the many different road courses and small tracks across the U.S. The ACR shares the same power train as the standard SRT10 Viper, because it’s hard to improve on perfection: an 8.4 liter all-aluminum V10 engine that generates 600 horsepower in addition to 550 lb-feet of torque. The V10 benefits from speed-sensitive variable valve timing that controls the opening and closing of engine valves in order to maximize engine breathing under a range of rpm’s. The driver can select 6 forward gears through the Tremec T56 transmission, which is known for its incredible strength and durability – a must when dealing with power of this magnitude.The suspension has been tweaked in order to take translate the Viper from the street to the track with greater ease. Four adjustable shock absorbers can have their ride height and damping rate adjusted without removing any of the wheels, allowing for quick experimentation while looking for the setup which suits the driver best. Extensive use of aluminum has keep weight down to the bare minimum. Bringing the Viper down from 200 mile per hour gusts are 2 piece aluminum StopTech brake rotors, and controlling the ACR at such high speeds is made much easier with the addition of a ‘fang’ front splitter and an aggressive, adjustable rear wing that towers up from the trunk lid. Both are sculpted out of carbon-fiber and in combination they provide over 900 lbs of down force to keep the Viper planted firmly to the tarmac. Ultra-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires round out the package.If these features aren’t enough to make you feel like you are sitting in a real race car, you can opt for what Dodge is calling the ‘Hardcore Package’. This option strips 40 pounds out of the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR by removing the stereo, sound-deadening materials under the hood, and carpeting in the trunk. It also removes the tire inflator, because hey, if you are going to be running this beast on the track, then presumably you brought your own pit crew with you…right? The ACR is also available with race striping and 5 two-tone colors exclusive to this model, further setting you apart from the less radically styled street Viper.The end result of all of these suspension and aerodynamic changes are a Viper that feels much more tame on the track than previous iterations. Certainly there is the thrill of having 600 horses resting beneath your right foot, but power delivery is linear and predictable, not explosive, making it less of a gamble every time you put the pedal to the floor. In addition, the gobs of down force make cornering at triple-digit speeds flat and safe, and at no time does the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR feel like it is about to lose its footing. Dodge has managed to combine the power and performance of a track car with the nimble control of a precision machine, making it the ultimate choice for a real-world race car fantasy.Prices and more images

Hennessey Camaro HPE700

SEALY, TX – Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), well known for their extreme performance sports cars and muscle cars, announces their Limited Edition 2010 HPE700 Camaro.
At the heart of the beast is GM's new LS9 supercharged V8 tweaked as only HPE could to 705 horsepower and 717 lb-ft torque. To qualify as a supercar under the HPE banner it can't just go, it has to whoa. With optional 15 inch carbon brakes from the stunning new Corvette ZR1, light weight HRE wheels with Michelin PS2 tires and full suspension upgrades the HPE700 Camaro will be able to make full use of its new found power.
In addition to the power and handling upgrades., Hennessey will also be offering an exterior aerodynamics package to improve downforce at high speed. Penned by British designer, Steve Everitt, Hennessey's Cam-Aero ™ body upgrades include: Carbon fiber rear lip spoiler, carbon fiber side rocker panels, carbon fiber front splitter, front fascia with hideaway-look headlights and front billet grille. Completing the look of the HPE700 is a ZR1 inspired hood design with window showing off the Hennessey's tweaked LS9 powerplant.
"The HPE700 Camaro allows our customers to combine supercar power and performance with classic American muscle car looks in a modern, daily-drive usable sportscar with a backseat and a trunk!," said John Hennessey, President and CEO of Hennessey Performance Engineering. "We will be announcing other Hennessey turnkey vehicle packages for the 2010 Camaro in the near future along with an extensive list of aftermarket performance parts and accessories. But for now, the LS9-powered HPE700 Camaro, replete with ZR1 inspired looks and performance promises to be at the top of the American muscle car food chain later in 2009.
HPE700 buyers will also receive a 1-day performance driving course at Lonestar Motorsports Park – a ¼ mile dragstrip facility located adjacent to Hennessey's 24,000 square foot production facility and showroom.
Hennessey is offering the first HPE700 Camaros exclusively to registered bidders at the 2009 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ. Orders can be placed at the Hennessey display at the show or by phone or email beginning Tuesday, January 13 through Sunday, January 18, 2009. On Monday, January 19, 2009 the HPE700 Camaro will be available to the general public and can be ordered from select Chevrolet dealers as well as directly from Hennessey Performance Engineering.

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2009 Chevrolet Corvette

The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 marks the return of an ultra-high-performance model to this American sports car icon. The rest of the 2009 Corvette lineup is largely unchanged. ZR1 represents a revival of a moniker that graced super-performance Corvettes from 1990-1995. The 2009 version has a supercharged 638-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine. It teams with a 6-speed manual transmission. ZR1 also differs from other Corvettes by its unique suspension tuning and use of lightweight carbon fiber on the hood, roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter, and rocker moldings. As for the rest of the Corvette lineup, base models are available as a coupe or convertible. Convertibles have a soft top that folds with manual or power operation, depending on model or option selection. All base Corvettes have a 430-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine. An optional "dual-mode" exhaust system increases horsepower to 436. They're available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The high-performance Corvette Z06 is only available as a coupe and comes with a 505-hp 7.0-liter V8 and mandatory 6-speed manual transmission. Z06 models also have specific suspension tuning, tires, and brakes. Available safety features across the Corvette lineup include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags. Base models are available with GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control that automatically adjusts suspension firmness within two driver-selectable modes. Also optional on base Corvettes is a high-performance Z51 package that has a firmer, nonadjustable suspension.
COMPETITION
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.Our Best Buys are the Audi A5 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the BMW 1-Series, Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Nissan GT-R, and Porsche 911.