The Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 (C4) is a sports car built between 1990 and 1995 by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. It was the first fully redesigned Corvette since the release of the previous C3.
A ZR-1 model was released in 1990 with development from Lotus in the form of a new V8 engine, unique air management system, brakes, and steering system. It displayed stunning acceleration and handling compared to previous Corvettes and C4 models, but was priced at double the cost of the base C4 Corvette.
The LT5 V8 from Lotus developed 375 bhp allowing the ZR-1 to go from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of over 180 mph. The Corvette C4 was altered in 1991 with new body panels, a new interior, and new wheels.
Additional changes were made in 1992 with the addition of a traction control system, as well as in 1993 with improvements to the LT5 engine, including altered cylinder heads, exhaust, and valvetrain by Lotus. This increased the engine's power output to 405bhp.
The engine developed was dubbed the LT5 and could not be produced by either the Corvette production plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, or any regular production facility. General Motors contracted the Mercury Marine corporation in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to assemble the engines, and ship them to the Corvette production plant.
The ZR-1 went on sale in a coupe form with a wider tail section, 11" wide rear wheels, a new convex rear fascia with four square shaped taillights, and a CHMSL attached to the top of the rear window.
The ZR-1 was discontinued in 1995 with 6,939 units manufactured.
Games
The Need for Speed
The Corvette ZR-1 appears in The Need for Speed as a class B car and is only available with a dark green body colour.
Gallery
