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America's iconic sports car just got a whole lot faster with the unveiling in Detroit of the latest Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, a car that General Motors reckons will match any supercar in the world.
Based on the 7-litre Z06 that is a GM-Holden option across the Tasman, the ZR1 - a model designation that has not been around for a decade - comes to the line with an LS9 supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine producing 462kW (620bhp) of power and 823Nm of torque.
Chevrolet general manager Ed Peper said at the Detroit motor show that the 1519kg ZR1 built on the already potent Z06 in every performance category.
"It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1's is exceptional - better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640," he said.
"The ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 320km/h."
Other features of the ZR1 include carbon-ceramic brakes, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, magnetic ride control, and a bonnet with a clear polycarbonate window that reveals the intercooler.
