Dubai show: Chevy reveals fastest Corvette yet

CHEVROLET has revealed the fastest and most potent version of its Corvette muscle car, with the 563kW ZR1 breaking cover at the Dubai motor show.

Powered by a 6.2-litre supercharged LT5 V8 engine, the ZR1 pumps out 563kW at 6300rpm and 969Nm at 4400rpm, making it the most powerful model to date from Chevy.

The massive power numbers were achieved with the help of a 52 per cent increase in supercharger size, and the inclusion of a dual fuel-injection system, a first for a GM vehicle.

Mated to either a seven-speed manual gearbox with auto rev-matching or an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters (a first for a ZR1), the Corvette is able to achieve a claimed top speed of 338km/h (210mph).

Chevrolet has updated the ZR1’s front fascia, designed to better channel air for better cooling of the propulsion system and drivetrain, with four new radiators added.

The carbon-fibre hood features a number of vents to help clear the supercharger and intercooler assembly, while a pair of aerodynamic packages are available to increase downforce and track performance.

Allowing for the highest top speed is the Low Wing package, which increases downforce by up to 70 per cent over the Corvette Z06 equipped with the base aero package.

Buyers can also opt for the more eye-catching High Wing package, which features a two-way adjustable wing spoiler that creates maximum downforce – around 60 per cent more than a Z06 with the Z07 Performance Package – and allows for the quickest lap times.

Also included in the High Wing package is a front splitter with carbon-fibre end caps, specific chassis and suspension tuning, and 19-inch front/20-inch rear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber.

Both versions feature a downforce-enhancing front underwing, as well as the wing spoilers being tied to the chassis for additional strength and stability.

Chevrolet also unveiled the ZR1 wearing an exclusive Sebring Orange design package, which features a distinctive Sebring Orange exterior paint hue and orange accents for the brake callipers, rocker and splitter accent stripes, seat belts and stitching, as well as bronze aluminium interior trim. General Motors executive vice president global product development, purchasing and supply chain Mark Reuss said the ZR1 offered a unique driving experience among Corvettes.

“I’ve never driven a Corvette like this before, and nobody else has either, because there’s never been one like this before,” he said.

“Its unprecedented performance puts all other global supercars on notice that the ZR1 is back.”