From Past to Present: The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the fastest production Corvette ever, hitting atop track speed of 212 mph. This is a remarkable feat by GM, but this isn't the first time the automaker has wowed us with the ZR1 badge. First appearing almost 50 years ago, the limited-production Corvette has graced us with its performance for the fourth time. In this article, we look back at all of the Corvette ZR1s that the Bow Tie brand has developed over the years. Which is your favorite?

1970-72 Corvette (C3) ZR1 and ZR2

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The first ZR1 was a special performance package that was added to third-generation Corvettes equipped with the optional 5.7-liter LT-1 small-block V-8. The ZR1 package added a heavy-duty four-speed manual transmission, more powerful brakes, an aluminum radiator, and upgraded suspension with improved springs, shocks, and anti-roll bars for $1,010.50. The race-spec ZR1 could not be ordered with power windows, power steering, A/C, a radio, or a rear window defogger. With less than 60 ever built, the C3 ZR1 is now a rare bird. The even rarer ZR2 was an identical package but only offered on the more powerful LS6 V-8 big block.

1990-1995 Corvette (C4) ZR-1

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The ZR-1 (now with a hyphen) returned in 1990 with the fourth-generation Corvette. Now its own model, the C4 ZR-1 was powered by a Lotus-designed 5.7-liter DOHC V-8 producing 375 hp (increased to 405 hp in 1993). This was a huge increase over the 5.7-liter OHV V-8 that produced 250 hp in the standard C4 Corvette in 1990. Lotus also helped GM develop the standard adjustable active suspension and the upgraded braking and steering systems. The ZR-1's 180-plus-mph top speed and 0-60 time of about 4.5 seconds were impressive for the time, but the super Corvette carried a high price tag. The C4 ZR-1 lasted until 1995 and almost 7,000 units were produced.

2009-2013 Corvette (C6) ZR1

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Model year 2009 saw the return of the ZR1 (now without the hyphen) badge on the C6 Corvette. This time, Chevrolet strapped a supercharger on a 6.2-liter V-8 producing a whopping 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque. The roof, hood, front splitter, fenders, and rocker panels were all made of carbon fiber. Magnetic dampers, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and the largest wheels ever placed on a production Corvette (at the time) were all standard equipment. WhenMotor Trend tested the 2009 ZR1, we were impressed with the supercharged Corvette's 3.3-second 0-60 time, 11.2-second quarter-mile time (at 130.5 mph), and 97-foot stopping distance from 60 mph—still very impressive numbers today. The 2009 ZR1 was so good it beat the Ferrari 599 GTB in a comparison test. Watch us test the C6 ZR1 here.

2019 Corvette (C7) ZR1

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The new C7 ZR1 is the most powerful production Corvette ever thanks to the 755-hp, 715-lb-ft supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 under the hood. Based on the already powerful Z06, the ZR1 adds a larger supercharger, larger front wheels, additional cooling, and more aero including an optional large rear spoiler that produces an estimated 950 pounds of downforce. The 3,600-pound super Corvette is offered with a seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. We have yet to test the 2019 ZR1, but we estimate a 0-60 time between 2.8 and 3.0 seconds and a quarter-mile time south of 11 seconds. The $2,995 ZTK package adds stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, increased spring rates, and more aero. The ZR1 coupe starts at $122,095, while the convertiblestarts at $126,095.