A Corvette fit for a King

Press release

Prince Albert von Thurn und Taxis, offspring of one of Germany’s old and wealthy noble families took delivery these days of a new Corvette ZR-1 in Bonstetten, Switzerland. For successful race driver Prince Albert, the ZR-1, latest and most powerful product of the legendary American sports car brand, is a “must have” car. Corvette dealer Kurt Huber, co-owner of the well-established Corvette Sportcar Center, proudly handed over the keys of the 600plus horsepower vehicle to his famous customer. Prince Albert holds the European Lamborghini Cup, is vice champion of the German ADAC GT Masters 2008 and currently races in the FIA GT European Championship on Lamborghini.

ZR1 stands for supercar

There will be whole books written about the ultimate Corvette, but the bottom line is simple: 647 horsepower and 819 Nm propel the ZR1 from 0 – 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and push it on to a top speed of 330 km/h. But of course, there is much more to the supercar.

The American world-beater blends racing technology and the latest in electronics with new solutions in construction, assembly, and use of carbon-fiber and ceramics. The ZR1 reaches new heights with spectacular design, superlative handling, and astonishing everyday drivability.

The enormous power of the 6.2L V8 LS9 engine is partly attributable to the latest generation supercharger with a four-lobe rotor design and integrated charge-cooling system. The power plant transfers its output by ways of a dry-sump dual-disc clutch to the rear wheels. In between is the six-speed manual transmission, bolted to the differential in perfect racing tradition.

The braking system matches the immense engine power. The carbon-ceramic brake rotors, made of carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic silicon carbide, provide maximum heat dissipation and fade resistance while saving weight. ZR1 brake rotors (six-piston front and four-piston rear) are painted blue, and together with the 20-spoke alloy wheels, contribute to the unique technical appearance of the car. 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are shod with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires (P285/30ZR19 front and P335/25ZR20 rear).

The exterior styling of the ZR1 is a treat for supercar enthusiasts. A see-through polycarbonate window in the carbon-fiber hood is a distinctive feature of this model, the fastest street-going Corvette to date.

This peek at the engine reveals the technological aspirations of the ZR1, also in evidence in the carbon-fiber front fenders with dual vents and the full-width rear spoiler.

The high-quality interior recalls the heritage of the Corvette dual-cockpit design with elements from the C6 and Z06. Standard are all safety and convenience features, including head-up display. Unique to the ZR1 are ZR1 logos on the door sill plates and headrest embroidery, boost gauge for the supercharger, and lightweight seats.