published on in Global News

1989 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Snake Skinner

At their 2009 Scottsdale, Arizona sale, Barrett-Jackson auctioned some GM Hertitage Collection cars, most under scrap titles. Among them was this factory lightwight ZR1 that was tested for possible production. It sold for $176,000.00 USD.

John Heinricy said the car was lightened with “things like magesium roof frames, carbon fiber hood, […] carbon brakes, magnesium wheels, lighweighting from one end to the other. Futhermore it have an LT5 Mercury Marine black engine and Lexan windows.

The auction description was as follows:“One of 83 production 1989 ZR-1s built in Bowling Green. This experimental light weight was aimed directly at maintaining Corvette’s performance supremacy. With a 475hp LT5 V8 and less weight, this vehicle is GM Performance legend. Sold on a Scrap Title.

One of 83 production 1989 ZR-1s built in Bowling Green. Led by Corvette Executive John Heinricy, this experimental light weight was aimed directly at maintaining Corvette’s performance supremacy. With a 475hp LT5 V8 and less weight, this vehicle became a legend at GM Performance. Includes Mercury Marine special built black motor.”

In Detail

typeConcept / Prototype Car
built atWarren, Michigan, USA
engineersJohn Heinricy
production1
engineLT5 MerCruiser Marine Black V8 w/Walker Dyno Max Mufflers
positionFront-Mid, Longitudinal
block materialAluminum
valvetrainChain Driven DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl
fuel feedPort Injection
displacement5727 cc / 349.48 in³
bore99 mm / 3.9 in
stroke93 mm / 3.7 in
compression11.0:1
power316.9 kw / 425 bhp @ 6800 rpm
specific output74.21 bhp per litre
bhp/weight312.04 bhp per tonne
torque542.3 nm / 400 ft lbs @ 5200 rpm
redline7500
body / frameComposite Body over Steel Chassis
driven wheelsRWD w/LSD
wheel typeDymag Cast Magnesium
front tiresShaved Goodyear 275/40ZR17
rear tiresShaved Goodyear 315/35ZR17
front brakesHS Composite Brakes
rear brakesHS Composite Brakes
front wheelsF 43.2 x 24.1 cm / 17 x 9.5 in
rear wheelsR 43.2 x 27.9 cm / 17 x 11 in
steeringRack & Pinion w/Power Assist
f suspensionA-Arms w/Composite Transverse Leaf Spring, Adj Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight1362 kg / 3000 lbs
weight distro53 % / 47 %
wheelbase2443.5 mm / 96.2 in
transmission6-Speed Manual
gear ratios2.68:1, 1.80:1, 1.31:1, 1.00:1, 0.75:1, 0.50:1
final drive3.90:1
top speed~305.71 kph / 190 mph
0 – 60 mph~3.80 seconds
0 – 100 mph~8.00 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile~12.04 seconds
fuel capacity83.27 litres or 22 gal.

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