Numbers tell the story for zesty ZR1 Vette

02/09/2008 18:14. “und the track at General Motors' Milford Proving Grounds, the car pulled hard and fast almost without regard for gear selection or engine speed -- it is” // Windsor Star

31/08/2008 05:14. The key to the Corvette ZR1's motivation is its supercharged 6.2-litre pushrod V8 that's visible through the window in the hood. It puts out 638 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque, 90 per cent of which is available anywhere between 2,600 and 6,000 rpm -- now that's what's called a torque plateau.

Credit for the elevated output is the supercharger, which blows air into the engine at 10.5 psi, and the water-to-air intercooler, which drops the temperature of the incoming air charge by 78C before it is dumped into the engine.

To maximize the ZR1's potential, the sports car was put on a diet. The entire chassis is constructed of aluminum and magnesium and the front fenders, roof panel and hood are made from carbon fibre. So, how much mass can carbon fibre cut? Believe it or not, the... // Canada.com