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The Corvette ZR1 with a power of 638hp (476kW), is the world's fastest and most powerful production Corvette. But it may not be enough for track day enthusiasts as well as professional race drivers. Now it’s reported that Hennessey Performance Engineering is working on a new 705hp (526kW) Z700 package for the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
Designed to be the ultimate Corvette, Hennessey's Z700 performance package is equipped with an upgraded supercharger, exhaust, and air induction system. The result is 705 hp and 717 lb-ft of torque, instead of the standard car's 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque. This healthy performance boost is backed up by lightweight carbon fiber wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, a carbon fiber front splitter, canards, and a rear spoiler. All these changes helping to put the added power to the road and track, and make the car reach an impressive 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds and a 1/4 mile time of 10.6 seconds, and finally a top speed in excess of 212mph.
Rounding out the Z700 upgrade package is a revised interior with lightweight carbon-fiber seats, Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob.
Only 24 examples will be built for 2010, and customers who order a Z700 also get a one-day performance driving instruction course at Hennessey's Lonestar Motorsports Park. Total cost for a base Z700 will start at $207,150, which includes the cost of a donor ZR1 but is essentially double the price.
The exciting thing is that, besides Z700, there are another two extreme performance packages: the Z750 package boasts 755 bhp while the Z1000 package features 1,000 bhp thanks to the addition of twin turbochargers.
The Corvette ZR1 is priced at just $104,920 for 2009. But just like fine wine, supercars have a tendency to cost more with age. In that spirit, Chevrolet has announced the 2010 Corvette ZR1 will cost $107,830, a rise of $2,910 over the 2009 model, reports CorvetteBlogger. Once you add in the $1,700 gas guzzler tax, the total climbs to $109,530 for the 3,333lb (1,512kg) 2010 Corvette ZR1.
That's still about half the price of its nearest performance rivals, and only about $20,000 over the 480hp (358kW), 3,800lb (1,727kg) Nissan GT-R.
Thankfully, the ZR1's supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine carries over untouched. With 638 horsepower (476 kW) and 604 lb-ft (819 Nm) of torque, the ZR1 rockets to a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).
Aside from the modest 2.8% price bump, the 2010 ZR1 will also get launch control and the new Performance Traction Management (PTM) system, both worth the expense in their own right. According to GM, the PTM system "optimizes traction for greater and more consistent on-track performance" by modulating engine torque 100 times per second and automatically managing acceleration dynamics when exiting corners at full throttle.
Other updates include standard side air bags, a cashmere interior, several new exterior color choices, and optional competition gray wheels.
The standard Corvette also saw a slight price rise this year, up $365, though it also gets the upgraded launch control and traction management systems.
