In Europe, the Chevrolet badge is these days affixed to Korean-built budget cars, but in the US it’s still good old Chevy, and its flagship – just as it has been since the ’50s – is the Corvette. Now in its sixth generation, the Vette isn’t the most sophisticated of beasts, but in ZR1 form it boasts genuine supercar performance.
Back in 2009, the peak power figure of 638bhp was pretty eye-widening, but it was the ZR1’s torque that dried the mouth – 603lb ft, and all of it available at 3800rpm. Fortunately, the wheels hid huge carbon-ceramic discs, while weight was kept down to 1528kg by using carbonfibre for the roof, bonnet, splitter and front bumper. On paper, it all looked so promising, and at only a smidge over £100K, arguably the performance bargain of a generation.
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Specifications
Years made 2009- Engine V8, 6162c, superchargedMax power 638bhp @ 6500rpm Torque 603lb ft @ 3800rpm0-60mph 3.5sec Max speed 205mph Price £106,605 new, c£75-90,000 used
