Spycam: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

It is arguably one of the most anticipated vehicles GM has produced in the last 20 years -- an outrageous, fire-breathing Corvette pushing some 650 horsepower. These are the latest and greatest spy shots of Chevrolet's ultimate Vette, which we recently reported will be called ZR1.

The ZR1 will first appear in January 2008 at the Detroit auto show, with the production version set to go on sale later next year as a 2009 model. GM has been developing the car for several years, using a supercharged version of the new 6.2-liter small-block V-8 used in the 2008 Corvette, which reportedly will be called the LS9.

Annual production numbers are expected to be in the 1500-1750 range. When the all-new ZR1 hits production, look for the price tag to bump up into the $100,000 range.

The LS9 is a 6.2-liter, supercharged, small-block V-8. Output figures haven't yet been finalized, so look for it to come in somewhere in the 600-650 horsepower range. The engine will utilize an integrated intake manifold intercooler, and it will reportedly scream from 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds. The engine will be built at GM's Performance Center in Wixom, Michigan. The spy photographer reported that the exhaust note coming from the vehicle was mean -- very, very mean.

Multiple weight-saving measures are reportedly being used for the ZR1 to shed pounds including carbon fiber in the body (A and B pillars and the roof) in addition to what spies believe is a polycarbonate "window" in the hood. The rocker panels, as well as other body panels, may be crafted from carbon fiber as well.

With an expected top speed in the 200 mph range, a more aggressive lip spoiler has been added that runs almost the entire length of the car to increase downforce and keep the massive tires glued to the road. Speaking of rubber, rumors have suggested that GM would be switching from Goodyear to Michelin tires for the vehicle. According to the spies on the scene, the test car pictured is sporting Michelin Pilot Sport ZPs. The rear tires appear to be massive 335/25Z/20s. A peek behind the rubber reveals a huge set of cross-drilled rotors and an equally large set of calipers -- possibly a carbon-ceramic brake setup.

GM also considered such names as Z07 and Super Sport for the ultra-low-volume car. Price will be much higher than the 505-horsepower Z06, and Chevy will continue production of that car when the ZR1 launches.

Chevy first used the ZR1 moniker for a reported eight cars built in the 1971 model year with a 370-horsepower, 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) small-block V-8. The option cost $1010, while a 425-horse 454 was $1221. The '71 ZR1 came with no special bodywork or badging. Chevy revived the name in 1990 for a 32-valve Lotus-designed, Mercury Marine-built 375-horsepower quad-cam V-8. That car had a wider tail to accommodate P315/35ZR17 Goodyears on 11-inch wide wheels and was built through the '95 model year. Badges included a hyphen, as in ZR-1, which doesn't fit GM RPO nomenclature. GM has never confirmed nor denied rumors that "ZR" stands for "Zora's Racer."