What is the corvette zr1 made out of

The material, basically the same used in the current sixth-generation C6 Corvette, was composed of about 40 percent resin — polyester, vinyl ester, styrene or a blend of all three — 33 percent calcium-carbonate filler, 20 percent chopped fiberglass, The remaining 7 percent is resin and hardeners that improve the out-of-mold surface finish. The floor sections used a sandwich of materials including featherweight balsa wood — a renewable material — to minimize mass.

That continues with the C6 cars. Compared to the Gen II small-block it replaced, it delivered a lightweight aluminum cylinder block, aluminum heads and a composite intake manifold that weighed less than 10 pounds.

The Gen II engine used a heavier iron cylinder block and aluminum intake manifold. A lighter engine improved the front-to-rear weight balance. The C5 also introduced titanium and carbon fiber to the Corvette.

A lightweight carbon fiber hood was used on a special-edition Z06 model and it was nearly 11 pounds lighter than the already lightweight standard SMC hood. The introduction of the C6 Z06 in brought an aluminum-based chassis structure and a greater percentage of carbon fiber body panels, representing the most significant advanced materials initiative in Corvette history.

Magnesium is used for the roof structure, engine cradle and some of the other suspension attachment points for greater mass reduction. On the outside, the Z06 uses carbon fiber panels for the front fenders, front wheel houses and rear fenders. The Corvette ZR1 uses the same aluminum chassis structure as the Z06 and incorporates even more carbon fiber body parts, including the roof panel, rocker panels and more. The new Convertible model also uses lightweight carbon fiber in the hood, fenders and floor panels.

These space-age composite components deliver a significant weight savings over conventional iron brake rotors, while offering exceptional wear resistance. US Markets Loading H M S In the news. Matthew DeBord. The first challenge: getting my suitcase into the quite small truck — over the carbon-fiber wing. The trick? Load from the side! I got my really good look at the ZR1 under ideal conditions: as the sun rose in the east over Michigan.

The design will be familiar to anyone who's seen the ZR1's stablemate, the Z But this Vette is more ferocious in every way. The angles are more angular; the muscles are more muscular. We've tested the entire Corvette lineup, from the Stingray hardtop with a seven-speed manual The ZR1 adds another horsepower, making it the most powerful vehicle we've tested for more than a few hours.

The exterior is simply vicious. Front aero shapes the air around the intake scoops in the ZR1 maw. Out back, the rear wing provides the immense downforce needed to ensure the Vette's tires remain stuck to the pavement when the hammer drops and the horsepower flows.

The rear wing defines the backside of this Vette It steals some thunder from the quartet of trumpets that shape the ZR1's monumental exhaust note — sort of like a demonic version of the Count Basie brass section. You have to look closely to find the ZR1 badging Even the Corvette badge fades into the frightening dynamic of the ZR1's exterior. I must report that the massive carbon-fiber hood scoop — which is really part of the engine, not the hood — and the rear wing reduce visibility.

But we're not dealing with a car that's holding anything back. You have to accept the ZR1 for what it is. The fastback hatch sweeps boldly from the carbon-fiber targa roof. As it is with the Z06, the targa top on the ZR1 is easy to remove. Two people are best, but I handled it with no difficulty. Just throw a latch The stow is in a specially designed mount in the trunk, complete with a fabric cover. Nice and snug!

We can debate whether the ZR1 looks better with the top removed. I'm not sure. But open-air motoring in the Michigan suburbs was definitely pleasant on a warm day. The ventilated discs and chunky calibers provided ample stopping power. Let's raise the hood — what there is of it — and check out that stonking V8. Given that the V8 is cowled by a massive carbon-fiber cover for the supercharger, you'll just have to take my word that the 6.

The hood, of course, has a great big hole in it. And one would have to admit it looks crazy cool. The ZR1 channels all that power through a smooth-shifting seven-speed manual or optional eight-speed automatic.

Carbon fiber can be overplayed and tacky, but in the ZR1 it's a perfect fit. Every Corvette ZR1 has a rear wing. With the Cup 2 tires and performance suspension comes a massive, stanchion-mounted adjustable carbon fiber wing that is perfect for eating lunch on, taking a nap on, or applying a whole lot of downforce at speed.

It's also quite noticeable. Want to actually open the hatch? Be careful as there's no clearance for fingers between the wing and rear portion of the decklid. Load luggage from the side of the car, please. Some of the earliest spy shots of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 showed us this design nugget, and the production car delivered: The wheels are very Ferrari-esque. Some might see some F40 in the wheels, or even F50, but there's no denying the C7 ZR1's wheels look like something that could have come from Maranello.

Whether cruising in seventh gear down the freeway, blasting down a front straight at Atlanta Motor Speedway at mph, or weaving through a chicane at 80 mph, the ZR1 is far more stable than expected. Its grip and steering inspire confidence, and the driver's talent is likely to fall short long before this all-American supercar reaches its limits.

It's hard to convey in words just how fast the C7 Corvette ZR1 is. The performance numbers speak for themselves, but it's that feeling at mph when the supercharged 6. The power seems to build forever and come from a never-ending well. For a car built in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with a Chevy badge that's quite a feat, and makes it a stellar value.

Sign up to get the latest performance and luxury automotive news, delivered to your inbox daily! I agree to receive emails from Motor Authority. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy. Contribute: Send us a tip Contact the editor. People who read this, also read: Aston Martin Valkyrie hits the track for first time Pininfarina gives glimpse at 1,horsepower Battista's development, including Nardo testing Ferrari invites the public to its Maranello headquarters for first time Here's the new C8 mid-engine Chevy Corvette's steering wheel and exhaust note.