At a time when all-wheel drive, lower displacement, mid-engine layouts, and dual-clutch automatic transmissions are the norm of the supercar world, the 2019 Corvette ZR1’s front-mounted V8, manual gearbox, and rear drive platform stands in opposition. Is this the very best of a dying breed, or a lingering odor of antiquated technology?
The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a front-engined, V8-powered, rear wheel-drive, manual-equipped sports car. At a time when all-wheel drive, lower displacement, mid-engine layouts, and dual-clutch automatic transmissions are the norm of the supercar world, why on earth would we – a tech site – pay any mind to such a seemingly unsophisticated vehicle?
The answer is context. Before performance cars become uniform in their genetic makeup; before every comparison is based on figures rather than philosophy, we want to experience the very best of a dying breed. The all-new ZR1 collates the most refined principles from the classic go-faster school of thought — racing-derived aerodynamics, ultra sticky tires, massive brakes, and insane power — to give us a perfect summary of the past century.
Equipped with the optional ZTK track package and 3ZR trim, our Corvette ZR1 tester tips the scales at $140K. That sounds like a lot of coin for a Chevy, but compared to the Porsche 911 GT2 RS ($294,250), Audi R8 V10 Plus ($194,400), and Ford GT ($478,750), the ZR1 represents one heck of a bargain – and perhaps a compelling argument for the old school.
The Corvette ZR1 is not a pretty car; one doesn’t become lost in its curves or delicate accents. Rather, the ZR1 frightens onlookers into reverence. Gaping air dams, bulging ducts, and protruding aerodynamics make no attempt to mask the supercar’s extraordinary power. And, when dipped in a subtle hue like our tester’s magnetic gray, the ZR1 transforms into a sort of dark alley nightmare.
But this terror isn’t one we wish to escape. We’re called to the danger, even finding beauty in the ZR1’s brutal form. Hollowed star wheels in a black satin finish are as elegant as they are severe; brilliant blue brake calipers flicker within their dark housings and complement ZR1 badges on the hood and rear bumper; piercing LED light signatures declare intelligence within a muscle-bound bod.
Then there’s that spoiler. An element of the ZTK track package (which also features winglets for the front splitter and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires), the ZR1’s massive rear wing is not for everyone. Perhaps it’s the fart-can Honda Civics and Fast and the Furious films that have warped society’s perspective, but big spoilers are never taken seriously. Despite the (justifiable) hate, however, the ZR1’s adjustable wing just… works. Perhaps we’d feel differently about a bright orange model, but our tester channels a certain Batmobile cool.
Inside, we find the same unapologetic detailing as the exterior – to a less favorable impression. Save for some carbon fiber trim, Alcantara layering, ZR1 badging, and contrast stitching, little separates the ZR1 from a standard, $70,000 Corvette interior. Compared to the R8,911 GT2 RS, and GT, the ultimate ‘Vette is clearly built to a budget, with merely acceptable materials and finishes. As evidence of this cost-conscious packaging, the ZR1 (a track-honed animal) doesn’t come standard with well-bolstered sport seats. Instead, Chevy charges an additional $1,995 for its competition buckets.
