1989 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 ‘Snake Skinner’
At their 2009 Scottsdale, Arizona sale, Barrett-Jackson auctioned some GM Hertitage Collection cars, most under scrap titles. Among them was this factory lightwight ZR1 that was tested for possible production. It sold for $176,000.00 USD.
John Heinricy said the car was lightened with “things like magesium roof frames, carbon fiber hood, […] carbon brakes, magnesium wheels, lighweighting from one end to the other. Futhermore it have an LT5 Mercury Marine black engine and Lexan windows.
The auction description was as follows:“One of 83 production 1989 ZR-1s built in Bowling Green. This experimental light weight was aimed directly at maintaining Corvette’s performance supremacy. With a 475hp LT5 V8 and less weight, this vehicle is GM Performance legend. Sold on a Scrap Title.
One of 83 production 1989 ZR-1s built in Bowling Green. Led by Corvette Executive John Heinricy, this experimental light weight was aimed directly at maintaining Corvette’s performance supremacy. With a 475hp LT5 V8 and less weight, this vehicle became a legend at GM Performance. Includes Mercury Marine special built black motor.”
In Detail
| type | Concept / Prototype Car |
| built at | Warren, Michigan, USA |
| engineers | John Heinricy |
| production | 1 |
| engine | LT5 MerCruiser Marine Black V8 w/Walker Dyno Max Mufflers |
| position | Front-Mid, Longitudinal |
| block material | Aluminum |
| valvetrain | Chain Driven DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Port Injection |
| displacement | 5727 cc / 349.48 in³ |
| bore | 99 mm / 3.9 in |
| stroke | 93 mm / 3.7 in |
| compression | 11.0:1 |
| power | 316.9 kw / 425 bhp @ 6800 rpm |
| specific output | 74.21 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 312.04 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 542.3 nm / 400 ft lbs @ 5200 rpm |
| redline | 7500 |
| body / frame | Composite Body over Steel Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD w/LSD |
| wheel type | Dymag Cast Magnesium |
| front tires | Shaved Goodyear 275/40ZR17 |
| rear tires | Shaved Goodyear 315/35ZR17 |
| front brakes | HS Composite Brakes |
| rear brakes | HS Composite Brakes |
| front wheels | F 43.2 x 24.1 cm / 17 x 9.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 43.2 x 27.9 cm / 17 x 11 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist |
| f suspension | A-Arms w/Composite Transverse Leaf Spring, Adj Shocks, Anti-Roll Bar |
| curb weight | 1362 kg / 3000 lbs |
| weight distro | 53 % / 47 % |
| wheelbase | 2443.5 mm / 96.2 in |
| transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 2.68:1, 1.80:1, 1.31:1, 1.00:1, 0.75:1, 0.50:1 |
| final drive | 3.90:1 |
| top speed | ~305.71 kph / 190 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~3.80 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~8.00 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~12.04 seconds |
| fuel capacity | 83.27 litres or 22 gal. |
