ZR-1 1990 to 1995In the mid-80's, General Motors and its Corvette Division approached Group Lotus in Great Britain with the idea of developing the world's fastest production car. From that collaboration came the LT5 engine, an aluminum-block V-8 with the same bore as the standard (L98) 350ci displacement unit, but with 375 horsepower. To accomplish this power boost, the new block featured four overhead camshafts and 32 valves. The LT5s were built by Mercury Marine in Oklahoma and assembled into the ZR-1 vehicle at Bowling Green.
A unique computerized engine control module provided "bi-modal" characteristics. This dual personality was a logical outgrowth of the appeal of the twin-turbo Callaway conversions. The ZR-1 could be used for routine street driving or convert to a race car with speed and handling available on demand. The computer system directed fuel mixtures through an upgraded injection system that allowed for low-, half- and full-throttle modes and kicked the engine up to 350hp. And, a key-operated "valet" switch locked out the upper speed ranges, limiting power to a normal 250 horses to prevent inexperienced hands from taking advantage of the car's outstanding power.
Available only in coupe configuration, the ZR-1 was distinguishable from other Corvette coupes by its wider tail section, its now convex rear fascia and four "square" taillights. Between 1990 and 1995, 6,939 ZR-1s were turned out.
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