First Corvette ZR1 for Middle East hits Bahrain roads

The first ZR1 in Bahrain will pave the way for other V VIPs in the Middle East to join the exclusive club of ZR1 owners.

The mightiest Corvette ever created will break Middle East grounds, hammering down and out performing competitors like Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. Despite the intimidating performance figures, the Corvette ZR1 is as much about power as it is about handling and exceptional drivability.

Fadi Ghosn, Chief Marketing Officer at General Motors Middle East, said:

"This year, a limited number of vehicles will be available in the region and we are extremely delighted that the Bahraini Royal Family was the first on our exclusive list. Those few fortunate customers will experience the scintillating performance and revolutionary technology and engineering of the new 2009 Corvette ZR1. This vehicle is a unique multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the legendary Corvette reputation."

The ZR1 boasts a brand-new LS9 V8 engine, rated at 638 hp (net) @ 6,500 rpm and approximately 819 Nm (net) of torque @ 3,800 rpm propelling it from 0 to 100km in a breath-taking 3.4 seconds. This is alongside a 6-speed, close-ration, race-hardened manual transmission and new, high-capacity, dual-disc clutch. True to its race-bred heritage, the ZR1 builds on the highly respected Corvette Z06's blistering performance in every category featuring this specific suspension tuning that provides more than 1G cornering grip from the 20-spoke, 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels.

The 6.2L Supercharged V8 LS9 engine is hand-assembled at GM's Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Michigan, and incorporates specialty processes typically seen in racing engines to produce a highly refined and precise product. The power of the engine as a ratio to the weight is exceptional - better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640.

The ZR1 will instantly be recognized on the streets of Bahrain, with its most identifiable feature being a raised, all-carbon-fibre bonnet that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window. The window provides a view of the top of the engine's intercooler, with the legend "LS9 Supercharged" embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.

The ZR1's interior builds on the brand's dual-cockpit heritage, with high-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality that support the promise of the car's performance. The ZR1's cabin differs from the Corvette and Corvette Z06, with ZR1 logos adorning the sill plates and headrest embroidery, as well as on the tachometer within the specific gauge cluster. In this area, there is also 370 km/h readout on the speedometer, while a boost gauge has been added to the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display (HUD).