Harlan Charles Shows Off Corvette ZR1's Carbon Fiber Bits

[El Calor]

2009 Corvette ZR1: Harlan Charles Shows Off Corvette ZR1's Carbon Fiber Bits

Man, myth and long curly-haired legend -- Harlan Charles is the man behind the team that brought you the newly revealed 620+ HP 2009 Corvette ZR1. We've had the opportunity to spend time with Harlan "Corvette Commander" Charles in the past, and he's always got something new to say about the 'Vette -- whether it's wearing a devilish blue stripe, or something more mundane. Without further -- you know, stuff -- here's Charles giving us a quick minute on the new shiny parts on the new super-Vette. At the Detroit Auto Show next month we'll sit down with the product manager for something more in-depth. He doesn't know that yet, but trust us, we will.

[proexpert]

It's clear now. He's a kid, and the ZR1 is a reflection of that. Spoilers, air dams, ground affects, exposed carbon fiber, exposed intercoolers, ceramic brakes, these are all things my 22 year old has or wants for his ricer rides. I'm not saying any of this is bad, but I do understand it better now seeing the age of the person responsible for it.

[QSATL]

Originally Posted by proexpert

It's clear now. He's a kid, and the ZR1 is a reflection of that. Spoilers, air dams, ground affects, exposed carbon fiber, exposed intercoolers, ceramic brakes, these are all things my 22 year old has or wants for his ricer rides. I'm not saying any of this is bad, but I do understand it better now seeing the age of the person responsible for it.

I think you are spot on, the ricer generation of kids love to display carbon fiber and add ons. But they also love the hi-tech stuff, which is a good thing.
It would have been nice to see the intercoolers and not just the slick painted lid cover that sites on top of it. Over all I think Mr. Charles and staff done good. IMHO

[Red Kelly]

Too bad he didn't fire that bad boy up so we could hear some more sound clips. I would throw on a set of long tube heads w/o cats with some Bullets or Stingers for a more agressive sound.

[No Doubt]

Too bad he didn't fire that bad boy up so we could hear some more sound clips.

Ask and ye shall receive...

YouTube - 0-60 Magazine Corvette 2009 ZR1 Sneak Peek

[spdrcrj]

Originally Posted by proexpert

It's clear now. He's a kid, and the ZR1 is a reflection of that. Spoilers, air dams, ground affects, exposed carbon fiber, exposed intercoolers, ceramic brakes, these are all things my 22 year old has or wants for his ricer rides. I'm not saying any of this is bad, but I do understand it better now seeing the age of the person responsible for it.

Spoilers, air dams, exposed carbon fiber, ceramic brakes....all things that can be found on Porsches, Ferrari's, and Lambos. Can't say I'd call them ricer. I think the ZR1 is just closing in on Exotic car status. IMO, the only thing keeping it from just that is it still looks like a base model until you get up close.

[No Doubt]

The cars you mentioned do have those things, but it's the execution in design or function that differs.

The engine bay window on some Ferrari's is much better executed than the one on the ZR1, for example.

One can put anything on a car, but to have it fuctional AND look good at the same time, is art.

[froggy47]

Does the ZR1 have the dual mode mufflers (Flapper)?

[No Doubt]

Yes it does, as seen in the video above.

[The Highlander]

how much will those brakes are going to cost?

[No Doubt]

how much will those brakes are going to cost?

Unknown at this time. However, In 2003 the Ferrari Enzo brakes were $6,000 for pads and $24,000 for rotors. Since the ZR1 supposedly uses the same rear brakes as the Enzo used on the front, with the fronts being even larger, they won't be cheap.

The rotors, and I quote "are designed to last the life of the car under normal use." Of course "normal use" was undefined, but you can bet tracking the car or racing won't be considered "normal use."

Given these factors, I wouldn't be surprised if the rotors cost as much as $2,000 each to replace. Not a bad deal considering that's a third of what they were on the Enzo. The pads are anyones guess.

Furthermore, when you consider they're only going to build 2,000 cars per year, the economy of scale is not in ones favor which will also drive the price of unique parts up.

[spdrcrj]

Originally Posted by No Doubt

The cars you mentioned do have those things, but it's the execution in design or function that differs.

The engine bay window on some Ferrari's is much better executed than the one on the ZR1, for example.

One can put anything on a car, but to have it fuctional AND look good at the same time, is art.

Agreed. The hood window is....interesting, the front spliter looks good, and the rear spoiler would be nicer if it were a simple duck tail like the rear of the specter works.