2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Introduced in 2004 as a 2005 model year, the C6 Corvette remained in production through the 2013 model year. It was notable as the first Corvette since 1967 to have uncovered headlights. The base engine was the LS2 6.0 liter overhead-valve V-8 rated at 400 horsepower. Although the car was more compact, being an inch narrower and 5.1 inches shorter than its predecessor, the wheelbase was actually 1.2 inches longer.

Higher performance came in late 2006 with the 7.0-liter, 505-horsepower LS7engine in the Z06 version, with modified body and chassis, as well as a lower curb weight. With a 3.6 second 0-60 time, it was one seriously quick Corvette, and was chosen to pace both the 2006 Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500 races.

Determining that 500 horsepower wasn’t enough for the Corvette, during 2006 and 2007, GM was busy working on version even more potent than the Z06. Known internally as the “Blue Devil,” the ZR1’s official introduction came on December 19, 2007, and reviews first appeared in 2008. The supercharged and intercooled LS9 V-8 displaced 6.2 liters and generated 638 horsepower, making it the most powerful Corvette GM had ever released. It would gallop from 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds and make the quarter mile run in 11.4 seconds at 128.8 mph. Clocked at 192 miles-per-hour on the Autobahn, Chevrolet claimed a top speed of 205 mph. Visual cues that this was one special Corvette included a clear bulge to make room for the supercharger, larger wheels and tires, blue brake calipers to squeeze the ceramic brake discs and plenty of clear-coated carbon-fiber.

This 2013 example is from the final year for both the C6 and that model’s ZR1. Built in moderately few numbers, these ZR1s are sure to be true collector cars if they aren’t already.