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1989 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 ‘Snake Skinner’

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.