Corvette ZR1: a large slice of Americana supercar-style on the GM stand at the London motor show 2008

Corvette at the London motor show 2008

By Guy Bird and CAR reader reporter asp

Motor Shows

24 July 2008 09:57

Surrounded by a sea of silver Cadillacs, the trio of colourful Corvettes offered a beacon of sports car relief on GM's rambling stand that stretched from brash Hummers in one corner to a procession of Insignias in every colour imaginable on the other side.

What’s new on Corvette’s London motor show stand?

The bright red ZR1 – the fastest ever Corvette – made its UK debut in a brilliant red paint job flanked by the Z06 and C6 on either side, both in yellow. The ZR1’s whopping 638bhp supercharged 6.2-litre V8 offers 0-62mph in a gut-wrenching 3.4 seconds, a 205mph top speed and goes on sale in October 2008. Allocation for these shores will be 'very limited' – in the tens rather than hundreds – and each two-seater should cost about £100,000 with a new very high spec ‘one trim only’ policy, including head-up display, sat-nav, leather and a top-end Bose stereo.

CAR’s Corvette highlight

The ZR1’s massive blue Brembo brakes on the 20-inch wheels. At 380mm in diameter, the vented and cross-drilled carbon-ceramic rotors are among the largest of any production vehicle. The glimpse of the supercharged engine peaking out from the clear polycarbonate bonnet cover piece is a nicely lairy touch too.

What were they thinking?

Don’t mention the emissions or economy; Corvette hasn’t yet. But we get the feeling it won’t qualify for any tax breaks.

In a nutshell

An excellent-value supercar – if politically out of step with its times.

Click here to go to CAR's London motor show A-Z homepage

To read CAR's reader reporter's verdict on the Corvette stand, click 'Next'