The model year 1995 will end the 6-year production run of the “King of the Hill”, ZR1 Corvette SuperCar. Jim Perkins, Chevrolet General Manager, said that, “The reason for the ZR1′s demise was purely financial: that in order to meet 1996 emissions standards, engineering costs would have exceeded the profits of such small production volume, only 6938 ZR1′s were produced.” Whatever the reasons for it’s demise, the ZR1 has left it’s mark. It is the high point in Corvette’s 42-year history. The ZR1 Corvette blends exotic car speed and handling with everyday driveability. Yet the 190+ MPH supercar with it’s combined EPA rating of 2OMPH never had the gas guzzler tax imposed upon it. It is an engineering marvel for it’s time! The ZR1′s greatest accomplishment was setting the FIA record by averaging nearly 176MPH for 24-hours. The only modification was removal of catalytic converters.

To celebrate the end of it’s production, I decided to drive the 1995 Chevy ZR1 Corvette along Route 66, from Kingman, Arizona to Seligman, Arizona. This 75 mile stretch of Route 66 is the longest continuous run of the America’s MOTHER ROAD. When you think of Route 66 your first thoughts are of the Corvette. The popular TV Show of the 1960′s, ‘Route 66′, featured the Corvette as the sportscar driven by the two young male stars. The weekly adventure show told of their adventures along Route 66. Everybody wanted to drive a Corvette and the two lane blacktop Route 66; the first continuous road from Chicago to Los Angeles, (although it became useless when Interstate 40 opened in 1971.) Route 66 was known as the bedroom of America as travelers, truckers, salesmen and adventurers took to the Route and went west to California. The towns and services that grew to service the many travelers along the Route died out for the most part.

I traveled East across the great Mojave desert, 400 miles, to Kingman, Arizona, to begin my trip to Seligman, 75 miles away. The temperature in the Mojave was always above 11OF but the ZR1 never lost it’s cool. I averaged over 100MPH in 6th gear and got 22.7MPG according to the ZR1′s trip computer. The engine breathes easy at 100MPH turning only 2400RPM. Inside, the electronic climate control system kept me at a cool 60F.

One of the most amazing facts about the ZR1 is it’s low sticker price, only $68,703.00. That is at least $100,000.00 less than the competition. The ZR1 is a true Supercar! The ZR1 has a welded-steel uniframe with a corrosion-resistant coating. Body panels are made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic and will never rust. A base-coat/clear-coat paint resists fading and provides a high-gloss shine for long-lasting exterior beauty. The clam-shell front end assembly tilts forward to provide easy engine access. The ZR1′s glass rear hatch has two remote releases and a roller-shade cover. A one-piece removable roof panel gives the alternative of open-air driving. Standard Solar-Ray tinted glass reduces interior heat buildup and helps protect interior materials from damaging UV rays. Retractable power-operated halogen headlights combine aerodynamic styling, high-level of illumination and easy servicing. The look of the 1995 ZR1 Corvette is a combination of fluid lines and aggressive shape.

The heart and soul of the ZR1 is it’s engine and transmission. The 5.7 Liter DOHC V8 engine generates 405HP @5800RPM and 385lb. ft. of torque at 52000RPM, the most powerful normally aspirated V8 production engine in the world! The LT5 engine was designed and developed by GM’s Group Lotus Division in Hethal, England and manufactured under contract by the Mercury Marine Power Division of Brunswick Corporation. Technical highlights of the LT5 engine include: aluminum block and cylinder heads; fast-burn cloverleaf combustion chambers with centrally located platinum tipped spark plugs for enhanced engine efficiency; four valves per cylinder for optimum induction and exhaust breathing, enhancing power and efficiency; high-speed, direct-acting valve train reduces friction, increasing power and efficiency; dual overhead camshafts (4) with direct lobe-to-lifter contact enhance engine efficiency; three-valve, highflow throttle body optimizes the induction of fuel and air, enhancing both power and efficiency; tuned 16-runner inlet manifold provides optimum balance of air and fuel to the cylinders enhancing both power and efficiency; secondary inletport-throttling for optimum high-speed performance and low speed driving; direct fire ignition system with crankshaft sensor and electronic spark control enhances ignition system efficiency and reduces ignition system (tune-up) maintenance requirements; center-oiled, forged-steel crankshaft is strong and durable; thermostatically controlled oil cooler keeps oil temperature at the proper level for optimum performance; Gerotor oil pump is high volume, enhancing engine durability and longevity; single-belt accessory drive with tensioner ensure proper belt alignment and tension, reducing maintenance and enhancing longevity of the belt; remote electric Air Injection Reaction pump is quieter than belt driven air pumps and reduces emissions; and a two-piece catalytic converter and exhaust runner assembly to reduce emissions without restricting performance. The performance figures are superb, 0-60MPH acceleration in 4.2sec. with a terminal velocity of 195MPH.

All this power and torque is transferred to the rear drive wheels via the magnificently designed ZF 6-speed transmission, akin only to the Corvette. The silky smooth 6-speed has a 2.68:1 ratio in first gear providing high torque multiplication for quick initial acceleration. Fourth gear can accelerate from 15MPH to 120MPH, and two overdrive gears (0.75″1 fifth and 0.50:1 sixth) produce quiet, economical highway cruising. The rear axle ratio is 3.45:1. The Computer-Aided Gear Selection System is designed to improve fuel economy during normal driving situations by directing the driver from first gear to fourth gear under light acceleration from a dead stop. Rapid acceleration automatically cancels the one-to-four shift. The ideal weight distribution is 51/49:F/R, giving the ZR1 great handling ability. The four-wheel independent suspension features up front; forged aluminum Short/Long Arm control arms, double wishbones, forged aluminum steering knuckles, a glass-epoxy transverse monoleaf spring, and steel stabilizer bar. The rear features a fivelink design with forged-aluminum control arms, knuckles and struts, a transverse glass-epoxy monoleaf spring, steel tie rods, a steel stabilizer bar and tubular U-joint driveshafts. The ZR1 comes standard with the Bilstein Selective Ride control System. The system gives the driver a choice of three suspension settings- Tour, Sport, and Performance. Large Bilstein shock absorbers with built-in actuators and double-digressive shock valving for additional low-frequency damping and ride quality. The switch is just behind the gear shift lever. The Tour setting is great when driving on rough city streets and just cruising at speed on the freeways, while Sport is great when dicing it up on the freeway or when you want a little more control. Performance is ideal when taking on the most twisting mountain roads that you can find! On the skidpad, the ZR1 is able to ‘hang out’ to 1.0 g lateral acceleration. The standard rack and pinion steering (15.6:1 ratio) enhances handling and responsiveness providing precise control under demanding driving conditions. The beefy, leather-wrapped and tilting steering wheel fits perfectly in your hands and gives great feedback! Handling is further enhanced with the standard Acceleration Slip Regulation (traction control). Created by Bosch and developed in cooperation with Corvette engineers, the system makes Corvette a year-round-performer. The ASR electronic control unit monitors several key inputs, including drive wheel speeds, vehicle reference speed, the speed difference of the non-driven wheels, the front-to-rear wheel speeds on the same side of the car, vehicle acceleration, and throttle position. ASR functionally integrates three subsystems- engine spark retard, throttle close-down and brake intervention. ASR has individual rear brake control, making it possible to utilize the available traction on a split coefficient, one rear wheel on slick pavement, one rear wheel on dry pavement. ASR is automatically engaged when the vehicle is turned on, but can be turned of manually when additional wheel slip is desired, for example when you want to burn rubber on acceleration.

Your stopping power is outstanding thanks to power vacuum, 4-wheel Vented 13-X1.1″ steel disc brakes with Bosch ABS. How about 0-100-0-MPH in 12sec.? True SuperCar numbers! The smooth ride and outstanding handling characteristics of the ZR1 are further enhanced by Goodyear Eagle GS-C Ultra-High Performing Steel Belted Radial Tires, P275/40ZR17″ up front with massive P315/35ZR17″ in the rear. They are wrapped around 17″X9.5″fr. and 17″X11″rr, 5-spoke aluminum wheels. The Chevy ZR1 Corvette is a rolling laboratory of automotive high-technology, yet driving a ZR1 is a very pleasurable experience. The interior cabin is very ergonomic, luxurious and safe. Safety and crash worthiness are exemplified in the ZR1 Corvette with standard features such as driver/passenger air-bags, and a reinforced safety cage with strong structural components Front and rear crush zones are designed to absorb energy in a crash, along with the energy-absorbing steering column and 3-point safety belts.

A cockpit style interior puts the driver in control with an easy-to-see and understand instrument panel. All control buttons, switches and dials are easy reach and all are illuminated for night-time driving. The very comfortable and supportive bucket seats are leather and infinitely variable. You have control of 3-lumbar settings and side bolster control to keep you in line with the steering wheel under strenuous g forces. You will find all available luxury and creature features standard in the ZR1. All controls are powered for your convenience, and there is an easy to use cruise control for long cruises. The very powerful Delco/Bose AM-FM Stereo Radio features both a Cassette Tape Player and CD Player. Six Bose speakers give incredible response and clarity to your music pleasure.

I had a ball cruising down Route 66 from Kingman to Seligman, Arizona. The 75 mile stretch is well maintained with many interesting stops along the way. Just 15 miles outside of Kingman is Old Route 66 Visitor Center and Preservation Foundation. Originally built in 1934 as a filling station for travelers, today it is owned and operated by Robert Waldmire. Robert probably knows more about Route 66 than anyone. Inside there are maps, memorabilia and the history of this most famous of Roads in America. You have to stop and visit with Bob, you’ll enjoy the experience.

Further on there are old buildings to explore and the Hualapai Indian Reservation at Peach Springs to stop and visit. You can shop for beautiful Indian jewelry, art, blankets, etc. You have to stop at the Grand Canyon Caverns just 15 miles ahead. You descend 20-stories in an elevator and explore breathtaking beauty from the earth’s inside!

It was a joy spending 7-days testing this greatest of all Chevy Corvettes. It performed past my expectations, was always comfortable and the trip along the longest, unbroken, stretch of America’s Mother Road from Chicago to Santa Monica was magnificent.