A lot of modern Corvettes had to raise the nameplate’s bar to pave the way for the 2025 ZR1 to throw the Crossed Flags into the hypercar conversation with 1,064 raging horsepower. The list of ‘Vettes responsible for getting us here has to start in 1990 with the introduction of the ZR-1, the tide that lifted all boats out of the malaise era. The world-class 2006 Z06 and the Stingray spark that ignited the mid-engine revolution in 2020 also deserve their stepping-stone plaques. Still, if you ask this Corvette Blogger, it’s the C6 ZR1 that most significantly upped the ante for America’s Sports Car, legitimately putting it not only in the same conversation as the Lamborghinis and Ferraris or the world but out in front of them!
Each of the 4,695 ZR1s produced between model years 2009 and 2013 is special in its own right, but the absolute cream of this outstanding crop is the 375 (184 in 2012 and 191 in ’13, representing just under 8% of total production) that left Bowling Green with the “Ultimate Performance Package” on its build sheet under RPO PDE. Like the Z06’s more well-known Z07 track pack, PDE was the best way to sharpen an already potent machine from the factory. It debuted alongside Z07 in 2012 as the final stop in the C6’s evolution. The package’s upgrades are highlighted by a new set of black “Cup” wheels that cut 12 pounds compared to the traditional 20-spoke ZR1 units and the grippiest Michelin semi-slick rubber of the era, the Pilot Sport Cup. A slightly upgraded black full-length spoiler also acts as a calling card for these tips of the spear. All told, PDE was able to shave six full seconds off of the 2009 car’s Nürburgring time to reclaim the production car record (little did we know that it would also be the last time the Corvette team would release a time to the public!).
With so few in existence, PDE-equipped ZR1s don’t hit the open market very often. When they do – especially around Valentine’s – I’m instantly smitten every time. This week, the most recent PDE listing locked me in a glass case of emotions. On Tuesday morning, I was perusing the Forum classifieds, hoping to find my other muse, the ever-elusive Inferno Orange Z06 Carbon, when I stumbled upon member Jsilvester81’s unicorn.
It was a stunning final year Crystal Red PDE, just like the one that put two preemptive nails in the reborn Dodge Viper’s coffin (in the pages of Car and Driver and Motor Trend!), and, best of all, it only had 7k miles on the clock! On the way home, I collected a few lottery tickets, placed a few wagers on the Super Bowl – just in case – and called my dad to convince him to scrap his plan for a 3500 Denali Ultimate in favor of something much better! Unfortunately, by the time he clicked on the link I sent him barely 12 hours after the listing went live, Mr. Silvester81 posted a dream-crushing follow-up message that the car was no longer available.
To my great relief, it wasn’t another eagle-eyed shopper who snatched it up. It was one of the Lone Star State’s most speed-obsessed dealerships: Texas Hot Rides. It turns out they aren’t just quick at acquisition, but they’re also straight lightning in the photo turnaround process! A full spread of the new sexiest thing on the used car market was already live by Thursday, along with a very reasonable price of $99,991, making it a near 50% proposition for anyone who didn’t get their number called on C8 ZR1 Allocation Day (or anyone who did score on the first round of LT7 ZR1s!). You better move fast, though; your author will probably be a multi-millionaire after Saturday’s PowerBall drawing and/or Sunday’s Big Game!
Source:
Texas Hot Rides
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Happy National ZR1 Allocation Day!
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