Cor-vette

In the world of Corvette, the ZR1 is the ultimate and the American firm has just announced it plans to build an all-new ZR1 with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine. Based on the current Z06's lightweight body and frame, the ZR1 will also have a see-through bonnet section so everyone can admire the engine.

Other body changes compared to the Z06 include a front splitter similar to the one used on Corvette's Le Mans race cars, a carbon fibre roof section and huge vents to duct hot air away from the front brakes. There are also aerodynamic side skirts and a larger rear wing for high speed stability.

The real star of the ZR1, though, is the new 6.2-litre V8 engine that uses a supercharger to help it produce 650bhp. Even though it has a smaller capacity than the Z06's 7.0-litre engine, the ZR1 is more powerful and is also claimed to be greener and less thirsty.

Chevrolet has not confirmed performance figures, but the ZR1 features a 220mph speedo and 0-60mph is rumoured to be around 3.4 seconds. The price in the USA should be around $100,000 and if the ZR1 is sold in the UK it should cost £80,000, making it something of a supercar bargain.

Alisdair Suttie