Corvette ZR1

Chevrolet has announced the 2009 Corvette ZR1, the most powerful and fastest automobile ever produced by General Motors. Among the features are the 620-hp turbocharged unit and the extensive use of carbon-fiber components.

The 2009 ZR1 is powered by an all-new LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 that delivers 620 hp (462 kW), and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque (823 Nm).

The unit is coupled with a six-speed, close-ratio, racing-like manual transmission equipped with dual-disc clutch.

The twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels are combined with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires – P285/30ZR19 in front and P335/25ZR20 in the rear – developed specifically for the ZR1.

Among the technical highlights are the Magnetic Selective Ride Control system and carbon-ceramic, drilled disc brake rotors.

The 2009 LS9 6.2L V-8 SC (LS9) unit

Carbon-fiber exterior components include wider, front fenders with specific dual vents, hood, roof panel, roof bow, front fascia splitter and rocker moldings.

The hood has a raised, polycarbonate window that offers a view of the intercooler below it.

Further details will be released closer to vehicle's summer 2008 launch.

From the official Press Release:

Exterior Design

The ZR1 is instantly recognizable, with perhaps the most identifiable feature a raised, all-carbon-fiber hood that incorporates a clear, polycarbonate window.

The window provides a view of the top of the engine's intercooler, with the legend "LS9 SUPERCHARGED" embossed on the left and right sides, and an engine cover with the Corvette crossed flags logo debossed at the front.

The underside of the hood has an exposed carbon-fiber-weave. Exposed carbon-fiber is used on the roof, roof bow, rocker molding and front splitter.

These exterior components are protected by a specially developed glossy, UV-resistant clear coat that resists yellowing and wear.

Widened, carbon-fiber front fenders with specific, dual lower vents, and a full-width, body-color rear spoiler incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp, are also unique to the ZR1.

All of the exterior features of the car were developed to enhance high-speed stability and driver control.

"There is nothing subtle about the ZR1," said Kirk Bennion, exterior design manager. "It is a car that isn't shy about its capability."

"The ZR1 has a performance-driven design. There is an aesthetic element to all of the unique features, but they were developed first and foremost to support the car's performance capability."

Bennion cites the front splitter and rear spoiler as prime examples.

"Because of its top-speed and handling capabilities, the ZR1 requires more downforce than the Z06, and the splitter and rear spoiler were carefully shaped and wind-tunnel tested to meet that requirement," he said.

"The front fenders were widened to cover the wider wheels and their new, twin-outlet vents provide a path for hot air to escape."

The ZR1 shares the front fascia with the Z06, but the brake-cooling ducts are revised to channel more air to the brakes. Even the front suspension's A-arms were aerodynamically optimized – they feature air deflectors that direct air to the carbon-ceramic brake rotors.

The ZR1 is available in seven exterior colors, including: Black, Velocity Yellow Tintcoat, Victory Red, Atomic Orange Metallic, Jetstream Blue Metallic Tintcoat and two new colors – Blade Silver Metallic and Cyber Gray Metallic.

Interior design

The ZR1's interior builds on the brand's dual-cockpit heritage, with high-quality materials, craftsmanship and functionality that support the premium-quality experience promised by the car's performance.

The ZR1's cabin differs from the Corvette and Corvette Z06 with specific logo sill plates, logo headrest embroidery, gauge cluster with "ZR1" logo on the tachometer, a 220-mph (370 km/h) readout on the speedometer and an additional Boost gauge added to the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display.

About the 1990 Corvette ZR-1

The original 1990 Corvette ZR-1 debuted at the 1989 Geneva Auto Show. It was powered by a 375-horespower (280 kW) LT5 all-aluminum V-8 engine developed by GM in partnership with Lotus Engineering.

The complete performance package included wider rear bodywork to accommodate humongous rear tires and a unique, convex rear fascia with rectangular taillamps that made the car recognizable at a glance.

The distinctive exterior elements contributed to the car's mythical status among enthusiasts. Total production of the 1990-95 ZR-1 was 6,939 units.

from http://www.carbodydesign.com

Lotus Eigne Concept

The Lotus Eigne is an electric sportscar concept targeted to young families which combines the typical sportiness of Lotus models with a high level of practicality. The author is David Fearnley, who graduated from Northumbria University.

The Lotus Eigne is a concept aimed to offer a more practical sports-car for the Lotus line-up.

Designed by David Fearnley with a young family in mind, the Eigne intends to offer a level of practicality while maintaining the Lotus experience.

The generously-scaled central space of the cockpit can accommodate two adults and a child, behind the driver thanks to a 1+3 seating arrangement, made possible thanks to the in-wheel electric motors which eliminate any obstacles on the floor pan.

The in-wheel motors offer rear biased four-wheel drive for more control while maintaining the rear-wheel drive feel.

The batteries which power the electric motors are sandwiched in the floor pan to keep them cool and lower center of gravity for better handling.

Design

As David Fearnley explains "The surfaces have been created to cover the package of the vehicle and to improve aerodynamics.

"This can be noted on the front end where the traditional bonnet has been eliminated and replaced by a large front wing that is formed into the bodywork."

This channels air through and over the windshield while creating extra down-force to improve front end handling.

The airflow glides over the roof and down the rear of the vehicle where it is pushed through a subtle spoiler integrated into the lip at the rear, intended to create sufficient down-force when coupled with the lower diffuser to replace the existing lip spoiler seen on current Lotus models today.

The surfacing under the belt line features a large intake which swoops under the car allowing ample cooling to flow to the rear in-wheel motors and helps suggest that the source of power is present from the rear – this detail is further accentuated by the rear wheel size being larger than the front.

"The convex and concave detailing which runs into the vent maintains the voluptuous Lotus styling and helps to disguise the fact the vehicle is a little wider through the center."

Interior

The 3+1 seat layout is possible thanks to the electric four-wheel drive system which eliminates any obstacles on the floor pan.

The cockpit can accommodate the driver, two adult passengers and a baby-seat - positioned directly behind the driver.

The dashboard has been conceived with a sporting, modern look, with clean-cut details matching the style of the exterior.

The lightweight carbon-fiber and alcantara seats promote the sports theme further.

Some subtle elements hint at the electric powertrain of the car: these include the battery shaped logo and the circuit board pattern embossed on the floor.

Access

The access to the car was of prime importance. The side section of the chassis was lowered slightly to allow for an easier "step" into the vehicle.

As there is a center seat, access to it would be tricky with conventional doors, to overcome this, the doors incorporate a section of the roof in order to allow a larger access point to step in to.

The hatch at the back was designed to allow the full width of the boot to be easily accessed, great for the shopping, pram, golf clubs, etc. 

About the designer

David Fearnley has graduated from the Transportation Design Course at Northumbria University with a 1st class BA(Hons) degree on 17th July 2008.

Among his professional experiences is a collaboration with JCB Excavators which led to two placements within the Industrial Design Department.

He is currently seeking internship and employment opportunities.