Yahoo Autos This Corvette ZR1 Prototype Really Sounds Like It Has an Automatic
Yesterday we brought you pictures of the highly-anticipated Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 testing at the Nurburgring. Like clockwork, video footage of the new ZR1 has surfaced on YouTube, giving us an even greater preview of this upcoming, monster Corvette. Unfortunately, these ZR1 prototypes aren't going too quickly on the track because, well, it's snowing.
Yes, it's snowing at the Nurburgring in April. We bet this complicated Chevy's testing regime a bit.
Even when the weather clears up, the test drivers don't push the cars too hard. But don't fret, there's still a lot to be learned from this clip.
Most notably, at least one of the ZR1s testing sounds like it has an automatic transmission, just like the current-generation Z06. The ZR1's engine also sounds like the pushrod LT1 and LT4 units found in other Corvette models. The ZR1 is rumored to get a new, dual-overhead cam V8, dubbed LT5, but it's almost impossible to tell if this car has that engine.
It does sound like Chevy has designed this engine to produce exhaust pops and crackles off throttle, something that's increasingly common in modern performance cars. You can hear a faint hint of supercharger whine in the clip at the very bottom too.
We hear that the ZR1 will be unveiled at either an event at the National Corvette Museum or an IMSA race later this year. Until then, expect us to pore over every spy photo and video we can get.
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