Rob Loszewski
In the past, Chevrolet has usually always offered the very first production model of any special vehicle, up for auction in order to benefit a non-profit, and it will be no different for the very first 2019 Corvette ZR1.
Below is a press release just issued by Chevrolet with the announcement:
First Corvette ZR1 Will Be Auctioned at Barrett-Jackson to Benefit Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation
2017-11-30
DETROIT — GM and Chevrolet will offer the fastest, most powerful production Corvette ever built for auction to benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the work it does to support wounded veterans through the Building for America’s Bravest program.
On Jan. 20, 2018, the first retail production 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will hit the auction block at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“GM and Chevrolet are proud to honor and support the brave men and women of our armed forces,” said Steve Hill, GM vice president of U.S. Sales and Service. “With the proceeds from the auction of the Corvette ZR1, we will be able to offer additional support to some of our most severely wounded veterans through the Building for America’s Bravest effort.”
With more than 6,000 veterans employed at GM and more than 50,000 GM retirees who are veterans, GM and Chevrolet are committed to helping those who have given so much for their country.
The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation is named for a New York City firefighter and first responder who died during the attacks of Sept. 11. The foundation builds mortgage-free smart homes for the most catastrophically injured service members through its Building for America’s Bravest program. These smart homes feature automated doors and lighting; wider halls and doorways; special showers to accommodate wheelchairs; automatic door openers; cabinets, counters and stove tops that can be raised and lowered; backup generators; and central heating and air conditioning systems that can be controlled by tablets. Each home is built with the goal of enabling the most severely injured heroes to live better, more independent lives.
For details about the Barrett-Jackson auction and how to bid on the Corvette ZR1, please visit
2019 Corvette ZR1
The Corvette ZR1’s exclusive LT5 supercharged engine, which is rated at an SAE-certified 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque, is establishing a new benchmark in performance. The ZR1 elevates Corvette’s track capability with two wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics packages, including an available High Wing that provides an estimated 950 pounds of downforce.
Seven-speed manual and eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmissions are available with the LT5. It’s the first time an automatic transmission has been offered in a ZR1.
An all-new front fascia is designed to channel air for propulsion-system and drivetrain cooling, with four new radiators bringing the heat-exchanger total to 13. A special carbon-fiber “halo” hood is open in the middle to clear the LT5 engine’s supercharger/intercooler assembly. Additional features including aero packages with stanchion-mounted wings help push the ZR1 harder onto the track for more confident handling and faster lap times. The ZR1 can reach a top speed above 210 mph.
The ZR1 will offer two aero packages: a standard rear Low Wing, which delivers the highest top speed, and an available two-way-adjustable High Wing that offers maximum downforce on the track for the quickest lap times — about 60 percent more downforce than the Z06 with the available Z07 Performance Package. All models also feature a Chevrolet-first downforce-enhancing front underwing.
The adjustable High Wing is part of the new ZTK Performance Package, which also includes a front splitter with carbon-fiber end caps, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 summer-only tires and specific chassis and Magnetic Ride Control tuning for greater cornering grip. Both of the ZR1’s wings are tied into the chassis, like the Corvette Racing C7.R race car, for strength and stability.
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 goes on sale next spring, poised to take on the world’s best.
About Chevrolet:
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
