Auto Channel

Red hot Blue Devil

The brand new Corvette ZR1, aka Blue Devil took center stage at the newly reborn US muscle Car wars. There was a face-off between the new 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR with glass roof, 2008 dodge Challenger Job #1 and the first production Corvette ZR1. All in all, the three cars fetched almost 2 million dollars, of which the ZR1 accounted for half!

"The great American muscle cars are back," said Barrett-Jackson CEO/Chairman Craig Jackson. "During the 1960s and early '70s, Detroit demonstrated its stronghold on automotive performance and power with cars like these. We're thrilled that Barrett-Jackson provided the stage for the rebirth of these amazing vehicles.”

Jay Leno, avid car collector and host of the 'Tonight Show' drove the ZR1 across the block, and together with the car the highest bidder also bought a three-day driving course with Ron Fellows and a personal tour of Jay's 'Big Dog' garage.

The Corvette ZR1 is the fastest car GM has ever built. The 'Vette is powered by a supercharged 6.2 liter LS9 V8 engine which is capable of putting 620 horsepower to the road through a six-speed manual transmission with dual-disc clutch. Reaching 60 mph from stand-still can be done within four seconds while the top speed is rated at over 200 mph. Big Brembo brakes are found behind the 19-inch front wheels and 20 inch rear wheels to bring the supercar to a halt again.