With the introduction of the ZR1 - arguably one of the most significant announcements in Corvette history - the changes in the rest of the Corvette lineup, which now included four distinct models, were minimal. Two new exterior colors - Cyber Gray Metallic and Blade Silver Metallic were added, with Machine Silver Metallic discontinued. Two leather wrapped interiors (Dark Titanium and Ebony) became available. The MSRP for the convertible was effectively lowered with the 1LT Equipment Group package. The Power Hatch pull-down, previously an option, became standard equipment on the coupe and Z06. Bluetooth became an option. The Z06 was upgraded with a larger capacity oil sump inherited from the ZR1. The new system accommodated eight quarts; previously it held 7.5 quarts. The acoustic package became standard equipment.
GT1 Championship Edition Corvette
Special Edition GT1 Championship Corvettes were available for 2009 and celebrated Corvette's many racing accomplishments, including:
- Eight American Le Mans Series GT1 manufacturers and team championships
- Five-time 24 Hours of Le Mans class champions
- 74 victories in international sports car competition
The Special Edition GT1 Championship Corvettes were available in Velocity Yellow and Black and in Coupe (Quantity: 53), Convertible (Quantity: 17) and Z06 (Quantity: 55) iterations. There is a specific VIN sequence for the Black and Velocity Yellow colors.
- ZR1-style body color full-width spoiler and chrome wheels
- Custom leather-wrapped ebony interior with exclusive yellow accent stitching
- GT1 embroidery on leather seats, instrument panel, and center console armrest
- Special engine cover with carbon pattern and yellow Corvette lettering
- Windshield banner (owner installed)
Graphics inspired by C6.R livery feature Corvette Racing "Jake" mascot, ALMS championships, and driver flags.
The LS3 Engine was unchanged for 2009. Displacement is still 6.2 liters (376 cubic inches) with horsepower rated at 430 horsepower. The dual mode exhaust (RPO NPP; $1195) bypasses the muffler and results in 436 horsepower along with a very aggressive sound.
The Z06 remained mostly unchanged for 2009. Improvements included a larger capacity oil sump and 10 spoke "Spider" wheels.
Another Corvette Le Mans Podium Finish
The Corvette team continued its consistency streak with a second and third place GT1 class finish at the 2008 Le Mans 24 hour endurance race. This represents the 15th consecutive podium finish (top three positions) for a Corvette. Number 63, which finished in second place in the GT1 class, was driven by Johnny O'Connell, Jan Magnussen, and Ron Fellows. Number 64, the third place finisher, was driven by Oliver Gavin, Olivier Beretta, and Max Papis. First place for GT1 was captured by a Aston Martin DBR9.
