Market Position:
The 2012 Corvette ZR1 represented the pinnacle of American performance, positioned as a supercharged supercar capable of rivaling the world's best.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed directly with high-performance sports cars such as the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo, and Porsche 911 Turbo.
Key Features:
Supercharged 6.2L LS9 V8 engine, carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon fiber body panels, Magnetic Ride Control, performance-oriented interior, and distinct ZR1 styling cues.
Coverage Areas:
Comprehensive coverage for the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, encompassing all aspects of ownership, operation, and maintenance.
Page Count:
Estimated 250-350 pages (typical for a full owner's manual of this era).
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Format:
Digital PDF (Instant Download)
Systems Covered:
Engine (LS9 Supercharged V8), Drivetrain, Suspension (Magnetic Ride Control), Brakes (Ceramic Composite), Electrical System, HVAC, Infotainment (Bose Audio, Navigation), Safety Restraints, Body Controls, Lighting, Security, Wheels & Tires.
Systems Covered Details:
Includes detailed explanations of the supercharged LS9 engine's operation, the advanced suspension and braking systems, the unique Z51 performance package options (if equipped), and the electronic control modules governing performance.
Procedures Included:
Normal operation, starting and driving, instrument and control identification, comfort and convenience feature usage, maintenance procedures (oil checks, fluid refills, tire pressure), appearance care, emergency procedures, basic troubleshooting, and information on specific ZR1 features.
Procedures Included Details:
Step-by-step guides for checking fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, clutch fluid, transmission fluid), tire pressure and care, basic cleaning and detailing tips for the specialized body materials, and proper operation of the advanced climate control and infotainment systems.
Technical Depth:
Focuses on owner-level understanding and operation. While not a full service manual, it provides critical technical information for routine checks, fluid specifications, and understanding vehicle systems. It outlines general maintenance without detailed disassembly instructions.
Technical Depth Details:
Provides specifications for essential fluids and their capacities (e.g., engine oil capacity with filter, coolant capacity), tire inflation pressures for various conditions, and basic diagnostic information for warning lights. It serves as the primary reference for understanding the vehicle's operational parameters.
Primary Engine:
6.2L Supercharged V8 (LS9)
Horsepower:
638 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
604 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel System:
Supercharged, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Intercooled Supercharger
Engine Management:
GM ECU (Engine Control Unit) with advanced diagnostics
Cooling System:
High-capacity liquid-to-air intercooler system, enhanced radiator and oil cooler.
Bore X Stroke:
4.06 in x 3.62 in (103 mm x 92 mm)
Fuel Recommendation:
Premium Unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91.
Standard:
Tremec TR-6060 6-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional:
N/A (ZR1 was manual only)
Features:
Close-ratio gearing, dual-disc clutch for high torque management.
Fluid Type:
Dexron III/VI or equivalent manual transmission fluid (refer to manual for specific GM specification).
Gear Ratios:
1st: 2.64, 2nd: 1.78, 3rd: 1.30, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.84, 6th: 0.56, Reverse: 2.90 (Approximate ratios, refer to manual for precise specifications).
Length:
179.7 inches (4564 mm)
Width:
75.9 inches (1928 mm)
Height:
48.7 inches (1237 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3275 lbs (1485 kg)
Gross Weight Rating:
Approx. 4200 lbs (1905 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended / Not Applicable
Wheelbase:
105.7 inches (2685 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 79.8 cu ft (2.26 m³)
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 15.0 cu ft (0.42 m³)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for comparable C6 models)
IIHS Ratings:
Good (for comparable C6 models)
Active Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control System (TCS), Active Handling (StabiliTrak), Launch Control (Performance Traction Management).
Passive Features:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags, active seatbelt pretensioners, advanced structural integrity for crash protection.
Brakes:
Front: 15.5-inch (394 mm) vented and cross-drilled ceramic-composite rotors with 6-piston calipers. Rear: 15.0-inch (380 mm) vented and cross-drilled ceramic-composite rotors with 4-piston calipers.
Front Tire Size:
P285/30ZR19
Rear Tire Size:
P335/25ZR20
Infotainment System:
Bose premium audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and optional navigation system.
Connectivity:
Auxiliary input jack, optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Driver Assistance:
Traction Control System (TCS), Active Handling (StabiliTrak), Performance Traction Management (PTM) with multiple driver-selectable modes tailored for track use.
Driver Assistance Details:
Details the operation of the Performance Traction Management (PTM) system, offering five modes (Wet, Dry, Sport 1, Sport 2, Race) that adjust traction and stability control settings for optimal performance in various conditions.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges with digital readouts, including a prominent tachometer and speedometer, boost gauge, and auxiliary performance metrics.
Comfort And Convenience:
Power-adjustable sport seats with lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, heated mirrors, and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Consult manual for severe service intervals.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (along with oil change).
Brake Fluid Change:
Inspect regularly, typically recommended every 2-3 years or as per wear indicators.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, synthetic, meeting GM dexos1™ specification (refer to manual for exact GM spec and capacity).
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Cool® Extended Life 50/50 Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent meeting GM6277M).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific GM recommendation, often for high-performance applications).
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to Transmission Fluid section (Dexron III/VI or equivalent).
Differential Fluid Type:
GM Synchromesh Friction Modified Manual Transmission Fluid (or equivalent meeting GM P/N 12345349).
Known Issues:
While robust, potential issues can include clutch wear under aggressive use, supercharger belt tensioner issues, and occasional electronic gremlins common in high-performance vehicles. Regular adherence to maintenance is key.
Air Filter Part Number:
GM Part # 25775975 (example - consult manual for exact, specific PN).
Oil Filter Part Number:
GM Part # 12580231 (ACDelco PF48) (example - consult manual for exact, specific PN).
Engine Oil Capacity:
9.2 US quarts (8.7 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
10.5 US quarts (9.9 Liters) (approximate).
Maintenance Information:
Highlights the importance of periodic inspection of the supercharger belt, intercooler system, and brake system wear, especially for owners who frequently use the vehicle's performance capabilities.
Brand Heritage:
Chevrolet has a long and storied history in motorsports and performance vehicles, with the Corvette nameplate being synonymous with American sports car excellence since its inception in 1953.
Model Evolution:
The ZR1 designation, first appearing in the late 1960s, signified the ultimate, track-bred performance variant of the Corvette. The C6 ZR1 marked its highly anticipated return, offering unprecedented power and technology.
Production Period:
2009-2013 (C6 Generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA