Corvette ZHZ Specifications
by Brandon James
In an effort to reverse declining consumer interest in its Corvette vehicles, General Motors built the Corvette ZHZ, a modified, limited edition version of its Chevrolet Corvette C6 sports car, exclusively for the Hertz Corporation car rental brand. In 2008, GM initially manufactured only 500 ZHZ sports cars, and Hertz only offered it for rent at airports in 24 major cities across the United States. The ZHZ is now available from any Hertz rental outlet through the "Hertz Fun Collection," which includes other "rent-a-racers" like the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro and the Jeep Wrangler.
Engine
The Corvette ZHZ features the same powerhouse engine as the Corvette Coupe C6 with only a minor modification to the exhaust system that pushed the horsepower from 430 to 436. The LS3 6.2-liter, V-8 engine is a lightweight aluminum block (for lower curb weight) with 424 foot-pounds of torque. Its exhaust is a dual-mode, centered performance system. According to EPA estimates, the ZHZ averages 25 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
Transmission and Brakes
The ZHZ uses a six-speed, paddle-shift, semi-automatic gear change system and features larger brakes with cross-drilled brake rotors to compensate for the larger tire sizes and for firmer stopping.
Tires
The ZHZ features alloy performance wheels with a seven-spoke design from the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT line. The EMT, or Extended Mobility Technology, allows temporary mobility even if all the air pressure escapes from one of the tires. The wheels are 18 inches in the front and 19 inches in the rear for increased stability and control.
Features
While driving the ZHZ, you can enjoy commercial-free satellite radio from Sirius XM, although Hertz charges a fee of $5 per day or $20 per week plus tax, as of November 2010, for this upgrade. The Magnetic Selective Ride Control feature allows you to toggle between Tour and Sport Mode. With Sport Mode, you can exploit the vehicle's full capabilities, while Tour Mode is used for tamer, everyday driving. The car's paint job is GM's patented Velocity Yellow with a distinct black stripe; not coincidentally, this color combination represents the Hertz Rental Car agency's yellow-and-black scheme. The interior is ebony.
References
Writer Bio
Brandon James has been writing short stories and novels since 2004. He's been published on Team Warfare League and the No Currency blog. In 2009, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Michigan.
