Every year car buffs and especially Corvette aficionados experience a sense of longing, a feeling of need, to learn what the next year’s Corvette will be like. They are rarely disappointed when each new model brings bigger and more powerful engines, heart-stopping designs, and technological features that make us tremble with joy. The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette promises to become another instant classic.

The line of new Corvettes will be composed of three trims, the base C6 coupe and convertible, Z06, and the new ZR1. Production of the Corvette C6 and ZO6 will begin on June 23rd, while the ZR1 will start rolling off the production line on July 14th.  With car insurance rates skyrocketing, it is comforting to know that the new Corvette is equipped with some of the most advanced safety features on the planet. Anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitors, and daytime running-lamps keep you out of trouble before trouble happens.

The most attention-grabbing sports car in the Chevrolet lineup will be the ZR1, powered by the 6.2 liter supercharged LS9 V-8. This 638 horsepower engine is hand-built in a low-volume production facility and is the most powerful production automobile engine GM has ever built. The ZR1’s engine, as powerful as it is, requires the use of a more robust clutch and axles, as well as the use of flame-hardened and tempered gears in a 6-speed manual transmission. This will allow the ZR1’s LS9 to translate its 604 lb.-ft. of torque into a rocket-sled simulation for the driver.

Materials play an important part in the performance and looks of the ZR1, including an aluminum hydro-formed chassis which is lighter yet more rigid than other alloys,  cooler and lighter carbon-ceramic brake rotors, and carbon-fiber body panels. Adding to the distinctive appearance of the ZR1 is its polycarbonate window inset into the carbon-fiber hood, through which you can see the engine’s intercooler. The car’s interior embodies the classic Corvette dual-cockpit layout, with ZR1 badging tastefully deployed.

The Chevrolet Corvette ZO6 might be considered the evil “doppelganger” or ghost twin of the ZR1, with stiffer sports-tuned suspension and weight-saving aluminum structural elements, it will remain a favorite among track enthusiasts. Available as a coupe only, the ZO6 is powered by a 505 horsepower 7.0 liter LS7 V8 which does the 0-60 dance in 3.6 seconds compared to the ZR1’s 3.2. The interior of the ZO6 does not differ a great deal from that of the standard Corvette coupe, with the exception of a few badging and design touches.

At the heart of the Corvette line are the C6 coupe and convertible, which have been updated for 2009 with a more powerful engine, a 6.2 liter LS3 V8 which boasts of a 436 horsepower and 424 ft.-lb. torque upgrade. The C6 coupe, which has a removable transparent or body-color roof panel, comes with aluminum alloy wheels and brushed-aluminum interior trim. The Corvette C6 convertible offers models with a manually operated top or a powered unit. A Z51 performance option package offers both the convertible and the coupe enhanced suspension and brakes while a leather interior package offers new colors for the sumptuous hide interior trim. Expect GM to include OnStar as well as XM Satellite Radio.

The Corvette ZR1 owner might not expect a down-tick on insurance quotes for fuel efficiency when shopping for the best rate, but the new 638 horsepower engine is tested as the most fuel efficient engine of that size in production. Whether you prefer the $70,000 level C6 or ZO6, or the $100,000 plus ZR1, the power, performance, style, and technology-rich features of the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette make it the best year for Corvette yet.