Chevrolet STS ZR7 Corvette - ZR1 Hunter

Matching the exotic finery from the exclusive manufacturers in Maranello, Sant'Agata Bolognese, and Zuffenhausen requires something a bit more pronounced than the minimal changes made to the exterior of the C6 ZR1. To set the ZR7 apart from more-common Corvette fare, STS commissioned the creation of a custom wide-body kit from Kindigit Design and a Hi-Tech Custom Concepts vented hood. The result is as comprehensive as it is striking, with only the doors remaining unmodified. The broad-shouldered body is nearly 6 inches wider than stock, allowing meaty tires to fit easily beneath the bulging fenders. The functional body kit serves a higher purpose than merely drawing attention. The front splitter improves aerodynamics, and multiple intakes provide needed air sources for the intercooler, brakes, and rear-mounted turbos.

The ZR7 not only turns heads, it can also elicit much stronger reactions that require lip reading. As Squires explains, "I took my daughter, Chevelle, to lunch the other day in the ZR7, and as we drove down the road she said, 'Dad, that lady just swore!' Then, right after that, 'That guy just swore too!'" Squires' ZR7 initially used a prototype version of the body kit, but production panels are currently being installed. The ZR7 is plenty arresting in the red-and-matte-black color scheme shown here, but customers can specify any color scheme of their choosing.

Bespoke STS ZR7 three-piece forged aluminum wheels are sized 19x9.5 inches in the front and 20x12 in the rear. These are available in either black with a chrome lip or a full-chrome finish. While the SEMA show car wore Pirellis, production versions are shod in the same Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP tires found on the ZR1.

The interior is largely left alone, with the exception of a few tasteful upgrades. [Author's note: The cabin treatment was still being finalized at the time of our photo shoot.] The seats and door panels receive inserts by Kindigit Design, while the carpets are given ZR7 badges, and the steering wheel obtains an accent wrap to match the interior. Performance is monitored with an Autometer Sport-Comp II wide-band air/fuel-ratio gauge and an electronic boost gauge with warning functions. Squires' ZR7 features an optional Palmer Performance DashCommand program run through an iPod mounted in the cockpit. This allows drivers to display and data-log critical engine parameters, display and clear trouble codes, and record performance at the dragstrip and racetrack.

A ZR7 can be acquired for $129,900, including the cost of a new C6 Corvette. The ZR7 package can also be applied to existing Corvettes, including convertibles and Z06s. Customers can personalize their ZR7 with an assortment of custom options as well as increased power levels. "We feel it's definitely the most bang for the buck in the Corvette market. You will, too, once you see and drive her," says Squires. As an additional financial incentive, the ZR7 is titled as a regular C6 and can therefore be insured as one.

After the experience of building the ZR7, Squires is considering building another STS limited-edition car. Potential candidates include the Dodge Challenger and the fifth-gen Camaro. Squires concedes that any future car will likely not have extensive bodywork like the ZR7's due to the high cost and effort involved.

The STS ZR7 outperforms the Corvette ZR1 in every measurable category and features a far more distinctive appearance as well. That it does so without sacrificing reliability or driveability is a testament to its advanced design and engineering. This combination of otherworldly speed and down-to-earth usability makes the ZR7 truly unique among tuner supercars. Would-be ZR1 owners wanting something more exclusive can contact STS to accede to the new throne of Corvette high performance.

From Sketches to SEMAThe performance and styling of the ZR7 may be impressive, but the story behind the show car's buildup is truly unbelievable. A crew of master technicians assembled the Vette in a whirlwind seven-day build prior to the 2008 SEMA show in Las Vegas. "The body was designed and fabricated, finished and painted in six days at Kindigit Design," Squires explains. The turbo system, suspension, brakes, radiator, and so on were all finished in an 18-hour blitz at STS Turbo." The bill was amazing too, as many people had to be called in from local shops to assist in the car's creation. The successful unveiling of the ZR7 at SEMA was only possible thanks to the hard work of many dedicated people.