ZR1 production has stopped - model may have been cancelled.

Patrick · 10-07-2008, 06:15 PM

UPDATE: Rick Conti posts a follow up to his blog post (last night) about ZR1 Production Halt.

UPDATE: Whether production of the ZR1 model has been "cancelled", postponed, delayed, shelved (for a month, the rest of the model year, or forever) it is what it is (and GM decides it to be) and we'll all find out (hopefully) now that this discussion is out in the open.

Did we put this on the front page solely because of Rick Conti's blog post? No we did not. Yes, I did make a key phone call, who said the bullet points I gave sounded right based on what he's heard. I can't imagine what reason there would be for misleading me on this.

Just because we don't like what we are hearing, or seeing, doesn't mean it isn't accurate (or 85% accurate) in the end. I personally don't care what the future of this model is (because I can't afford it) but we put it to your attention on the front page for those that do care or have an order placed.

Back to the original post...

FACTS

1. ZR1 production will be halted, despite orders to fill.
2. No known production issues that warrant a production stop.
3. ZR1 orders in the system that had build weeks just a few days ago are now showing nothing.
4. There is no official word from GM yet. Key word, 'official'. But, there is 'word' and we are hearing it.
5. GM "needs cash" (article)

INFO COMING IN

1. Rumors of production stop started last week.
2. The ZR1 model itself may be on the chopping block, or has already been cancelled.
3. Major changes coming for Corvette production.
4. May just be cancelled for remainder of 2009 to boost Z06 sales, which are more profitable.

Stay tuned for more info, but also check RICK CONTI'S BLOG as we are waiting on official word from GM.

Poncherello · 10-07-2008, 06:19 PM

I can see a major cutback in all corvette production for 2009. They don't want them sitting on lots unsold. There's only so much in the way of incentives they can offer before the whole thing becomes cost ineffective. They need to stop the bleeding fast.

Poncherello · 10-07-2008, 06:27 PM

The official ZR1 page has been removed from GM's website......

www.Chevrolet.com/CorvetteZR1

Cllwysled · 10-07-2008, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poncherello

The official ZR1 page has been removed from GM's website......

www.Chevrolet.com/CorvetteZR1

if you go to www.corvette.com the ZR1 is still under 2009 models.

http://www.chevrolet.com/corvette/#corvette-zr1

DE_VETTE1 · 10-07-2008, 06:46 PM

WOW

MrZippy · 10-07-2008, 06:49 PM

I'm absolutely stunned and terribly disappointed if this is fact.

Just think how collectible those who have one will become.

roushraven · 10-07-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrZippy

I'm absolutely stunned and terribly disappointed if this is fact.

Just think how collectible those who have one will become.

OilMaggott · 10-07-2008, 07:00 PM

last one off line friday #254

OilMaggott · 10-07-2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roushraven

how long till someone hits the buy it now price on ebay?

CorvetteConti · 10-07-2008, 07:33 PM

IF I had any hair, I'd pull it out....

some feedback I just wrote for you guys, CLICK HERE
hoping for an update tomorrow

not sure about this financial info stuff...what I know I posted via my link above.

CorvetteConti · 10-07-2008, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cllwysled

if you go to www.corvette.com the ZR1 is still under 2009 models.

http://www.chevrolet.com/corvette/#corvette-zr1

it took them almost 6 months to post the initial info, if it goes down, it will be a while before we know and they pull it from the web...that is the last place you want to count on for any security of the cars status

JBHunter · 10-07-2008, 07:44 PM

How in the heck can Chevrolet be losing money on each ZR1 made and sold?

The frame is the same, the motor is a supercharged LS3 the same design, though upgraded, that goes in the $45,000 car...

There is more carbon fiber than the $75,000 Z06...granted...
There is upgraded brakes and tires/wheels than the Z06

But the interior is the same

And, the PRICE...at $105,000 to $117,000 and then add 1500 more from late last month...

I expect Chevrolet is making a DECENT profit on each car...They have to be making money...

Make MORE ZR1's they are in demand...let everyone that wants one buy one...

Patrick · 10-07-2008, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBHunter

How in the heck can Chevrolet be losing money on each ZR1 made and sold?

It was December of 2004 when we first heard about the "Blue Devil".

It's known that the ZR1 was been on the chopping block as recent as a few weeks before it was officially unveiled.

If it was that much of a money maker, they would have rushed the ZR1 to market, versus taking nearly 4 years from when we first heard rumors about it until it hit the production line.

bub · 10-07-2008, 08:04 PM

As much as I hate to say it, I fear an "asset sale" for the Corvette, Cadillac, along with the Hummer brands....one of the reasons I bought my Z06 in August when I did.

Leave it up to GM to be just whacked enough to curtail ZR1 production to prop up the brand for maximum sale $ to some ricer company.

I fear the end is near guys.

JBHunter · 10-07-2008, 08:07 PM

Currently 6 for sale on a popular auction site...

Jeff Hardy site now shows ZR1's in dealer inventories nationwide...

I can understand a production problem, or a defect, or a vendor issue, or something else affecting production...like a lawsuit filed by someone in a high-speed incident...including Chevrolet named in a suit...

It is hard to imagine the Chevrolet bean counters mis-priced a Corvette at $105 to $117,000 that would not offer a manufacturer's profit...

I hope Someone from Chevrolet will weigh in on this issue very soon...and get production back up again...