The cockpit has the familiar look and feel of lesser ’Vettes, but on the ZR1 the latest optional stitched leather trim is standard. » More Photos

Power comes from an all-new, hand-built 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 V8 with a four-lobe Roots-type Eaton blower spinning at 2.3 times engine speed pumping out 10.3 psi of boost. A forged crank, dry-sump oiling, titanium valves and aluminum-silicon heads are just part of the engine’s exotic spec.

What it serves up is a massive 638 horsepower and a stump-pulling 604 pound-feet of twist. And with almost 550 lb-ft of that summoned up from a mere 2,600 rpm, the thing pulls like an Amtrak in pretty much any gear, from any speed.

Talking of gears, the big V8 delivers its poke to the rear wheels through a beefed-up Tremec six-speed with a taller first for faster zero-to-60s, and a shorter sixth for 200 mph-plus running. A new Sachs twin-plate clutch reduces clutch pedal effort and provides smoother, lighter shifts.

Now stand back and eyeball the styling changes that will have every Corvette aficionado drooling like a Florida geezer.

You certainly can’t miss the black carbon fiber roof panel and roof bow clear-coated with a special $60,000-a-gallon additive to stop sunlight from yellowing the carbon weave. Or the slightly cheesy 19x17-inch clear polycarbonate “window” on the hood showing off the LS9’s intercooler. Or the carbon-fiber chin spoiler which we guarantee will last less than a day if there’s a speed bump anywhere on your drive home.

But it’s all detail stuff. For us, it’s just a pity that the Corvette team didn’t give the ZR1 more substantial styling changes to really define it as the halo model it is. Maybe a more dramatic front end and less chopped-off rear. After all, it’s only molded composite. Fact is, to the untrained eye, the $105-grand ZR1 doesn’t look that much different to a $47k base C6 coupe.

Climb aboard and the cockpit also has the familiar look and feel of lesser ’Vettes. But on the ZR1 the latest optional stitched leather trim is standard, and it looks great. But if you’re spending $105k it would be worth ponying up an extra $10,000 for the 3ZR pack that includes the gorgeous leather-wrapped dash, along with Bose sound and navigation.

Again, it’s a pity the team didn’t decide to offer a pair of real Recaro-style sports seats, even as an option. As our Lutzring laps proved, the standard pews are just not up to the job of supporting their occupants, especially with their lack of lateral support.

From the instant-on responsiveness of its V8, to the laser precision of its new variable-ratio steering, to the suppleness of its magnetic-controlled ride, the ZR1 is just a fabulous road car. » More Photos

While the track lapping was fun, for us the real test is on regular roads, driving back-to-back with a Z06 over the Michigan potholes, finding out whether the ZR is worth the extra $32 grand over the “6.”

It takes literally two minutes to recognize that the ZR1 is light years ahead of its sibling in virtually every single dynamic quality.

From the instant-on responsiveness of its supercharged motor (133hp up on the Z06’s 505hp), to the laser precision of its new variable-ratio steering, to the suppleness of its magnetic-controlled ride, the ZR1 is just a fabulous road car.

And it’s much more of a joy to drive, thanks to its lighter, smoother, more precise gear shift and lighter, more progressive clutch. And despite having 20-inch Michelins that have all the thickness of rubber bands, the ZR1 soaks up lumps and bumps like Mr. Brawny soaks up water.

And there’s no need for any fancy sound system; just power down the windows and listen to the full aural Banshee wail of that Eaton blower as it spools up, coupled with the sweet, spine-tingling roar of the adaptive exhaust as it flicks opens its valves at 3,000 rpm. Pavarotti in his prime never sounded this good.

Chevy hopes to sell around 1,800 ZR1s in a full year, with sales kicking off early next month. It’s certainly no done deal, as times are tough in the sports car world. But even at a lofty $105 grand, this could well be the best performance bargain in decades.