Chevrolet Zed aint dead.

The Z series Corvette is one example of home-grown American muscle that does not just accelerate – it also excels in the corners. The ZR1 is the latest in a line of not-just-straight-line performance coupes from Chevy, and it’s almost ready for its September U.S. launch.

This sportster is all about speed; its low-slung shell hides GM’s familiar 6.2L LS9 V8, which is stroked and supercharged to produce approximately 462kW and 813Nm with a top speed of 325km/h. Its Z06 stablemate's official figures stand at 3.7secs, and the ZR1 will beat that.

The power privilege will set you back over USD$100,000, which is a fair sight cheaper than its equivalent European counterparts. However, all Vettes are still left-hand-drive only.

Holden are still pestering parent company GM for some right-hand-drive Chevys, though there are companies that convert and sell the current Z06 for a cool quarter-million Australian.