If you're bummed you didn't get your order in for the 2008 Nissan GT-R, you still have another chance to grab another supercar in the form of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. But you better act fast. Just as the GT-R was limited to a finite number of examples worldwide, General Motors will only produce 2,000 ZR1s annually for the global market.

It remains unclear home many of those ZR1s will be staying in the U.S. — we expect the majority of them — but the Bow Tie division's supercar should begin rolling off the assembly line floor this summer.

Tadge Juechter, the Corvette ZR1's chief engineer, revealed this tidbit about the ZR1, as well as a couple of other factoids in a recent live chat on GMnext.com.

Juechter also circled around the ZR1's fuel economy, but never gave any exact figures. However, Juechter still says that the ZR1 will be the most fuel-efficient 600 horsepower car on the market and that he expects EPA ratings to be somewhat less than a Z06. He also added that ZR1 buyers should be prepared to pay a small gas-guzzler tax.

No official word yet on the car's pricing, but it's widely believed the ZR1's price will hover around $100,000. Juechter says GM is "strongly encouraging dealers to charge MSRP," but price gouging will likely push the ZR1's price tag well north of $100,000.

And ZR1 owners need not worry — Juechter says that the ZR1's unique features, such as the car's carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin tires, will not be available on lesser 'Vettes' option lists.

On the development side of the car, Juechter says that all-wheel drive was never considered for the ZR1 as it "would have added too much mass." He noted that the car's power to weight ratio is one of the factors that makes it perform as well as it does.

As for a C7 version of the ZR1, nothing is set in stone. GM engineers will definitely consider the performance model, but with CAFE regulations among other factors, it's impossible to guarantee.

All the ZR1's mysteries should be solved soon, though, as pricing and EPA ratings are expected to be released within the next two months.

I agree with you Trin....

Typical with most American made cars.  The interior is blah, styling, ok.  However,overall you will get your bang for your buck with a Vette. 

The problem with the ZR1 is that it's just a Z06 with a few "cutesy" items to add an additional $40k.  For the money, I would buy the Z06 over the ZR1.  The Z06 is exclusive enough for me.

When you don't paint the carbon fiber it makes it the engine run cooler, more aerodynamic and adds 10 hp.

Lets not forget the 5 oz of weight you add.

I remember similar thoughts about bringing your 75k GT-R into the Nissan dealership... people just thought the clientele would fit in a little better at the Infiniti place when it came time for service