The latest version of one of America’s most iconic sports cars, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be available in the UK in left-hand-drive only from the end of this year, although the order book is already filling up.

The new model has been made in limited numbers and is powered by a new LS9 supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine. Orders have already been placed from customers in Britain.

A spokesman for Chevrolet in the UK said at the Detroit Motor Show that five orders have been taken for the supercar which will cost around £80,000.

He added: “While that does not sound like a large number, we are not sure how many we will get as the production run is strictly limited.”

The Corvette ZR1 features a six-speed manual transmission and 20-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels.

Ed Peper, general manager of Chevrolet in the USA said that the ZRI also has an “exceptional” power-to-weight ratio, adding: “Better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph.”

Also coming to the UK, probably in 2010, will be the Hummer H4 off-roader and the Saab 9-4X, shown in concept form at the show.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1