that the ZR1 is an exotic car. Yes, Americans can make exotic cars.

The rotors measure a whopping 15.5 inches up front and 15 inches in the rear. My beloved Mazda5 has 11.8-inch rotors and weighs 90 pounds more than the ZR1's 3,333 pounds. Those large brakes deliver world-best stopping power.

According to a 2009 Car and Driver review, the ZR1 went from 70 m.p.h. to 0 in 142 feet, "the shortest stopping distance we've ever recorded for a production car."

Of course, this all comes at a premium price. The ZR1 has an MSRP of $109,800. The model loaned to me by Chevrolet for an abbreviated stay cost $124,345 after tacking on such options as $2,000 chrome aluminum wheels, the $1,300 gas guzzler tax, and a $10,000 premium equipment group (including leather seats and interior).

Some might think that's a lot of money for a Corvette--but it's not a lot for a high-performance sports car.

Great braking, great power, great handling, and a great price tag. All signs point to this being a track car and not a daily driver. Yet it is. One of my days with the car involved a road trip for a business meeting in New York City. Yes, I drove this car into Manhattan and survived. (Valets treat this car amazingly well and park it front and center.)

The ZR1 offers a comfortable ride, thanks to the magnetic ride control that allows for a cruise setting of sorts. The seats are well bolstered, and the power-adjusting front seats deliver support in all the right places. I experienced no driver fatigue after a few hundred miles behind the wheel, even with a little driving in torrential rain thrown in for good measure.

The ZR1 does get slapped with the aforementioned gas guzzler tax, which surprises me a little. Even with some spirited driving, my overall fuel economy was about 17.5 m.p.g. The ZR1 runs on premium fuel, but that's not going to discourage anybody with the funds and desire from buying this car.