Chevy's Corvette ZR1X and ZR1 models outperform the Mustang GTD in setting a new lap record at the Nurburgring.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X has made history by setting the fastest official lap time for an American manufacturer around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the world-renowned 12.9-mile race track in Germany. The hybrid, all-wheel-drive supercar clocked a blistering time of 6 minutes 49.275 seconds, surpassing previous American records and placing it among the elite performance vehicles globally.
The Corvette ZR1X, which delivers an impressive 1,250 horsepower, broke the previous American record held by the Ford Mustang GTD with a time of 6:52.072. It also outperformed the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, which had a time of 6:50.763.
These impressive times demonstrate that American supercars, particularly the latest Corvette variants, are now challenging world-class lap times. The ZR1X’s lap was driven by Chevrolet engineers who are not professional race drivers, highlighting the broad capability and tuning of the car.
The Ford Mustang Z06, with a time of 7:11.826, holds the eighth-fastest official time around the 'Ring for any American manufacturer. Ford has visited the Nürburgring twice, with their second visit resulting in a five-second improvement in their lap time.
Meanwhile, European supercars continue to aim for sub-7-minute laps. The Mercedes-AMG One, for example, has a time of 6:29.090 in the Super Sports Car category. The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series has a time of 6:48.047 in the Sports Car category. Notably, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS Manthey Performance Kit has a time of 06:43.300 in the Sports Car category.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X's price point is over $200,000, while the Corvette ZR1 is priced at about $156,000 less. The engineers who set the records for the Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X at the 'Ring were the same ones who designed, engineered, and tuned the cars.
GM senior vice president of Product Programs, Safety, Integration and Motorsports, Ken Morris, stated that GM has created a unique relationship between their cars, iconic tracks, and engineers. The cars used to set both records were equipped with the optional ZTK package and fitted with a roll hoop, a full containment race seat, a fire extinguisher, and a six-point safety harness. They were otherwise stock.
It's worth noting that the Ford Mustang GTD is believed to cost significantly more than the Corvette ZR1X. The Porsche 911 GT3 RS, with a time of 6:49.328, and the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS (non-Manthey), which has a slightly faster lap time than the Ford Mustang Z06, also hold notable positions in the rankings.
In conclusion, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X has set a new standard for American supercars, firmly placing itself among the world's elite performance vehicles. Its impressive lap time around the 'Ring is a testament to the car's power, capability, and the engineering prowess of Chevrolet.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X's remarkable lap time around the Nürburgring Nordschleife has not only broken American records but also placed it alongside globally recognized performance vehicles in the automotive industry. The Ford Mustang GTD, although expected to carry a hefty price tag, still lags behind the Corvette ZR1X's time. European supercars, like the Mercedes-AMG One and Porsche 911 GT2 RS Manthey Performance Kit, are aiming for sub-7-minute laps, demonstrating the competitive nature of the motorsports industry, where finance plays a significant role in transportation and lifestyle. The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X's achievement is a testament to the company's engineering prowess and solidifies its position as a leading player in the world of high-performance cars.
