ZR1 Screams @ Lightning Lap

[John]

So many incredible measurements of its performance , but here are some keys:

* 2nd fastest lap there ever (behind a Special Edition $322,000 Porsche);

* Faster than a McLaren 720S

* 7.5 seconds a lap faster than a Porsche GT3

* 4.5 seconds a lap faster than a Ford GT

2019 Corvette ZR1 Dominates at Car and Driver’s Lightning Lap 2018

By
Keith Cornett
-
Sep 20, 2018
2151



Finally a competition made for the 2019 Corvette ZR1!

We’ve seen Chevy’s supercar square off against some of the great sports cars of the day with roll races and quarter mile runs from diggs, but now we finally get to see the Corvette ZR1 compete in its natural environment – The 4.1 mile grand course at Virginia International Raceway.



Lightning Lap 2018 is here! Car and Driver’s annual test to see how classes of new cars rank against each other. The C7 Corvettes have proved to be great contenders in this annual competition and now it’s the Corvette ZR1’s turn.

Car and Driver organizes the Lightning Lap classes by the pricing of the cars and below we have the complete breakdown of this year’s participants and how they finished. This year’s competition includes some real heavyweights from McLaren, Porsche, and Ford.

So how did the Corvette do? The 2019 ZR1 would not only dominate the LL4 class with a time of 2:39.5, it would go on to trounce nearly everyone else, finishing second to the $332K Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach.


The High-Wing and other enhancements on the ZR1’s ZTK package make sure those Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires stay firmly planted in the corners and the 755-hp LT5 powers the car down VIRs long straights at wide open throttle. In this track environment, the ZR1 finally takes down the McLaren 720S. Even though it was only 0.2 seconds margin, a win is a win! The Ford GT was reminded once again who broke their one-week track record at VIR with the ZR1 finishing a full six seconds faster!

There is a dedicated feature at Car and Driver that details the Corvette ZR1’s pursuit of greatness at Lightning Lap 2018 and we highly recommend its reading. But first check out this video to watch the 2019 Corvette ZR1’s Lightning Lap at VIR:


The 2019 Corvette ZR1 is now the second all-time fastest car to compete in Car and Driver’s Lightning Lap competition. For reference, here are the previous times from other Corvettes that have taken part in the Lightning Lap:

• 2:39.5 – 2019 Corvette ZR1
• 2:44.6 – 2015 Corvette Z06
• 2:47.1 – 2017 Corvette Grand Sport
• 2:50.7 – 2012 Corvette ZR1 (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Tires)
• 2:51.8 – 2009 Corvette ZR1 (Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Tires)
• 2:53.5 – 2011 Corvette Z06 (Z07)
• 2:53.8 – 2014 Corvette Stingray (Z51)
• 2:58.2 – 2007 Corvette Z06
• 2:58.8 – 2010 Corvette Grand Sport
• 3:01.1 – 2006 Corvette Z06
• 3:01.2 – 2008 Corvette Z51
• 3:03.6 – 2007 Corvette Z51
• 3:09.3 – 2006 Corvette Z51

https://www.corvetteblogger.com/2018...ning-lap-2018/

[Fireeagle]

They need to have a 2015 Z51 give it a shot for a time. I'm ready I guess I'll just have to accept the 2014 time

[OnPoint]

VIR is the perfect place for the ZR to run. The ZR runs best at bigger, high hp tracks where its aero and hp can be utilized, unlike LS, for example, which like most short, tight tracks doesn't give the ZR the opportunity to best leverage its capabilities.

On a big track like VIR, though. . . . look out, the big dog is stretching its legs.

[Shadow]

If I am some competitor brands, I know I have been whipped!!!