GM has released the video of the 2009 Chevy Corvette hitting the famed Nurburgring on June 27th.
The ZR1 finished the lap in 7:26:4, which officially beat the Nissan GT-R's time of 7:29. The completely stock ZR1 was driven by GM development engineer Jim Mero, although there has been a few rumors that the car was modified.
The Corvette ZR1 is powered by a supercharged 638 horsepower 6.2L V8 engine. The starting price for the ZR1 is set at $103,300.
Full Story: GMnext
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2009 Corvette Laps the Nurburgring in 7:26:4...Which Means it Beat the Nissan GT-R
Comments (33)
Hook them corners playa!
Corvette 1 | GT-R 0
Posted by Sandman | July 10, 2008 4:14 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 16:14
Wow, got in the grass at 146 MPH at one point. Would have crapped my pants.
Could have pushed harder on the straight. Seemed to back off at 175 for a several seconds.
Definitely room for improvement which is sad seeing as it is already outpacing the GTR by several seconds. A pro could probably get that to 10 seconds or more over the GTR.
Posted by Sandman | July 10, 2008 4:23 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 16:23
hm could of been faster if it was a professional driver... but they sure didnt start from a standing stop as they have acclaimed....
Posted by dracolnyte | July 10, 2008 5:05 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 17:05
Cool. That driver almost bit the dust on a few curves, but saved it. I was disappointed with the straight away top speed of 179, seen faster on that track. I think the ZR1 would do better with a new aero kit, but outside of the track, no one would need it. Still, one of the fastest laps ever from a road car is not too shabby.
Posted by SlowandMellow | July 10, 2008 6:16 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 18:16
Damn that was awesome! Man I wish I was a rich guy, it definitely get one for my birthday, and I 'd never drive it like that.
Posted by Tim | July 10, 2008 6:22 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 18:22
A lot of areas for improvement. He was letting of the gas at points, short shifting at others. Then when he did something really bad, he would take his right hand of the wheel and wave it like he knew he did something wrong. He had it a little sideways a few times too. Lot's of room for improvement.
As for the top speed on the back straight, GM said there was a high wind that day blowing down the track. This is what caused it to not gain speed like it should on that back straight. The said the conditions weren't perfect that day.
Lastly, for starting from a roll, GM said they started from a roll for the lap. Everyone does it now and seems to be the standard.
Posted by Avatar | July 10, 2008 6:38 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 18:38
The thing is, the ZR1 is less balanced than the Z06, and has a bunch more power. I wonder if they're the stock street tires in this video.
While a professional race driver may get a few more seconds out of it, the average-to-amature track day driver will be faster on any track in the GTR. I would also like to see a GTR with similar HP numbers run the track. The GTR has 480hp and weighs 3900lbs. The ZR1 has 638hp and weighs about 3200lbs.
Also, if you have a decent PC (dual-core/8600gt or better) and want to run the Ring, get GTR-2 and google the Ring map for it. I have a Logitech Pro wheel/pedals (the better one) and this map is psycho on my home theater setup (42" 1080p screen and 5.1 component system).
Posted by GT-R is God | July 10, 2008 6:44 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 18:44
I am not going to touch on the 480hp comment. It is a dead horse at this point.
The ZR1 also weights 3350 lbs, more then the Z06 does. It also comes with better stock rubber (Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 285/30R-19 Front, 335/25R-20 Rear) then the Z06 (Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 275/35ZR-18 Front, 325/30ZR-19 Rear) as well. Apparently the Michelins were 2 seconds faster around the track then the tire Goodyear bought when looking for a tire for the ZR1. The ZR1 tires and rims will fit on a Z06, so I am sure someone will find out exactly how much better they are.
Posted by Avatar | July 10, 2008 7:11 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 19:11
WOW what a lap. Sideways at times even! I would have also crapped my pants. Seriously fast.
Don't you need to be certified to drive on the 'Ring?
They need to repave that hairpin at 4:18
Posted by zzjitterzz | July 10, 2008 7:22 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 19:22
For all of you criticizing his driving: Sure, at points there could be improvement, but I'm willing to be the farm that this guy can outdrive anyone that's ever posted on TR. Engineer or not, he's quite good.
I've done faster laps on Forza 2 also. With my fancy seat, ffb wheel, and 125" projector (you're not the only rich spoiled prick here 'GTR is GOD'). In real life I don't have the balls to get a car airborne at 160mph. (well, make that 50 mph)
The GTR and ZR1 shouldn't be compared. One is a sports/track car, the other is a super fast 4 seater daily driver.
Posted by Rich Spoiled Prick | July 10, 2008 9:09 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 21:09
how can it be COMPLETELY STOCK ZR1 when the engine is "SUPERCHARGED"????
Posted by jettto | July 10, 2008 9:16 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 21:16
I'd like to see the Stig from Top Gear or the woman they had drive the Diesel Van around that track and see what time they get for comparison.
Posted by rippo | July 10, 2008 10:58 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 22:58
jetto your just dont talk. The gtr is turboed stock so therefor it must not be stock. The zr1 driver was a engineer the gtr driver race a facory race driver so that will make enough of a diffrence. If your not skilled enough to get a zr1 around the ring at least 750 in a zr1 you shouldnt be driving a gtr anywhere near that fast around a track as you dont have the skills to control the car at 10/10. ive been in a car doing 100+ and gone off track thats a religous experience to say the least. and no you dont need to be certified to drive the ring just some money and a car pretty much.
Posted by unknown | July 10, 2008 11:23 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 23:23
Though I have a love for all cars, I'm an japanese import lover at heart. That said, z06 corvettes are beasts. They have tall gears to manage the torque from that massive engine while the last few gears are shorter to maximize top end high speed acceleration. I took a ride in one that wasnt even past the break in point and it was a revelation. 2nd gear can hit damn near 80mph! As for the ZR1 vs Skyline debate - I think since the ZR1 is a hopped up z06, it should be compared to the rumored V-Spec edition of the GTR. I've said it before that in top end, the z06 will smash on a GT-R - just the facts, face reality. I'm just hoping the V-Spec GT-R will at least come close to the ZR1 within 3 or so mph trap speed in the quarter (it'll beat it ET wise though). On a track though, the new GT-R might get a better time - MIGHT.
Posted by vtfo0lio | July 10, 2008 11:51 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 23:51
Nice lap.
having said that in all fairness the GT-R is priced against the Z06, There will be a more hard core version of the GT-R priced to compete against the ZR1, and that lap time will be interesting to see, just like this one was.
Posted by Travis | July 11, 2008 12:38 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 00:38
Good driving there from Jim.
It looked to me a very twitchy car. I wonder how many outtakes they had to make this video. And that without speaking about the rain. Let's be honest, it's not like all Corvette drivers are going to live in Death Valley. They'll have to drive this thing on wet tarmac. It won't be long until you guys see many ZR1s turned to fireballs, crashed into trees and walls.
Give the GTR more oomph and you'll see the difference.
Posted by Schillacci | July 11, 2008 1:40 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 01:40
@ Schillacci
There are multiple levels of traction/stability control on corvettes. If you leave all the electronannies on RWD cars are much easier to drive in the rain and drive period, they just won't be nearly as fast. My guess is the average ZR1 drivier will leave it on unless he's doing a burnout or at the track. This lap was obviously done with TC/SC turned off.
Posted by idiots | July 11, 2008 5:19 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 05:19
that guy managed to get a decent lap out of a car which, lets face it, wallows around quite a bit. some of the points when it went light over brows were seriously scary, and for something as fast as it is, it's incredibly soft. I think we can all agree that this test driver has balls
and now, they should give it to a professional racing driver to see what they can do. pity all the the world's top single-seat drivers will be barred from doing this by their insurance clauses
Posted by Bill | July 11, 2008 5:28 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 05:28
The definition of a stock car is an automobile operating at factory performance levels with factory installed parts. For some reason everyone has the idea that a "stock" car is one that is naturally aspirated without the benefit of a turbo charger or super charger. This car is considered stock because it comes "stocked", as-is, from the factory without any add-on's or modifications.
The GTR is a nice car, but it's not a Corvette. Nothing screams Classic Americana like one of these cars.
Posted by JHurst | July 11, 2008 5:36 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 05:36
Gimme, gimme, gimme!!!
Posted by Terrax | July 11, 2008 6:14 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 06:14
If you're interested in more, the guys at Garage419 did a splitscreen breakdown of the videos of the ZR1 and the GTR on the track. It gives you a cool perspective of the two cars . http://videos.streetfire.net/video/ZR1-vs-GTR-at-the-Ring_170827.htm?Ref=Blog
Posted by Doug | July 11, 2008 8:03 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 08:03
what next a ZR2 to take on the V-Spec nissan? when is this arms race going to stop??? i hope never, the GTR V-Spec has some work to do but I dont doubt that it will bring the ring trophy back to japan, all they need is 100 or 50 more hp and no rear seats and she will be running 7:19 all day... i have no idea how i cam up with this calculation i must have used my handy dandy gtr fanboy calculator.
ps. gm sucks
Posted by dennisil | July 11, 2008 11:10 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 11:10
what next a ZR2 to take on the V-Spec nissan? when is this arms race going to stop??? i hope never, the GTR V-Spec has some work to do but I dont doubt that it will bring the ring trophy back to japan, all they need is 100 or 50 more hp and no rear seats and she will be running 7:19 all day... i have no idea how i cam up with this calculation i must have used my handy dandy gtr fanboy calculator.
ps. gm sucks
Posted by dennisil | July 11, 2008 11:10 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 11:10
what next a ZR2 to take on the V-Spec nissan? when is this arms race going to stop??? i hope never, the GTR V-Spec has some work to do but I dont doubt that it will bring the ring trophy back to japan, all they need is 100 or 50 more hp and no rear seats and she will be running 7:19 all day... i have no idea how i cam up with this calculation i must have used my handy dandy gtr fanboy calculator.
ps. gm sucks
Posted by dennisil | July 11, 2008 11:11 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 11:11
@ JHurst you know what else screams classic american = broke down rusted chevy berretta. that screams 2 things trailer park and america.
Posted by dennisil | July 11, 2008 11:14 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 11:14
sorry about the 3 posts
Posted by dennisil | July 11, 2008 11:16 AM
Posted on July 11, 2008 11:16
Dennisil knows all about the trailer parks. Only place I know of where there are plenty of little boys named Dennis who spend all their days indoors on the internet triple posting because of their crappy internet connection. Spend all day being forum trolls because they are too scared to go outside and get beat up properly in the real world.
How stupid do you have to be to triple post over the course of three hours anyway?
Posted by ...!!!... | July 11, 2008 12:12 PM
Posted on July 11, 2008 12:12
i said i was sorry with all the posts i have on here the odds of making a mistake go up significantly. and for your information im at work and the internet here is really slow.
slow like the chevy berretta.
Posted by dennisil | July 11, 2008 1:08 PM
Posted on July 11, 2008 13:08
He triple posted over 1 minute not 3 hours, you idiot. Now get your head out of your ass crack. By the way, triple posting over 1 minute is still moronic.
Posted by cobaltssman | July 11, 2008 11:52 PM
Posted on July 11, 2008 23:52
Made in the USA and kicked some butt. Louis would be proud!
Posted by Gaston | July 12, 2008 7:44 AM
Posted on July 12, 2008 07:44
Posted on July 11, 2008 08:03
dennisil:
Posted on July 11, 2008 11:10
dennisil:
Posted on July 11, 2008 11:10
dennisil:
Thats 3 hours and 7 minutes dipshit.
Posted by ...!!!... | July 12, 2008 8:13 PM
Posted on July 12, 2008 20:13
Posted on July 11, 2008 08:03
Doug:
Posted on July 11, 2008 11:10
dennisil:
Posted on July 11, 2008 11:10
dennisil:
Posted on July 11, 2008 11:11
dennisil:
The 8:03 post was by Doug not dennisil you illiterate feces for brains. Just how long did your mom date your cousin?
Posted by cobaltssman | July 12, 2008 11:35 PM
Posted on July 12, 2008 23:35
stupid ckv im not posting this shit. GROW UP BITCH
Posted by cobaltssman | July 13, 2008 7:25 PM
Posted on July 13, 2008 19:25