2019 Corvette ZR1 Does America Proud at Virginia International Raceway
2019 Corvette ZR1 leaves Car & Driver Lightning Lap test drivers speechless, and giddy at its incredible track day prowess.
The annual Car & Driver Lightning Lap showcases the latest and greatest enthusiast cars all proving their worth at one of the most daunting race tracks around, Virginia International Raceway. Many great competitors showed up for this years’ event, but, really, all eyes were on the top three competitors: the Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach Package, McLaren 720S and the 2019 Corvette ZR1. These three cars are known worldwide as incredible performance machines. However, here at Corvette Forum, we only have eyes for high-performance GM products, so watching the 2019 ZR1 lap VIR is what we care about most. General Motors must care a lot, too, because the company went to VIR earlier this year to test the ZR1. Why is this important? Well, it’s rather simple: the ZR1 is the ultimate expression of the C7 Corvette. With 755 horsepower, massive sticky tires, and an advanced aero package, it’s the most potent track day weapon to ever come from General Motors. Well, short of the C7.R race car, that is. Combine that with the fact that VIR is one of the most hardcore race tracks around, and we should get a great insight as to how this latest mega ‘Vette does when the going gets twisty.
Boy, did the ZR1 deliver.
While Senior Editor of C&D, Tony Quiroga was mute during his lap, and we don’t blame him, the video is telling. The ZR1 is brutally fast in the main straight, hitting 164 MPH before immediately slamming on the brakes down to 50. Try that several times back-to-back and report back to us. Beyond being a bit gentle with the throttle over the curbing, which may be a factor of the Corvette’s advanced PTM system, the ZR1 positively tears up the pavement at VIR.
@CorvetteForum
