re: ZR1X & ZR1 Corvettes set the top two laptimes for American production cars at Nurburgring

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I have to admit I see the dots but can't connect them. The R35 was the production car that proved computers could bend automotive physics.

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It broke Clarkson.

Back on topic, i don’t see how these two corvettes didn’t go even faster at the ring?
Drivers vs racers? Sure.
What tires were they on and how much do they weigh?

Seems like the GTD overachieved for its weight/size and these corvettes have underachieved so far.

Off-topic, Ford has always screwed up by comparing the GTD against the GT3 RS when the GT2 RS exists and is so much more of a match power-wise.

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Back on topic, i don’t see how these two corvettes didn’t go even faster at the ring?
Drivers vs racers? Sure.
What tires were they on and how much do they weigh?

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As for the tires and weight, the Nring scrutinizes cars now going for official lap times and ensures they are running clean, including OE rubber.

I got bored last weekend and watched the lap a bunch of times. It is a relatively clean lap, once IIRC, going into Pflanzgarten, where he got a little squirrely. While almost clean it was way off the racing line much of the time. He avoided curbs like he was allergic to them, was on the brakes way early several times, and was out of position for turns several times that caused low exit speeds.

I got on my sim rig and used the closest analog I had (Z06) and ran his lines vs the race line (remember I have nothing to lose) and saw about a 6 second average difference on my clean laps. I would guess the 1X has 8-9 more seconds in the tank maybe 10.



Prices are out:

The 2026 Chevy Corvette ZR1X coupe will have a base price of $207,395; the convertible version will start at $217,395.

Stepping up to the top-spec 3LZ trim pushes the ZR1X coupe and convertible's base prices to $218,395 and $228,395, respectively.

Chevy has also introduced a limited-production ZR1X Quail Silver Edition, which features the first factory matte paint option in six decades.

While you still can configure it yet I think a fully loaded 3LZ coupe will be right around $260k w/o any ADM. Lotta money for a Corvette but a lot of car for the money.

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Honestly, the laps are rather disappointing in a way. The ZR-1X has 1250 horsepower and on a power track like the Nordschleife, it only beat the 992 GT3 RS by .07 seconds. The GT3 RS only has a NA 6 cylinder with 518 horsepower.

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Keep in mind the ZR1x was driven on a wet track/ rain by a GM engineer/ non pro driver.

GT3 RS was driven on the dry track by Bergmeister, a professional race car driver.


I think the Corvette times could be better with similar conditions, how much better is speculation.

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As for the tires and weight, the Nring scrutinizes cars now going for official lap times and ensures they are running clean, including OE rubber.

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Yeah, I know that. At least these days the lap records are legit.

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got bored last weekend and watched the lap a bunch of times. It is a relatively clean lap, once IIRC, going into Pflanzgarten, where he got a little squirrely. While almost clean it was way off the racing line much of the time. He avoided curbs like he was allergic to them, was on the brakes way early several times, and was out of position for turns several times that caused low exit speeds. I got on my sim rig and used the closest analog I had (Z06) and ran his lines vs the race line (remember I have nothing to lose) and saw about a 6 second average difference on my clean laps. I would guess the 1X has 8-9 more seconds in the tank maybe 10.

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That’s cool. I just watched Misha’s analysis video after it came out and he said the same things.
Not the most aggressive lines and early braking/low corner speeds vs the GT3 RS.

Seems like the Vette could be fine tuned some more and driven by a ringer and have 10s better times.

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The 2026 Chevy Corvette ZR1X coupe will have a base price of $207,395; the convertible version will start at $217,395.

Stepping up to the top-spec 3LZ trim pushes the ZR1X coupe and convertible's base prices to $218,395 and $228,395, respectively.

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That's insane for what the cars are

The price of regular C8s is cratering and I can only imagine what this will do to them.