Corvette ZR1 Laps the Nurburgring in 7:26.4

The battle for the top ranking spot at the Nurburgring continues! The famed German race track is not only a test site for manufacturers looking to tweak and tune their upcoming production cars, but as a mark of honor. To produce a car that laps the circuit quickly is to prove the balance and well-roundedness of an automobile; the circuit demands power, stability, cornering and braking skill.

The biggest news as of late has been with regards to the Nissan Skyline GT-R, which lapped the so-called “Green Hell” in 7:29, faster than most supercars. This had many enthusiasts wondering if the upcoming Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, America’s ultimate performance icon can post a faster lap time. Well, the official answer has come in, as General Motors confirmed that the supercharged Corvette was able to post one lap in 7:26.4. That’s faster than both the Pagani Zonda F and the Porsche Carrera GT!

What’s particularly important to note about the car that set the lap time is that its setup is completely stock, and it featured zero alterations aside from communications and safety equipment. Its tires, for instance, are the same Michelin Pilot Sport 2s that the car will wear when it arrives in dealerships later this year, and its suspension, including ride height and damping, has not been altered. In addition, the driver that piloted the car around the track was a development engineer, and not a race specialist such as John Heinracy, the driver that previously set impressive lap times in Chevy’s Cobalt SS and HHR SS.