Chevy Corvette ZR1 Just Smashed the Ford GT's VIR Lap Record

[Z06]

I don't know??? Seems like the ZR1 is faster? (Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to own either car. Both are incredible machines.)
From the article,........................

Chevrolet announced today it was able to lap a 2019 ZR1 equipped with the optional eight-speed auto and ZTK performance package around VIR in 2:37.25. That's 1.37 seconds quicker than the Ford GT's time, making the ZR1 the fastest production vehicle to ever lap the course.
Aside from a harness bar and five-point harnesses, Chevy says the ZR1 used was totally stock, set up with alignment and aero settings specified in the owner's manual. The $2,995 ZTK package gives the car a whole bunch of aggressive features, including an adjustable carbon fiber wing, a front splitter, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and track-ready magnetic ride control. The lap was set during validation testing earlier in January leading up to the car's production.
The driver, vehicle dynamics engineer Jim Mero, is known for his mastery of the Nurburgring behind the wheel of Chevy products. If anyone was going to break the record, it would be him. Chevy was keen to note that Mero is an engineer, not a pro-driver, which was definitely a dig at Ford, which set the record using Ford GT race driver Billy Johnson.
Also, like Ford, Chevy claims it wasn't going for a record, rather the time was set during validation testing for the ZR1.

Lol, you gotta find this funny though. Ford sets the record and be like, nah we weren’t trying. Chevy comes, sets record, nah we weren’t trying either and we didn’t use a pro driver... I’m dying!

 

[AustinSN]

Lol, you gotta find this funny though. Ford sets the record and be like, nah we weren’t trying. Chevy comes, sets record, nah we weren’t trying either and we didn’t use a pro driver... I’m dying!

Jim has been used since the start of the 5th gen camaro to set lap times for Chevy, he is every bit of a pro driver. He is literally a test driver for a performance segment of the largest automotive company in the states.

I'd be absolutely floored if there is another driver on the planet who could throw down a faster lap time in the ZR1.

 

[Intervention302]

Would love to see Ford go balls out with the FGT

My dad currently has a Whippled 06 GT and he absolutely loves it. That car sounds more American than any exhaust I've heard yet

Aside from the new GT being essentially out of his price range, he couldnt buy one even if he wanted it. I showed him the Grand Tour episode of the GT and he left a bit unimpressed.

He does have a preorder on a ZR1 however. He couldn't decide A8 or M7

Really just cruising cars for him. He will never race them

 

[Detoxx03]

Watching the video over a few times I honestly don’t think he was driving it that hard. I’ve seen him really push the cars he drives and this time he was pretty tame. I’m sure he could do better if he pushed it harder and same goes for the FGT.

I hope they both go back out and push them. Exciting for us, atleast the ones that aren’t looking for excuses to bitch and moan. Appreciate fast cars guys.

 

[ON D BIT]

I don't know??? Seems like the ZR1 is faster? (Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to own either car. Both are incredible machines.)
From the article,........................

Chevrolet announced today it was able to lap a 2019 ZR1 equipped with the optional eight-speed auto and ZTK performance package around VIR in 2:37.25. That's 1.37 seconds quicker than the Ford GT's time, making the ZR1 the fastest production vehicle to ever lap the course.
Aside from a harness bar and five-point harnesses, Chevy says the ZR1 used was totally stock, set up with alignment and aero settings specified in the owner's manual. The $2,995 ZTK package gives the car a whole bunch of aggressive features, including an adjustable carbon fiber wing, a front splitter, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and track-ready magnetic ride control. The lap was set during validation testing earlier in January leading up to the car's production.
The driver, vehicle dynamics engineer Jim Mero, is known for his mastery of the Nurburgring behind the wheel of Chevy products. If anyone was going to break the record, it would be him. Chevy was keen to note that Mero is an engineer, not a pro-driver, which was definitely a dig at Ford, which set the record using Ford GT race driver Billy Johnson.
Also, like Ford, Chevy claims it wasn't going for a record, rather the time was set during validation testing for the ZR1.

So gm who takes a entire team and who knows how many days of testing and tuning they take to get their best time possible by whatever means possible(non oem).
And people question why their press releases show good numbers? That’s funny!

 

[Z06]

Jim has been used since the start of the 5th gen camaro to set lap times for Chevy, he is every bit of a pro driver. He is literally a test driver for a performance segment of the largest automotive company in the states.

I'd be absolutely floored if there is another driver on the planet who could throw down a faster lap time in the ZR1.

While I agree that Jim is THE man to set the times, he has being doing so since the C6 gen. I find it strange that Oliver Gavin is now testing the ZR1 at the ring. He said in an interview that he will be back in the spring for an attempt. I know he is a pro driver, Jim while extremely capable is not classed as a pro driver but can run with them. Jim has more seat time than any Pro driver in a Vette. He will set a faster time than a pro in less laps than a pro driver would.

 

[Z06]

So gm who takes a entire team and who knows how many days of testing and tuning they take to get their best time possible by whatever means possible(non oem).
And people question why their press releases show good numbers? That’s funny!

Dudddeeeee....

 

[blk02edge]

Jim has been used since the start of the 5th gen camaro to set lap times for Chevy, he is every bit of a pro driver. He is literally a test driver for a performance segment of the largest automotive company in the states.

I'd be absolutely floored if there is another driver on the planet who could throw down a faster lap time in the ZR1.

I do believe Pobst did beat him in the zr1 1le during the motor trend testing

 

[1badton]

K might be missing something but even if ford set A record in 2015 it wasn't with the twin turbo! Also just another way some ass wipe wanted to stir shit up. Good for vettes, bad ass American cars. But like others have said let's get teams out there with a purpose of factories setting records.

Sent from my [device_name] using the svtperformance.com mobile app

 

[ON D BIT]

K might be missing something but even if ford set A record in 2015 it wasn't with the twin turbo! Also just another way some ass wipe wanted to stir shit up. Good for vettes, bad ass American cars. But like others have said let's get teams out there with a purpose of factories setting records.

Sent from my [device_name] using the svtperformance.com mobile app

Never happen as there is no pre and post testing if the oem vehicles.

 

[ROMM]

"Well I guess I'll have to cancel my new Ford GT order and get a Corvette ZR1 instead"
-said by no one in the world...

 

[ON D BIT]

I do believe Pobst did beat him in the zr1 1le during the motor trend testing

Numbers and source?

 

[jleews6]

I like how you try to make it sound like a couple of red necks just happen to be at VIR with a GT and just HAPPEN to whip out a stop watch and time a lap. LOL When in reality it was a Ford GT race (PRO ) driver. Both are awesome cars man. Get over it.

 

[Voltwings]

I beg to differ...

So I can just line up next to a hellcat, honk it off and floor it and claim i'm faster? That's basically what is being claimed here. The ZR1 is a monster for sure, but it would get its ass handed to it by a GT that was trying, and that goes without saying because it's just a much more purpose built car.

 

[ON D BIT]

I like how you try to make it sound like a couple of red necks just happen to be at VIR with a GT and just HAPPEN to whip out a stop watch and time a lap. LOL When in reality it was a Ford GT race (PRO ) driver. Both are awesome cars man. Get over it.

Yes a pro driver who shows up in flip flops a T-shirt taking selfies at 158 through turn on a one and done speed lap all the while being asked to preserve tires.
Meanwhile marketing runs takes weeks and months of preperation(Porsche said they take up to 6 months to get their best ring times) while running hundreds of laps only to pick and choose their best one.

Not to mention gm lack of integrity from years past...

 

[Snagged]

Yes a pro driver who shows up in flip flops a T-shirt taking selfies at 158 through turn on a one and done speed lap all the while being asked to preserve tires.
Meanwhile marketing runs takes weeks and months of preperation(Porsche said they take up to 6 months to get their best ring times) while running hundreds of laps only to pick and choose their best one.

Not to mention gm lack of integrity from years past...

Lol, he was taking selfies during that particular timed run? That is just plain funny and great all at the same time!

 

[ZYBORG]

ON D BIT having a full meltdown because an engineer driving a blue collar full blooded American car kills the record set by a PRO driver in the exotic-like “invite-only” imported FGT.

Excuses flying like incoming fire at Restrepo.

“Hey guys, I heard the FGT wasnt even trying, battery was only half charged, 3 of the tires were above optimal tire pressure and the driver’s seat didnt have proper lumbar support”

 

[gimmie11s]

ZR1 is a bad bitch!

Holy dog balls.

Great videos!

 

[blk02edge]

ON D BIT having a full meltdown because an engineer driving a blue collar full blooded American car kills the record set by a PRO driver in the exotic-like “invite-only” imported FGT.

Excuses flying like incoming fire at Restrepo.

“Hey guys, I heard the FGT wasnt even trying, battery was only half charged, 3 of the tires were above optimal tire pressure and the driver’s seat didnt have proper lumbar support”

You should just stop man, you are no better, both 5 star nut swingers who act like any of the points you make matter

 

[gimmie11s]

ON D BIT having a full meltdown because an engineer driving a blue collar full blooded American car kills the record set by a PRO driver in the exotic-like “invite-only” imported FGT.

Excuses flying like incoming fire at Restrepo.

“Hey guys, I heard the FGT wasnt even trying, battery was only half charged, 3 of the tires were above optimal tire pressure and the driver’s seat didnt have proper lumbar support”

Bahahaha x10 !!!