Jay Leno Does 200 MPH In The 2019 C7 Corvette ZR1: Video
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One of the worlds biggest car nuts got some seat time in the 2019 C7 Corvette ZR1. We’re talking about Jay Leno, who took Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter around a high-speed ring for a 200 mph-plus run.
The scene below is from a recent episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage” which airs on CNBC every Thursday. The Corvette ZR1, in particular, features the eight-speed automatic transmission and the low-wing aero package to make sure the car sticks on the banked track.
The video mostly consists of Leno calling out the speeds as he flips through double digits and quickly rolls through triple-digit figures. Then, 200 mph comes and the Corvette ZR1 climbs for a little while longer as Juechter cheers Leno on.
Leno’s run follows Chevrolet’s own tests that revealed a 212 mph average top speed for the Corvette ZR1. Clearly, 200 mph-plus is no challenge for the 755-horsepower sports car.
Have a look at the video right down below.
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Jay Leno has brass balls.
He is a car guy. 200 is expected.
Tach indicates an upshift at 202 mph. Sweet.
Go Jay, you are one heck of a car guy. I watch your show all the time. This Vette is Definitely my power ball car. Mike
I like that he actually drives his cars, but why do they have helmets and fire suits? They are driving a street legal ZR1 that should have zero safety equipment except what comes with it from the factory!
Because it might just might keep you alive in a crash could be a good reason.
Just because it can do 212 mph does not preclude the use of safety equipment. That is unless you are pretty stupid.
I spoke to John Lingenfelter about his runs in the Corvettes he built to 230 mph. He had sad 300 was possible but he also said he was not stupid either as if he lost a tire little would be found of him.
Just because a car is capable does not preclude a gruesome death if the right precautions are not take or luck is had.
Note John was no wimp as he died in an accident with his 200 mph plus Cobalt with a full cage and pro stock chassis. Even with the right equipment you just run out of luck at those speeds and force sometimes.
Might note they also had a roll cage, fire system and full racing seats added for extra safey. Even then they are limited in a production car.
Ok if somebody wants to use it then fine if they feel they need to! But it should not be forced upon you to use.
This is one of the reasons I stopped going to the local dragstrip, they make you wear and use all these safety devices. Even if I agreed to sign a waiver!
I see zero need to have anything more then a seatbelt when driving a stock car, and hell I hate doing that as it is!
Here’s what I find funny guys that use the safety equipment died when they get into crashes so what’s the point! If you are going over certain speed it doesn’t matter what kind of safety equipment you have!
It’s not about being brave it’s about having as much fun as possible, people try to make life so boring these days with making everything you do as safe as possible!
People can and die as they please. But on GM property OSHA over sight makes GM rules on safety to protect people from themselves and GM from lawsuits.
FYI Like John told me if he was doing 230 MPH in his TT V8 Vette and lost a tire they would be picking him up in a little bag.
Brian do as you like please but at least have the life insurance paid up for your family.
When you play at speeds like that there are two kinds of drivers those who have crashed and those who are going to at some point.
From your comments I can see you have never seen a true high speed. The forces multiply fast once you get over 100 MPH and up.
I wish John were around to work on this car. He drove Callaway’s Sledgehammer 100 mph faster than a stock C4 would go. I believe he could add at least 50 mph to this one.
I was thinking I wonder what he could do with a C8.
He got 1500 HP from a Ecotec 4 Turbo and he loved Turbo chargers.
His last TT Corvette was 230 mph and you could drive it anywhere. He drove it to our shop in the middle of winter for a Christmas party.
He was a great racer, great engine builder and even a greater person. I miss him.