Casual drivers and racers will never be able to unleash a performance car’s full potential. But, we can at least get an idea from drivers with experience on the track who know their cars well enough to run them quicker than the average driver. That’s what we have here today.
We shouldn’t take the results as conclusive as this 2019 C7 Corvette ZR1 chases after a McLaren 720S, but it’s still rather impressive. The 2019 C7 Corvette ZR1 does its best to tail the McLaren and does a rather good job through corners, though it appears the 720S driver is braking a bit early, handing an advantage to the Corvette.
But, when it comes to the straights, the 720S just pulls away. It’s the second time we’ve seen the McLaren shame the ZR1 in a straight-line race. After watching the 755-horsepower American star take on the 720S in the quarter-mile and roll races, it became clear the McLaren is simply a quicker machine. Although the British supercar is down on power with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine making 710 horsepower, it weighs considerably less. The ZR1 tips the scales at 3,600 pounds compared to the 720S’ 3,200-pound figure. Every time, the 720S just rockets away from the ZR1.
Interestingly enough, the 2019 C7 Corvette ZR1 was actually quicker than a 720S during Car and Driver’s Lightning Lap at Virginia International Raceway. But, it was only by two tenths. The Corvette managed a 2:39.5 versus the McLaren’s 2:39.7. However, the ZR1 still holds the track record with a 2:37.25 time around the grand course.
But, the fact we sit here comparing the Corvette to a McLaren is downright impressive in itself. It outpaced the Brit around VIR this year, and that’s something engineers should be mighty proud of. Did we mention the ZR1 is rather affordable compared to its competition?
Comments
2019 C7 Corvette ZR1 (LL4 category) giving a McLaren 720S (LL5 category) a run for the money. The Mclaren doesn’t impress.
The 720 is shaming basically everything in a straight line. It is a rocket ship