The all-new Chevrolet Corvette C8 is a performance dream, packing impressive mid-engine punch and bringing the fight to the world’s best sports cars. Now, professional racing driver Randy Pobst is putting the new 2020 Corvette Z51 to the test with a few hot laps at the challenging Laguna Seca Raceway in California, as documented in the following six-minute, 18-second video.
Coming to us from the folks at MotorTrend, these 2020 Corvette Z51 hot laps were performed as part of the publication’s “Best Diver’s Car” shootout, which means the new C8 is up against some pretty stout competition. Nevertheless, Chevy’s mid-engine super star performed admirably, laying down a lap time of 1:37.83 around the two-and-a-quarter mile race track.
Interestingly, the 2020 Corvette Z51’s lap time is just a few tenths off the time set by the C7 Corvette Z51. However, the way in which the C8 managed that quicker time left a big impression on Pobst.
“It’s world-class handling for the first time,” Pobst says. “It’s not brutal. The [C7], you always thought like you were in a wrestling match or a boxing match. [The C8], man, you’re lined up and feeling good.”
Interestingly, the folks at MotorTrend point out that the Vette is running street-friendly Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, whereas the rest of the vehicles in the shootout are running stickier R-compound tires.
Indeed, watching Pobst fling the new 2020 Corvette Z51 around Laguna Seca is a delight to watch. Not only are his skills undeniable, but watching how the mid-engine C8 reacts to the pro’s deft inputs and control proves it to be a willing dance partner on the race track.
Hit play to watch the full lap in all its glory, and to hear Pobst’s feedback in the pits:
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Comments
Randy Pobst drove a 2014 Z/28 around the same track in 1:37.82. I thought the C8 would of been quicker.
I’ve watched the clip and they did a bad to C8 imo. The big mouth driver never pushed to car to its limits , he drove as if he’s in a parade lap while constantly uttering scripted statements. How come you rip C7, “It’s world-class handling for the first time” and praise C8’s handling to the skies then just narrowly beat C7’s time.
It can’t be all about tires ,and if it’s then replace the dam tires and create a level playing field. I don’t believe Stingray five full seconds lover than 911 and F8. If the driver is able to achieve better times with Camaro and C7 and he definitely didn’t do justice to a mid-engine car.
Wow, I didn’t catch that the Stingray was 5 seconds slower than the 911. Granted, that’s a different class of car so it’s not a fair comparison. But 5 seconds is still a lot, regardless. The F8 had better tires so that difference is understandable. But the 911 was on street tires as well
He also said it was boring and ranked it second to last in the competition. Surprised it’s not better
Fat bastard cant get in and drive himself
Severe understeer no extra charge. Looks like a sales ad.
put some tires on it, then watch what happens.
The 911 was also on street tires and apparently fared much better.
Thankyou for this sound opinion on what is normally an overlooked topic. Is it okay to link this with my people?
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