2019 Corvette ZR1 Beats The Ford GT To Claim New Lap Record At VIR

The rivalry between Ford and General Motors is alive and well as Chevrolet has revealed the 2019 Corvette ZR1 has set a production-car lap record at the Virginia International Raceway.

The record was set in a Corvette ZR1 Coupe which was equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the $2,995 ZTK Performance Package. The latter item adds a unique front splitter, an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing, a retuned Magnetic Ride Control system, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

Chevrolet says the record was set during routine validation testing earlier this month when vehicle dynamics engineer Jim Mero posted a time of 2:37.25. This beats the previous record of 2:38.62 which was set by the Ford GT.

In a statement heralding the achievement, GM executive vice president Mark Reuss said “The Corvette ZR1’s lap record at VIR, arguably America’s most challenging road course, is a testament to its supercar status.” He added, “On the racetrack, the ZR1 can compete with any supercar — at any price.”

Speaking of the latter, the Corvette ZR1 will go on sale this spring with a base price of $119,995. That’s more than twice the price of the standard model but the ZR1 features a supercharged 6.2-liter LT5 V8 engine that develops 755 hp (563 kW) and 715 lb-ft (969 Nm) of torque. It enables the coupe to hit a top speed in excess of 210 mph (337 km/h).