If anybody out there is still unimpressed by the new 2019 Corvette ZR1, knowing that it managed to beat a Ford GT around the Virginia International Raceway should definitely turn your frown upside down.
The new ZR1 is a stunningly-fast car, thanks to its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. At its peak, it produces 765 PS (755 HP) and 715 lb-ft (968 Nm) of torque, hitting the rear wheels with the help of an 8-speed automatic transmission.
In a straight line, it will do 0-60 (96 km/h) in 2.85 seconds and max out at 212 mph (341 km/h). It’s also been rumored to cover a 1/4 mile in 10.6 seconds at 134 mph (215 km/h). As for its Virginia Raceway time, it did a 2:37.25, edging out the new Ford GT’s 2:38.62.
With these types of performance figures, it’s no wonder Jay Leno fell head over heels for the ZR1, which he previously drove to 202 mph (325 km/h) at the Milford Proving Grounds. Now, together with Corvette product specialist Shad Balch, the former Tonight Show host took the ZR1 out for a more in-depth spin in traffic.
Among the many things he liked about the car was its soundtrack, but also what he called “the rush of torque”, due to the fact that you don’t have to rev the engine too much in order to gain access to those 715 lb-ft. He even says that fourth gear feels like second gear and that “there’s no sane way” in which you can take the car to its limits on the street.