Rumors Say Chevy Is Planning A Nurburgring Record Run With Corvette
Rumor has it Chevrolet wants to go after the Nurburgring record recently set by the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD.
Key Points
- Ford’s Nürburgring lap record with the Mustang GTD (6:52.072) may soon be challenged as GM prepares the Corvette ZR1 for a possible official timed run at the track.
- At least six Corvette prototypes are currently testing at the Nürburgring, including Z06, ZR1, and rumored hybrid Zora models, with track time booked for a potential lap attempt later this month.
- The ZR1 is expected to significantly outperform the Z06's previous 7:10.51 lap, thanks to a major power increase and enhanced aerodynamic components, positioning it as a likely contender for the fastest American production car title.
Last year, Ford made headlines when the GTD became the fastest American production car around the German circuit, clocking in with a 6:57.685. It went even quicker this year, shaving 5 seconds off for a 6:52.072.
According to CorvetteBlogger, multiple ZR1 prototypes are currently testing at the Nurburgring. Spy photographers claim there are at least six C8 Corvettes in action, including two Z06s, two ZR1s, and two prototype cars believed to be early versions of the long-rumored hybrid Zora model (that won't be called Zora).
More importantly, GM is rumored to have officially booked time at the circuit later this month—potentially for an official lap attempt.
General Motors has never released official Nurburgring times for any generation Corvette, leaving the lap-time game to private efforts. According to the report, the Corvette team will be in Germany for several weeks; initially getting acclimated before attempting at least two record runs on the 12.9-mile track following this weekend's 24 hours of Le Mans and the Nurburgring 24h race a week later.
While GM hasn’t publicly confirmed a record attempt, Corvette engineers have been fairly open about their Nurburgring development work. With production versions nearly finalized, it appears GM may now be ready to shoot its shot. Last year, the Corvette team went on a record-setting run at some of America's most iconic race tracks, including Laguna Seca and Road America.
Is the Corvette ZR1 going to knock the Mustang GTD from its perch as the fastest American car to ever lap the Green Hell?
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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and i care because…
the computer-driven assaults on fast times that pass for racing today do not improve the breed, only the price;