C8 CORVETTE HANGS WITH EXOTIC PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS ON THE TRACK

The C8 Corvette is turning out to be a very impressive track car. It managed an impressive 7:29.9 Nurburgring lap time, which is slower than an original 7:28.3 we reported from before Chevy toned down the car for daily driving. Now that customers are receiving their cars, we are getting more and more accounts of how the car handles on the track. In a new video from Speed Phenom, we see the Corvette pushed hard at Willow Springs Raceway in California. Most impressive, though, is the car it keeps up with: the mighty Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

For reference, the 991-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS starts at $190,050, and could climb above $250,000 with all options checked. Check out the video below. By comparison, the $60,000 MSRP of the C8 Corvette is chump change.

As you can see, the Corvette holds its own against the GT3 RS for close to 20 minutes of track driving. Now, we aren’t saying the Corvette is faster than the Porsche. Many factors, such as driver skill, vehicle and tire condition, and how hard the cars are being driven are at play. That being said, it looks like the C8 is being handled properly. The GT3 RS also gets its tail out in some corners, so its safe to assume its driver wasn’t taking it easy, and was probably annoyed that a sub-$100,000 sports car was on its tail.

In terms of output, the 2020 Corvette Stingray Z51 delivers 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The late-model 911 GT3 RS delivers 520 horsepower, but just 346 lb-ft of torque. Keep in mind, however, that it revs up to a screaming 9,000 RPM, and all of its power is found well above the rev limits of the C8 Stingray.

The driver doesn’t comment much during the video, but notes there is a little understeer through some corners. The Corvette puts its power down extremely well, with very little oversteer. Having the engine’s weight in the middle gives the back tires great traction out of corners, as the driver notes. Importantly, the driver set up his car for track use along Chevy’s guidelines. This includes camber of -3.0 degrees in front and -2.5 at the rear.

It looks like Chevy did a great job prepping even the base Corvette for track driving. The GT3 RS has more power, less weight, more downforce and grippier tires. It’s a purpose-built track car. But the humble C8 Corvette doesn’t care, it just keeps up through corners and straights, with a great V8 soundtrack to back it up. The driver gives his thoughts at the end of the video, and he is very happy with how the Corvette performed. Impressive work from a sports car designed for the everyday.