The 2021 C8 Corvette Z06 has been caught testing in the mountains of California this week, and the video that bystanders managed to take revealed one hell of an engine note from its upcoming DOHC flat-plane crank V8. However, they missed something: the benchmark car. Turns out, it’s none other than a 911-generation Porsche 911 GT2 RS. It’s evident from Facebook user Brandon Byers, who managed to grab a photo and share it for the world to see.
If you’re unfamiliar with the 991-generation Porsche 911 GT2 RS, here are some performance stats for you: it set a lap record of 1:24.88 around Road Atlanta, besting the C7 Corvette ZR1 by nearly two seconds. If that’s not impressive enough, it blitzed the Nürburging in 6:47.30. Only the $517,770 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ has posted a faster production car lap time.
GM is benchmarking the C8 Corvette Z06 with the 911 GT2 RS for several reasons. While the outright performance is a main target, the Porsche also features a dual-clutch transmission, carbon ceramic brakes, radical aerodynamics such as a massive adjustable rear wing and NACA ducts, and utilizes a top-shelf suspension system consisting of steel ball joints, bushings, racing springs, and highly aggressive camber. Making contact with the road is a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R N0 tires, which wrap a set of unique center-locking wheels that look like they came from the factory race car. Its 3.8L twin-turbo flat-6 engine is rated at a whopping 700 horsepower, and is capable of accelerating the GT2 RS from 0-60 in just 2.7 seconds.
The price to pay for all of this blitzkrieg performance began at a steep base price of $293,200. The Weissach package tacked on another $31,000, which included super light magnesium wheels, carbon fiber roof, antiroll bars and end-links on both axles, seats from the 918, and Alcantara accents. Only 1,000 Porsche 911 GT2 RS supercars were said to be built, and yes, they’ve sold out.
Porsche launched the 992-generation 911 last year, which starts a new product lifecycle for the iconic German sports car.
When the C8 Corvette Z06 comes to market, expect far more volume, at a far more agreeable price, but with highly comparable performance as the 991 Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Stay tuned for more.