When Chevrolet announced it had finally begun production of the highly anticipated 2020 mid-engine Corvette in early February, it also released a trailer for an in-house documentary that takes a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to make the car. In that trailer is the new Corvette's much-awaited Nürburgring lap time: 7:29.9.
The time, first spotted by Roadshow, is hidden around the 0:52 mark in the trailer above, superimposed onto the track as a virtual piece of graffiti art, intended to blend in and act as a sort of Easter egg. A Chevy spokesperson confirmed the unofficial time to Road & Track, telling them it was a Z51 package–equipped car that did the job. The $5000 package includes Michelin summer tires, a rear spoiler that GM says helps make 400 pounds of downforce, added cooling hardware, an exhaust that ups power and torque, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
For Sale Near You
See all results for used cars for sale near 60323
According to GM, it was Corvette Racing factory driver Oliver Gavin who set the time, assisted in the pits by a group of development engineers. You may recognize Gavin's name because he is a five-time Le Mans 24-hour class winner (not a big deal).
The 7:29.9 time makes the C8 Corvette faster than the previous-generation C7 by around 10 seconds. Impressively, it's also quicker than the new 992-generation Porsche 911 Carrera S, well at least one driven by the German publication Sport Auto which set a 7:30.41 lap time in fall 2019.
Brian Silvestro was Hearst Autos' former lead deputy editor for rankings content. He spent over seven years as a staff writer for Road & Track Magazine where he contributed car reviews, industry interviews, and more. He has a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing.
