The world of technology and power has brought us to a fascinating point where a road car can challenge even the mighty race car. In our quest to find out, we embarked on a thrilling adventure with Chevrolet’s latest Corvette models, pitting them against a Triple Eight Race Engineering Red Bull Ampol Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Supercar. A decade ago, when electric technology was still in its infancy, we had the opportunity to race a Tesla Model S against a V8 Supercar. The results were astonishing, with the Tesla’s capabilities leaving the Supercar in its dust. However, we’re now ten years further down the line, and we’re eager to see how the road car stacks up against the race car in a head-to-head challenge. To put our road car to the test, we selected the hybrid, all-wheel-drive Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, known for its impressive performance and efficiency. Meanwhile, the race team brought their A-game, with the 2024 Triple Eight Race Engineering Red Bull Ampol Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Supercar, boasting a 5.7-liter pushrod V8 engine with 447kW (600hp) and a weight of 1335kg (including the driver). For a drag race, we chose the E-Ray’s hybrid powertrain, which combines a 6.2-liter V8 petrol engine with a 1.9kWh battery pack. The result? A lap time of 2.42 seconds, with the Corvette crossing the line 2.42 seconds before the Camaro.
- The Corvette’s hybrid powertrain provided a significant advantage in the drag race, thanks to its all-wheel-drive system and advanced electric motor.
- The Camaro’s raw power and single-wheel drive configuration couldn’t match the E-Ray’s acceleration.
However, we soon discovered that the Corvette’s capabilities extended beyond the drag strip. We invited professional driver Craig Lowndes to take the Corvette Z06 on a full-timed lap around Queensland Raceway, a circuit that demands high-speed braking and cornering. The Corvette Z06, priced at $336,000, features a 5.5-liter V8 engine with a flat-plane crank, allowing it to reach an impressive 8550rpm and 475kW (600hp) of power through the rear wheels. Despite being heavier than the Camaro, the Z06’s lightweight construction and aerodynamic enhancements made it a formidable competitor.
| Key Features | 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 | 2024 Triple Eight Race Engineering Red Bull Ampol Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Supercar |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5.5-liter V8 with flat-plane crank | 5.7-liter pushrod V8 |
| Power | 475kW (600hp) | 447kW (600hp) |
| Weight | 1661kg | 1335kg (including driver) |
During the full-timed lap, Craig demonstrated the Corvette’s impressive handling and braking capabilities, achieving a lap time of 1:15.5, just three seconds off the pace of the Camaro Supercar. Moreover, the Corvette Z06 set a new lap record for a production car at Queensland Raceway, unofficially beating the record set by a BMW F80 M3 in 2022.
“The Corvette Z06 is an incredible machine, and I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to drive it,” said Craig Lowndes. “With a few tweaks to the aerodynamics, I believe we could make it even faster and closer to the Camaro Supercar.”
In conclusion, our challenge has proven that a road car can indeed be faster than a race car, at least in certain conditions. The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray and Z06 demonstrated exceptional performance and handling capabilities, making them formidable competitors against the Triple Eight Race Engineering Red Bull Ampol Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Supercar. As we reflect on our experience, we’re reminded that technology and innovation continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of motorsports and road cars. The Corvette’s hybrid powertrain and advanced electric motor have opened up new possibilities for performance and efficiency, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts and collectors alike. A huge thank you to Triple Eight Red Bull Ampol Racing, Craig Lowndes, and the team at GMSV for making this exciting challenge a reality. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these incredible machines.