ZR1(x?) Spied at Nürburgring! Is the GM Video Teaser Posted on 6:28 a Clue?
GM posted a drone shot teaser of a ZR1 or ZR1x running hard at Germany’s famed Nürburging, sparking speculation of its time.
OK, let’s be honest. If GM took its new supercar, the C8 Corvette ZR1 (or the just announced ZR1x hypercar) to the ’Ring and didn’t break a record, would it be teasing the event online? Over on Corvette’s Instagram page, GM posted a short drone chase video of a yellow ZR1 or ZR1x running the most famous track on the planet, Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, also called the ’Ring or more affectionately The Green Hell.
AI Quick Summary
GM teased a video of a Corvette ZR1 or ZR1x at the Nürburgring, hinting it might have achieved a lap time of 6:28. The ZR1 has already set five track records in the U.S. The video was posted on June 28, sparking speculation about the possible lap time announcement on July 4.
This summary was generated by AI using content from this MotorTrend article
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What Did the ZR1 or ZR1x Corvette Run at Nürburging?
The clip is blurry and short, but it is, at the very least, a ZR1 with the ZTK package tearing around the famed German track. There’s no way to tell if it’s a ZR1 or the new AWD, electric-boosted, and somewhat bonkers ZR1x. Either way, we’re expecting GM to announce the lap times soon. Perhaps on the 4th of July?
Is the Date a Clue to the Lap Time?
The fact that the video clip was posted on June 28 wasn’t lost on those speculating about the possible lap times of GM’s newest swing at the performance piñata. 6:28 would be an amazing lap time, and for those with short-term memory, the Ford Mustang GTD, which costs considerably more cash, ran the ’Ring in 6:52.072. That time made it one of the fastest production cars to ever run the circuit. Only seven production cars have ever turned in sub-seven-minute lap times. The fastest production car to run the ’Ring is the Mercedes-AMG ONE, which did it in 6:29.09, and keep in mind that’s a car that costs close to $3 million.
The ZR1 Is Already Breaking Hearts and Records
We wouldn’t be shocked at a 6.28xx lap time for the ZR1 (not to mention the AWD ZR1x) given that it’s already kicking the crap out of records here in the states. How many? Well, the ZR1 has already crushed five track records while being driven by four GM drivers.
4 Drivers and 5 Records Broken!
Below are the five tracks and the Corvette ZR1’s lap times, each with a GM driver at the wheel:
- Watkins Glen Long Course: 1:52.7. Driver: Bill Wise, Lead Performance Engineer, Chassis Controls
- Road America: 2:08.6. Driver: Brian Wallace, Lead Vehicle Dynamics Engineer
- Road Atlanta: 1:22.8. Driver: Chris Barber, Lead Development Engineer
- Virginia International Raceway Full Course: 1:47.7. Driver: Aaron Link, Global Vehicle Performance Manager
- Virginia International Raceway Grand Course: 2:32.3. Driver: Aaron Link
The drivers set out on this track tour with a pre-production Corvette ZR1 equipped with the optional ZTK Performance package. The ZTK package notably adds an aggressive, high-downforce rear wing, front dive planes, and a tall hood Gurney lip—all constructed from woven carbon fiber. Underneath, underbody strakes replace the standard front underwing stall Gurney to substantially increase front downforce. The suspension tuning included in the ZTK package incorporates stiffer springs and adds Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R ZP tires.
So, keep an eye on GM’s various social media accounts for the big ’Ring lap time reveal and see if the 6.28 lap time prediction pans out.
Born and raised in Southern California I started as the technical editor for Popular Hot Rodding (PHR) magazine where I learned the business before moving over to work with Nick Licata, at Camaro Performers, as his tech editor. At PHR I built a 1968 Camaro called Bad Penny that was one of the earlier pro-touring cars that actually ran the track hard. We won the first Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational in 2008 and placed well several other years. At Camaro Performers we started several project cars and did a ton of tech. Eventually I was made editor of Vette magazine for a short time before being slotted to run Super Chevy magazine. Running the brands was fun, but I've always enjoyed being a technical writer more. So after more than 15 years I'm back to writing tech content, this time for the HOT ROD network. I enjoy being with my family, shooting, and working on my latest car, a 1969 Camaro called Tri Tip.
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