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2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 vs. Camaro ZL1 1LE Track Battle Ends in Obliteration

A German track battle between two pieces of America. Now this is something you don't get to see all that often, especially not when talking about uber-sharp chronograph numbers. Well, the circuit brawl involving the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE is one of the exceptions.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 vs. Camaro ZL1 1LE Track Battle 5 photos
Photo: Sport Auto/YouTube
2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZR1 vs. 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE Track Battle2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZR1 vs. 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE Track Battle2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZR1 vs. 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE Track Battle2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZR1 vs. 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE Track Battle
The hostilities were possible thanks to Sport Auto, a German magazine that deserves its status as an authority in terms of independent lap times, having delivered many of the Nurburgring lap times we use as reference points (the 7:10 of the Mercedes-AMG GT R is an example as good as any).

Of course, these times are below those offered by carmakers themselves - while editor Christian Gebhardt is a brilliant machine wielder, factory drivers still push the machines harder.

Regardless, the 650 hp (659 PS) muscle car and the 755 hp (765 PS) supercar were brought to Hockenheim, using the short layout of the circuit - keep in mind that while the ZL1 1LE only comes in manual trim, an automatic ZR1 was used in this battle (don't ask us why, though).

This is a brilliant opportunity to remind you that the 1LE package allowed the Camaro ZL1 to redefine muscle car standards on the Green Hell, with the thing having lapped the infamous German track in 7:16.

As for how the C7-generation ZR1 performs on the Nordschleife... things are complicated.

Interestingly, Chevrolet has yet to deliver a Green Hell lap time for the ZR1. Keep in mind that the uber-Corvette has been blitzing the Nordschleife since last year, with the automaker explaining that it chose to develop the car in 2017 and set a lap time this year.

Ring gossip talks about the 'Vette struggling to go under the seven-minute barrier, which would explain its maker's silence.

Nevertheless, we'll keep an eye out for ZR1-related Nurburgring adventures and return to you as soon as we get our hands on fresh info.

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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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