As every gearhead and their pet knows, Chevrolet has reinvented the Corvette for the latest generation. The C8 boasts a rear mid-engine layout in a premiere. And that is certainly not all, as the E-Ray is the first electrified 'Vette, boasting an all-wheel drive system at the same time.
Despite the eco-friendlier powertrain, the E-Ray does not sit at the top of the C8 family as far as pricing is concerned. It has an MSRP of $102,900 in the United States, and the Z06, aka the more track-focused version, starts at $108,100 before destination and dealer fees. As for the entry-level Stingray, you can get one from $66,300 plus destination if you are fortunate enough to come across a base one in dealer lots.
With 670 horsepower on tap produced by the flat-plane crank 5.5-liter V8, which was developed with Ferrari's indirect expertise, as engineers bought the engine of a 458 on eBay and proceeded to learn its secrets, the Z06 takes only 2.6 seconds from rest to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) – if you tick the Z07 Performance Package box. The torque is rated at 460 pound-feet (624 Nm), and the lump can be revved all the way up to 8,600 rpm. It works together with an eight-speed automatic gearbox with a dual-clutch that delivers everything to the rear axle.
On paper, the C8 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a true beast that won't embarrass its driver at the racetrack, if they know what they are doing, that is. It is also a force to be reckoned with in a straight-line sprint, hence the numerous recorded runs at various drag strips nationwide. As for one of the latest, which was shared by Wheels on YouTube recently, it shows it taking on an unlikely rival. We're talking about the Tesla Model 3 in a very hot configuration, by the looks of it, which relies on electrons to take it to and fro.
The instant thrust available via the right pedal and the jaw-dropping amount of power may be enough to shatter numerous quick rides, but is it plenty to put the Z06 in its corner? We won't spoil the video, which is only two and a half minutes long, but we will tell you that one of them crossed the finish line in 11.33 seconds at 125.42 mph (201.84 kph), and the other did it in 11.54 seconds with an exit speed of 116.01 mph (186.7 kph). The footage shows the same 'Vette going head-to-head down the quarter mile with other fast rides, so it is certainly worth a look. Now, do you think the Tesla can beat the mighty Z06? This would be a good time to place a bet.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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