2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51 Hot Lap! - 2020 Best Driver's Car Contender

Pro driver Randy Pobst hot laps the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (3LT Z51) around WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for MotorTrend's 2020 Best Driver's Car presented by Tire Rack. Get the pros and cons right here ➡️ bit.ly/3hcwLr7#MotorTrend #Corvette #C8 #TireRack
Best Driver's Car and World's Greatest Drag Race 10 KZbin Schedule:
Best Driver's Car hot laps - 12/27/20-12/29/20
Best Driver's Car winner - 12/30/20
World's Greatest Drag Race 10 FULL video - 12/31/20
MotorTrend is the ultimate streaming destination for gearheads coupled with the latest automotive research and news.
Start your MotorTrend Streaming Free Trial today!
Follow MotorTrend for the latest!
MotorTrend News: www.motortrend.com
MotorTrend App: www.motortrendondemand.com
Facebook: / motortrend
Instagram: / motortrend
Twitter: / motortrend
TikTok: / motortrend

[@Dolby109]

Lap times from this year's Best Drivers Car: 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo - 1:32.27 2020 Lamborghini Huracan Evo - 1:32.85 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S - 1:32.97 2020 Ford Mustang GT500 CF - 1:33.84 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 - 1:36.14 2020 Corvette Stingray Z51 - 1:37.83 2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo - 1:40.27 *All Randy Pobst - Laguna Seca lap times McLaren Senna (P15) Randy Pobst 1:27.62 Porsche 911 GT2 RS (991) Randy Pobst 1:28.30 Dodge Viper ACR (Mk V) Randy Pobst 1:28.65 McLaren 720S Randy Pobst 1:29.78 Porsche 918 Spyder Randy Pobst 1:29.89 Lamborghini Huracan Performante - 1:30.00 McLaren P1 Randy Pobst 1:30.71 Gunther Werks Porsche 911 (993) - 1:30.99 Dodge Viper ACR (Mk V) - 1:31.58 Ferrari 488 GTB - 1:31.68 ~2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo - 1:32.27 Chevrolet C7 Corvette ZR1 - 1:32.46 ~2020 Lamborghini Huracan Evo - 1:32.85 ~2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S - 1:32.97 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R - 1:33.01 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C7) - 1:33.05 Porsche 911 Turbo S - 1:33.21 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991) - 1:33.29 SRT Viper TA - 1:33.62 649 / 1520 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - 1:33.70 ~2020 Ford Mustang GT500 CF - 1:33.84 SRT Viper GTS - 1:34.23 Audi R8 V10 Plus (Mk II) - 1:34.23 Camaro ZL1 1LE Package - 1:34.30 Corvette Z06 (2012) - 1:34.43 McLaren MP4-12C - 1:34.50 McLaren 570S - 1:34.58 SRT Viper - 1:34.63 Nissan GT-R Nismo (R35) - 1:35.01 SLS AMG Black Series - 1:35.03 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S - 1:35.30 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 - 1:35.40 Nissan GT-R Nismo (R35) - 1:35.51 Porsche 911 Carrera S (992) - 1:35.52 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S - 1:35.57 Porsche 911 Turbo S (991) - 1:35.62 Corvette Grand Sport - 1:35.62 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R - 1:36.11 ~2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 - 1:36.14 Ferrari 458 Italia - 1:36.22 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 S - 1:36.26 Honda NSX (Mk II) - 1:36.36 Lexus LFA - 1:36.39 Nissan GT-R (R35 550 PS) - 1:36.63 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 - 1:36.83 Jaguar XE SV Project 8 - 1:36.96 Porsche Cayman GT4 (981) - 1:37.43 BMW M4 GTS - 1:37.66 Camaro SS 1LE Package - 1:37.78 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 - 1:37.82 ~2020 Corvette Stingray Z51 - 1:37.83 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta - 1:38.04 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera - 1:38.27 Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray - 1:38.28 Aston Martin Vantage (Mk II) - 1:38.42 Ford Mustang GT PP2 - 1:38.42 Cadillac CTS-V (Mk III) Randy Pobst 1:38.52 Chevrolet C6 Corvette ZR1 - 1:38.70 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 - 1:38.70 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI Plus (Gen1) - 1:38.70 Jaguar F-Type SVR - 1:38.75 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - 1:38.82 C 63 AMG Coupe Black Series - 1:38.90 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (991) - 1:39.00 Chevrolet Gen5 Camaro ZL1 - 1:39.18 Porsche 911 Carrera S (991) - 1:39.30 BMW M850i (G15) - 1:39.40 Ford Mustang Boss 302 LS - 1:39.50 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe - 1:39.65 Alfa Romeo Giulia QV - 1:39.68 BMW M4 - 1:39.69 BMW M5 (F90) - 1:39.81 Audi TT RS Coupe (Mk III) - 1:39.95 Aston Martin DB11 - 1:40.05 Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI (Mk I) - 1:40.20 ~2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo - 1:40.27 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG S - 1:40.50 BMW M6 (F13) - 1:40.52 Toyota Supra (Mk V) - 1:40.57 Aston Martin AM 310 Vanquish - 1:40.71 Jaguar F-Type V8 S - 1:40.81 BMW M2 Competition (F87) - 1:40.83 Lamborghini Urus - 1:40.90 Bentley Continental GT V8 - 1:41.21 Porsche Cayman S (981) - 1:41.26 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S - 1:41.77 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe - 1:42.00 E 63 AMG S T-Modell - 1:42.39 Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye - 1:42.70 Jaguar XKR-S (550 PS) - 1:42.90 Ford Mustang Boss 302 LS - 1:43.00 Lexus RC F - 1:43.20 Lexus LC 500 - 1:43.40 C 63 AMG Coupe Edition 507 - 1:43.45 Bentley Continental GT-3 R - 1:43.51 Alfa Romeo 4C - 1:43.78 Honda Civic Type R (FK8) - 1:44.22 BMW i8 - 1:44.29 VW Golf R (Mk VII) - 1:46.01 Bentley Continental GT Speed - 1:46.60 Subaru WRX STI - 1:47.16 Ford Focus ST - 1:49.30 VW Golf GTI (Mk VII 220 PS) - 1:50.11 Mazda MX-5 ND - 1:50.68 Ford Fiesta ST - 1:51.25 Subaru BRZ - 1:51.30

[@jmm1174]

The lap time of the Corvette C8 Z51 was terrible. I wonder if they were using the track alignment 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@Dolby109]

@@jmm1174 I agree, it was pretty bad. The thing is MT usually lets the manufacturers bring along reps, and GM like Ferrari often brings several, so that they can make adjustments to the car. One year when the old Z06 was acting up they found the supercharger intercooler pump was unplugged, but they found it too late. Anyway while the lap was faster than the C7 Z51 it was marginally slower than the Camaro SS 1LE, and given the roughly 1 second quarter mile difference between the two cars I am surprised the C8 wasn't faster.

[@Dolby109]

Updated with all Randy Pobst lap times for Laguna Seca.

[@jasondoe5741]

YOU ARE MAGIC!

[@johnswanson6994]

Wow, the GT4 beat the Corvette with 100 less hp??!!

[@GOINFINITI]

I wish Randy lives forever, so we can always enjoy his spirit, commentary and lap times 😁

[@squidusn71]

He's not dead.

[@mcflu]

@@squidusn71 he's saying he wishes Randy would just be around to race all the cars forever

[@squidusn71]

@@mcflu read it again.

[@mybro727]

@@squidusn71 Not being dead today doesn’t mean he can’t die tomorrow hence their comment wishing he lives forever.

[@squidusn71]

@@mybro727 all good, OP finally edited the comment lol.

[@richq7074]

Randy Pobst. The great equalizer in Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car!

[@arbiter1]

which is neglected when you put a track tire on all other cars but leave 1 car on street tire and say its good.

[@aintnopity]

@@arbiter1 yeah Imagine what the Turbo S would have done with Tracks tyres...

[@SorenX2008]

@@aintnopity Jonny literally said in this video the Corvette was the only car on street tires

[@aintnopity]

@@SorenX2008 thats the same He Said during the 911 Turbo S test. Check it out

[@gearjammergamer8560]

Drives like the devil is chasing him. Randy has said that Chevy never lets him turn off the electronic nanny's on the corvettes............................

[@themianagnos3044]

Love watching Randy Pobst driving to C8 really fast; he makes it look so easy, way to go Randy! Keep on tracking...

[@Ramsiusthx]

I can hear Jeremy Clarkson now, “They neutered the ax murderer and made an American Ferrari.”

[@pirkkaruuska5766]

I read that aloud with Clarkson voice... prolly not the only one.

[@blairbrown4812]

I'm not sure 😕 how I feel about this. 🤔 😕

[@theraggededgeonboardfastes8461]

Then why is it 2.2 seconds slower than a c7 grand sport ??

[@ryanmayberry3770]

Jeremy Clarkson be like: " it's just a wannabe Ferrari." Kinda like how people call American hypercars "Kit cars" for having a Ford engine or a LS engine. But when a European hypercar is launched, and people here that it doesn't have an in-house engine, people don't bat an eye at it. Like when the Huayra was released, no one thought twice about it having a Mercedes AMG engine. But when they here that the SSC Ultimate Aero had a LS engine powering it, people lost their minds and instantly called it a kit car. Like that's a load of BS calling the C8 a wannabe Ferrari, or calling American hypercars "kit cars" just cuz they don't have an in-house engine. Even though a lot of European cars use engines from other countries.

[@pirkkaruuska5766]

@@theraggededgeonboardfastes8461 The GS has better tires and if optioned carbon brakes. Also I think agressive aero.

[@Kcrthn]

Randy is the best!!!! Makes every test exciting and fun to watch.

[@tracygordon6284]

I love everything he does! He’s a gifted writer, crazy good driver,and one of the nicest people on the planet. He’s the best ambassador for Motorsports in my lifetime!

[@felixarvidulfkjellberg6361]

Great job MotorTrend and GM engineers. Great video and the car is truly a masterpiece.

[@dukedalington]

The Z06 is going to drill everything.

[@-_--le3zk]

When is that coming out? 2021? or later?

[@richardgarriga6766]

No! is going to be the ZR1 and the Zora is going to drill everything!

[@enjoi543]

@@-_--le3zk usually the z06 comes out a year or two after the base model

[@Mikek88]

@@-_--le3zk most likely 2022

[@nabushdinosaure]

Will have to step up it games to catch C7 Z06 at 1 min 33 though.... That's 4.8s to gain from the Z51 which is A LOT... With only 600HP NA I don't feel as confident it will destroy everything...

[@650ib]

Great review! Randy is a 👹 on the track and Johnny is very well spoken. I ❤️ my C8 🇺🇸👍🏿💪🏿💯🔥

[@Jesusprayerwarriorbw]

I LOVE DRIVING THIS TRACK!

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! GREAT VIDEO RANDY!!!

[@h3runs]

In a group with Lamborghinis, Porsches and Ferraris, I find myself being mostly impressed by this and the Mustang. I think based on the trims and tires tested on both, I'd give the edge to the Mustang at this point, but this C8 platform has me eagerly awaiting the more powerful and better equipped variants which are coming.

[@lollol-xp4mc]

Out of your mind the mustang doesnt even have close to 50/50 weight distibution. You should never speak of a mustang (even tho they are good) in the same breathe as the cars you mentioned. Mustang is a budget gt car its not even a real sports car nevermind a supercar

[@sassiitalytours]

@@lollol-xp4mc It doesn't need it, and was four seconds a lap faster on a 1:33 lap, which is a lifetime.

[@Farmington_River_Rods]

Love my c8. Not just overhyped. It’s a great car

[@marcovanni1851]

Good looking C8; another awesome run ✌️

[@johnbehneman1546]

I LOVE IT!!!!! I WOULD BE HAPPY WITH A BASE CORVETTE!!!! THANK YOU, GM!!!! YOU DID YOUR HOMEWORK AND IT SHOWS!!! GREAT VIDEO & THANKS FOR SHARING!!!!

[@EK-rr2md]

Slower than a 4 year old Camaro SS, lol. Great job GM.

[@JordanPayneLV]

Love the new c8, can’t wait to see what they do with the ZO6

[@devinmurdock5717]

the BEST pound for pound supercar especially for the money 💰 , can't wait for the z06 to come out.

[@EK-rr2md]

The base model corvette is a sports car just like all other corvettes. It is nowhere near supercar levels as shown by the lap times in this comparison, lol. Heck, even a 4 year old Camaro SS was quicker around the track than the C8. Camaro must be a supercar too, lol.

[@dbullis2433]

@@EK-rr2md Love it when stupid people enter the chats. Laps times are useless unless they are all on the same tires.

[@EK-rr2md]

@@dbullis2433 Unfortunately manufacturers get to choose which tires the car is equipped with from the factory and that is how the car is and should be tested. A 4 year old Camaro being quicker is just embarrassing, lol.

[@juavicam]

This has definitely become one of my bucket list cars.

[@EK-rr2md]

You've got to dream bigger, lol.

[@993mike]

Man, can’t wait to see this car in the new Z06 spec! It’s a little light on power and tire right now, as the speed going down to turn 2 was a bit low in this crowd.

[@epi2045]

There’s definitely 6-7 seconds on the table for the Vette. Better tires would have dropped 2-3 seconds. A bit more power and breathing 1-1.5 seconds. Track suspension tuning 1 second. Track aero 1 second. Upgraded brakes 0.5 seconds. A ZO6 version will cost similar as the $119K Porsche GT4 and likely be faster than the $224K Porsche 911 Turbo S. Probably would do a 1:29-1:30 lap.

[@epi2045]

@@saltyfloridaman7163 That’s a really good point. I originally put money down on a C8 last July but canceled due to high dealer markups at the time. I’ve owned and tracked Porsches and currently have a Ferrari F430. I would like to get a C8 to track since the F430 isn’t friendly on the wallet out on the tracks.

[@wit2pz]

@@epi2045 keep in mind the fact that it's been shown that simply adjusting the wheel camber to "track" so to speak also improves lap times, even on stock tires.

[@weallfollowmanutd]

Ugliest car there. For a Corvette, it's an appalling job.

[@James-oo1yq]

I am a Scotsman through and through....but YEE HAA! The new Corvette gives you a splash of American Muscle with genuine competitive lap times

[@derbigpr500]

I wouldn't call 1:37,8 a competitive lap time for a 2020 500hp mid engined car. That's almost 2.5 seconds per lap slower than the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S. I mean, there's a smaller gap in lap time between the Corvette and the Cayenne than between the Corvette and the 911.

[@James-oo1yq]

@@derbigpr500 For a Corvette with less than 500bhp it's competitive, especially at the price point

[@derbigpr500]

@@James-oo1yq You can buy quicker and overall better cars for 80-90k. A Cayman GTS for example. Considering the GT4 is 1.5 seconds quicker, the GTS would still be just as quick as the Corvette, and would drive better, would be a far higher quality car in other ways as well. And if you don't care about quality at all, and just want performance and power, you can get the GT350 or even the GT500, which are both considerably faster than the C8 too.

[@markgtrheyes]

@@derbigpr500 isn't the gt4 on cup tyres though, which prob make it a second or 2 faster than p4s? For the price, Corvette seems pretty good.

[@James-oo1yq]

@@derbigpr500 This is all true, and if I was in the market for such a car it would not be the Corvette, I wouldn't even consider it. The lack of build quality and modern interior would put me off completely, however if I was wanting to drive something on a one-off track day, something that gives me taste of American muscle...noise...drama! without the absolute madness of the C7 and previous Corvettes, the C8 would be it. I guess the kid in me still enjoys what the Corvette offers.

[@Keagan-Z06]

Crazy that none of these cars touched the good ol Viper ACR time!

[@REVOonYT]

The ACR got nearly the downforce level as the GT3 Viper. Look at the topspeed of the ACR, 164mph. :))

[@vegafiedmedia]

Yeah but come on- This is a base model C8 hitting 1:37 with all-season tires. Let's see what the Z06 will do with the flat plane.

[@anydaynow01]

@@vegafiedmedia And doing it with class and grace!

[@brownwhale5518]

@@vegafiedmedia plus R compound tires

[@davidverhoef3129]

@@brownwhale5518 Maybe you should listen again: "The only car in the test NOT on R compound tires" The PS4 is a summer tire but it is not an R (Race) compound tire.

[@uivideo7637]

Just an amazing car, great job Chevy Engineer's.

[@smoothfingersjones7657]

Just think... Randy was able to take the 2012 C6 Corvette Z06 with 505hp around Laguna Seca in 134.43. That was a bad azz car. 👏🏽

[@Gltokensp06]

Will y'all z51 C8 vs GT500 people shut up now? 4 seconds doesn't even put them in the same class. The Z06 and ZR1 should be better than the GT500, but let's stop the silliness.

[@plus_eight8400]

Yeah, looking for the car well over the 100k, it better to be good!

[@xosb9154]

Well they cost the same so.... And Chevy people be comparing them more often.... But the thing is GT500 is faster.... Has more horsepower... Looks better.... Sounds better... And is no wannabe ferrrari.... Which looks more like a mosquito 🙄....

[@21sausage9]

gt500 runs on cup2s not ps4s

[@Gltokensp06]

@Derrick Hines Jr Lol. The only people who compare the Mustang and Corvette, are Chevy guys since the Camaro can't compete...

[@xosb9154]

@Derrick Hines Jr it can compete with the GT500 only on short track with a lot bends like Willow springs and that means it comes close the GT500... But on long circuit like Laguna seca or Atlanta or anything that has some straights.... The difference is huge....

[@Beewiz18]

America

[@Bajsi7]

I realize the lap time is not the only factor but still, you could write them in the description for those of us who are interested in comparison between this years cars. Keep up the excellent job! You're the best!

[@Gjeebs]

The thumbnail is amazing

[@drewmorg.]

Everyone keep in mind the 2017 Grand Sport (wide body with Z06 suspension and brakes) they ran had full Z07 Aero package and Cup 2 tires !!!!! This C8 was fully loaded 3LT with max leather trim on PS4S! Excellent result indeed.

[@theclutch19]

@@saltyfloridaman7163 it looks like track alignment. The fronts look like they have the neg 3 degrees camber.

[@nabushdinosaure]

Stock C7 Z51 with PSS and manual transmission did 1 min 38.28s so only 0.45s slower. Camaro SS 1LE was 0.1s faster than the C8 in 2017. Nothing glorious at all with this laptime

[@drewmorg.]

@@saltyfloridaman7163 Good points. Also worth nothing, he destroyed his $1300 brake pads in 2 days worth of hard sessions there. Not sure how other cars fare.

[@nabushdinosaure]

@@saltyfloridaman7163 This car was using track alignment dude. Look at the camber in the front. Read what I wrote yourself. And Speed phenom did the 1min38 on cup2

[@nabushdinosaure]

@@saltyfloridaman7163 It is definitely not. Go 1min35 on the video is FAR from stock alignment. Clearly 3deg +. I'm racing my cars since 15 years on roadcourse and AutoX I know how to see "track camber". Very easy to see how far away the wheel is from top fenders. You are a C8 Fanboy right ? Butt hurt ? We all knew the C8 was not fast on a track since the first day reviews where it was 0.9s faster than a C7 Z51 on the same track with cars and drivers. The one thing we can say is for sure it is easier to drive fast than the C7, especially when the C7 is not aligned properly. Also if you knew what you were talking about you would not say -3deg on 4 tires. too much negative camber on the rear is counter productive (best on C8 is around -2deg), bad for traction. track alignment And the purpose of the -3deg in front is to reduce understeer.

[@jrockrsx1144]

It's crazy when these things first came out they were so rare, now I see them everywhere. It's still cool, but I feel sooner than later the uniqueness and rareness factor will wear off. Still an amazing car for the money, probably the best.

[@chrisminnig7144]

I was just thinking the opposite, getting concerned that none were selling. I live in Los Angeles and have only seen one in the wild. Where do you live where you see so many?

[@LeFatalpotato]

@@chrisminnig7144 I live in a small city in East coast, and people here are usually the "let's save the koalas" type. I have seen two c8s, which is the same amount of current Gen mustangs I saw, but admittedly quite less than challengers going around.

[@PAFORM350]

You could be one of those jerks who paid $10-20k over sticker 🤦‍♂️

[@bob15479]

I have yet to see one in person.

[@dln.sweeney]

@@bob15479 I live in a small town on the east coast of Canada, and there's two here, which is decent considering the rest of the local "car population". This car is meant to be a relatively attainable mid-engined sports car though, and GM surely is hoping it will sell in large numbers.

[@jonienglish3231]

WELL DONE RANDY !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Does it Again so Smooth

[@erwincruz6233]

that c8 on yellow just so beautiful

[@MichaelGreco]

To quote Randy. It's not brutal. For Street driving having a brutal Corvette is what makes it fun, that and a manual transmission. The raw slightly unrefined nature of the car is what makes it so fun. So for now I will stick with my C7

[@vegafiedmedia]

"Fun" is subjective. Having something that's brutal doesn't always equate to fun. Also, it's hilarious that you consider a Base model c7, brutal.

[@terminatorcoyote6319]

And just like that it will become the car of the year and is slower than a gt350r. Motor trend loves chevrolet

[@thomaschung9310]

So nice to see 3 Porsches in the lineup!

[@Boatdudefrontrunner]

Love the mustang it looks sweet !!! And the vet is cool to😎

[@peep39]

Now we just need the viper back, mid engined with a giant V10

[@josephmorris6090]

The viper is already one of if not the fastest car around the ring.

[@dreadheadrasta19]

It's no reason for a mid engine viper .. current/last gen acr managed a 7.01 on nurb with manual trans... that was with a 8 year old platform.... New AMG gt just took nurb record beating out all mid engines. Only thing viper need is is more funding for a better platform & a automatic paddle option to cater for the " I want to drive fast with no skill audience."

[@spacemanjoe7074]

@@saltyfloridaman7163 nah that’s exactly why American things suck now. We’re so afraid to break the mold of what “should be happening” or what’s “tradition”. The C8 broke the mold and realized it’s founder’s dream of becoming mid engined, and won car of the year.

[@joephysics5469]

Randy is a race driver wrapped in the body and personality of a nerdy engineer.

[@normt430]

I have talked with him a few times at Audi club events. He is very down to earth.

[@GaryKrum]

Great review and thank you for acknowledging you were testing the base Corvette against the high end imports!! On street tires on that!! Would love to see a dollar for dollar comparison some day!!

[@2jsanc681]

Been following the c8 for years. Saw one the other day and caught myself mid sentence saying "look its a Lamborgh-". These things are great

[@ericp2115]

Johnny: KZbinrs aren't real journalists Motortrend: *posts these exclusive videos to KZbin*

[@sketchpv3080]

Perhaps 2 seconds quicker had it been using r-comp tires. I’m already making excuses!

[@Marcello2005]

Even without track tires, there is a factory track alignment setting which would increase the time by a substantial amount

[@chadingram6390]

@@Marcello2005 How can you tell it's not in track alignment?

[@Marcello2005]

@@chadingram6390 they would have mentioned the track alignment and there is a few degrees negative camber that the factory can align it to be more cambered for track use

[@chadingram6390]

@@Marcello2005 I would assume they put it in track alignment for a track test, this isn't their first time and they're not amateurs

[@Marcello2005]

@@chadingram6390 I don’t know for sure but I believe Randy could get a faster lap with it.

[@5velmusic]

Great Video! By the way what is the name of the song in the background?

[@Ladco77]

I'm flabbergasted that it ran just a hair slower than the 2017 Camaro SS 1LE. I'm sure the Z06 or whatever the next high end version is will destroy the 1LE, but for the Camaro to be so comparable in performance to the C8 Z51 really shows just how good that 1LE is. Phenomenal.

[@Etruscan70]

1LE runs track tires , that matters .

[@creatineenjoyer7345]

I expected a better lap time but thats still pretty good

[@perfect872]

I guess Godzila still the best time for hot lap than C8

[@willfischer4767]

It’s still underpowered against the others.

[@derbigpr500]

@@willfischer4767 "underpowered" - Really? 500hp is underpowered now? It has more power than the 2020 911 Carrera S, and weighs less, yet its 2.5 seconds per lap slower on the same tires. More importantly, it has more power and less weight than the C7 GS, and it's still slower.

[@stephenchatman8655]

Let's not forget this is the only car not on race tires, which could literally take 2 seconds off the lap time. The tires did this car a disservice.

[@corystansbury]

@@derbigpr500 The Corvette does not weigh less than the Carrera S. Where did you get that?

[@PetrolheadAEHG]

This was exactly one second slower that the regular GT350... I was expecting more from a mid engine AT Corvette

[@lopeedzooyork323]

N/A 🤡

[@gaddyify]

But you still comparing a high-level Mustang to the base Corvette? Imagine comparing the performance of the base model GT to the Corvette? And don't bring up the price difference, because that's why you don't compare a Mustang to a Corvette in the first place.

[@l-danm1060]

@@gaddyify Okay, that being said I need an explanation about why a mid-engined 500 HP Corvette gets kicked by the little brother with its 1LE pack. I would hope that a Z51 Vette could do better than a SS 1LE. And about the GT350 it's not even the R that is better, a base GT350 is a second quicker, I know it's not as common as a GT but come on, the C8 is supposed to be like a mid-engined exotic supercar...

[@blaisebeachman6354]

@@l-danm1060 It does worse in this test for a few reasons. 1. Camaro SS 1LE comes with stickier tires than this 2. The car is short shifting. This happens when it is in certain modes and in drive instead of manual. There is one in my garage, I know from experience. 3. The C8 owners manual provides alignment settings you are meant to use when on track. This is good for about 2 seconds of lap time. MotorTrend chose not to use that alignment. 4. This car does not have the high wing option. The high wing provides slightly more downforce while significantly decreasing drag. All in all, MotorTrend fucked up. At a bare minimum the car should be in track mode, shifted manually and on the track alignment. I get why they didn't use R compound tires (Base stingray doesn't come with them) but with everything else stated above it would conservatively have been 2 to maybe even 2.5 seconds quicker.

[@EK-rr2md]

All I see are excuse after excuse. The C8 failed big time and did not live up to the hype, plain and simple.

[@specwill1]

ZO6 will be a beast!

[@HindustanSujan]

Nice video

[@Cataclysm1]

You said this is the only car not on R compound, but the 911 was just on P-Zeros.

[@plife911]

Shoulda put cup 2s on it to level the playing field

[@Executiveinvestments-]

you mean to cheat right? mod the car. Butthurt much?

[@plife911]

@@Executiveinvestments- I have a 718 spyder. So no. Not butthurt. Would love to see the GT4 win 🥳

[@Executiveinvestments-]

@@plife911 wow you really are butthurt. Not hard to spot.

[@plife911]

@@Executiveinvestments- not sure why youre bullying on the thread. Jonny made the point that even the truck had R comps. I have no skin in the game with the vette just want the chevy people not to have excuses. The second butthurt comment was you being pissed that i have a spyder and hence am rooting for the gt4.

[@Executiveinvestments-]

@@plife911 first off 2 heavy 5000lb SUV's only 2 seconds slower and no they did not have R comps. 100% street radial tires. Not sure why you are butthurt because this car is a major fail. You should be used to it by now with GM. Keep being butthurt and make up lies. Maybe it make you feel better??? XD

[@twowheelslater7112]

Man that car sounds good.

[@martsmarts]

You guys should show a list of the track times of the cars for visual comparison. Great videos nonetheless!

[@Forrest_94]

Randy is the only reason I still watch these videos.

[@iroczinoz]

The C8 lapped it slower than a 2016 Camaro SS 1LE which has a manual, FE and 40 less HP. This C8 not living up to the hype when you can't beat a 2016 Camaro time.

[@GODEYE270115]

All these nice cars, so much tech and cutting edge autos. And they still can’t touch the manpedal god Viper ACR times 👑🐍

[@Shamphere]

THANK YOU, For mentioning that this was only the base model C8. So many comparisons talk like they just compared the highest level Corvette to the highest level ______. What will be released in the next 2 years will blow that base model C8 out of the cosmos.

[@Keagan-Z06]

Was not expecting that time, was hoping it would beat the Cayman. Bring on the Z06!

[@nicholasbrioc2637]

Put a Sport Cup 2 tire on it !

[@victorrosenbaum8588]

It is a American boat, of corse it could not beat a German engineered car

[@oXj0s3Xo]

Almost what i was expecting (1:38) what surprised me is the difference with the weaker and manual cayman GT4 (1:36.1)

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

Tires and suspension.

[@EK-rr2md]

Wow, a manual with less hp beat the C8? Very impressive.

[@evanescent0311]

GT4 is the real deal and 1:36.1 is a fantastic time.. kinda sad the C8 wasn’t on R comps like every other car in the test but oh well.

[@Executiveinvestments-]

@@evanescent0311 what? The 911 turbo did it in 1:32 on basic street tires, but oh well. More butthurt fanboys here.

[@MrMintoni]

And 100 kg lighter

[@immanuelo.9548]

I just know the Z06 is going to be such a monster.

[@BazonBlades]

A combination of lower power and less sticky tires. Also I wonder if they allowed the more track oriented camber adjustments needed to get rid of the street tuned understeer so many have reported. Regardless, the upcoming Z06 will put down much better numbers.

[@TJHall]

Love the corvette! Can’t believe you can compete w super cars w a corvette

[@PKmode]

That time wasn't exactly competing with supercars but I hear you. Bang for the buck is great and a big step forward in materials and refinement.

[@mrlegendarymachine5542]

Wait until the zr1 comes out

[@jardog16981]

The last 2 generations have really been competing in terms of track lap times. This version of the c8 is just the base model. There are much faster versions coming

[@Executiveinvestments-]

lol not even close to supercar numbers here. The 911 Turbo was 5 seconds quicker which is a lifetime.

[@Executiveinvestments-]

@@mrlegendarymachine5542 yeah in 5 years when it comes out, hehe, all cars will be faster. But why talk about a car that does not exist? Butthurt or something?

[@FlyingNDriving]

It's really not much faster than the C7. Not surprised it's a bit slower than the porsche. It fits in right where it should be. I'll take the stick.

[@gbales84]

What tires did they have on the C7 Stingray for that 1.28 test? If they were street tires they were likely worse than the Pilot Sport 4S tires the C8 has on it too.

[@gaddyify]

The man practically says the C8 is superior to the C7.

[@EK-rr2md]

@@gaddyify It is a little better but not much. What is sad is the C7 GS with 35 less hp, a manual tranny, front engine, and leaf springs is still faster or a 4 year old Camaro SS is also faster around the track.

[@FINAL130SS]

My favorite track

[@motormusic7622]

Love that Vette can't wait to see what the z06 does

[@skkh5108]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2i5p2iXoL54rNk,.///.

[@EK-rr2md]

@@skkh5108 Dont click the trash link.

[@justmy2cents_]

One of my two favorite drivers all time! Randy Pobst & my second favorite Chris Harris (his drifts are insane) these two gentleman really know how to track test a car!! Can't wait for the ZO6 version of this new C8 should be a real track monster!! ps honorable mention: Tiff Needell & Vicki Henderson 👍

[@jmm1174]

Also Andy Pilgrim from Automobile mag

[@Jrv200008]

Over 2 seconds slower than a C7 GrandSport with a manual. What a disappointment

[@jmm1174]

Yes, I agree with your comment 🤦‍♂️

[@RobertA-pp3kb]

Yes surprised so slow wrt the C7 for the new physical layout. Maybe just too much more weight

[@gsxr1189]

Type r tires vs street tires and that's what happens

[@nabushdinosaure]

@@gsxr1189 Yep but dual clutch with far better gearing should help vs crappy geared M7 on C7 GS (I know I have one...)

[@carterkeith8369]

What a Car!

[@hasanhas00n1]

Its absolutely stunning the only issue i have with this car is the awful button layout

[@Jimmyxsx]

Gt500 is a beast💪💪💪

[@DatW268]

GT500 beat C8 and ZL1 1LE at Laguna Sega! Two Chevy is down! I don't know why i got tears in my eye... Maybe Carrol Shelby and Henry Ford is watching the GT500 rocking!

[@travispfannmuller7717]

Gt500 cf version is a monster for sure... for about 10 laps until the tires go away due to the weight. Speed phenom does a ton of testing on the one he purchased but decided to sell due to the expense and inconvenience of a tank of fuel for every 20 minute track session and a set tires for every day at the track. Awesome car nonetheless.

[@Jimmyxsx]

@@travispfannmuller7717 thats why the GT350R is the best all around track Mustang.

[@woodyholland9865]

I looked at all the videos released so far and pretty much all the cars entering the carousel were about the same speed. Did the same for several turns. So difference seems to be power on straights. C8 just needs more HP. Come on Chevy, C8 needs Z06! Mustang was amazing!

[@hunterbear2421]

i heard there was going to be a aftermarket supercharger. also its going soo rare i think because they only made 20k of them. because of covid and i have no idea how many are z51s

[@jaball77]

You can tell when Randy trusts the car on corner exit... you can hear the gas pedal slap down to the floor haha.

[@jjbuu3560]

Nice run. More impressed that the C7 GS being 2 secs faster and C7 Stingray under 1 sec slower.

[@redrum5.0_]

All these comparisons and the gt500 is probably gonna end up taking second to some $250k exotic like the gt350 did

[@thenavigator5889]

two totally different driving experiences. 350 and 350R have already gained accolades the 500 will never. sure, faster , but drivers car? I don't think so.

[@nickvarga463]

C7 Manual Grand Sport dope af!!!

[@Crabbingfishingfitz]

Nice

[@gaddyify]

I never wanted a Corvette until now, Randy was enthusiastic.

[@randyjr3479]

U should would read his thing on motor trend he didn't like as much as you think.

[@gaddyify]

STFU, it's Motortrend Car of the year, and if he said anything, then that was an early version, this a production model. And he's loving this car watch the video.

[@randyjr3479]

@@gaddyify read the article, reading is fundamental and this motortrend its bought and he said the same thing everyone says its cool but not great on track and its turn in is horrible but thats on track . It's a nice riding car dont get crazy test drove it before I bought my gt500 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@michaelgraves5320]

Anybody else think Stick Shift should be a requirement to be a "drivers car" 🤔

[@paulcabinatan2390]

If you can’t drive a stick properly, are you driving the car?

[@afroman5531]

Not a requirement, but atleast make it a 50/50 offering 🙄

[@michaelgraves5320]

@@paulcabinatan2390 Are you asking if the driver can downshift rev match and bang through the gears like a pro? Most people who drive a manual do just fine, but ask yourself what makes a drivers car. Is it numb electronic steering, paddle shift/auto, magnaride suspension? Or more like a connection with the car, ill take a bmw m30, miata, C6 corvette and many others over all of these "drivers cars"

[@slackjaw703]

It’d be nice to put the time on a board against the other cars that have ran the course top gear style, just to see where it falls among the competition.

[@asakuras01]

You can do that.

[@derbigpr500]

Well, to give you an idea, a 911 Carrera S lapped it in 1.35.5. So about 2.3 seconds faster, with less power and more weight than the Corvette, and even the same PS4 tires.

[@corystansbury]

@@derbigpr500 Except it weighs more, not less.

[@mogulme6190]

@@derbigpr500 how much those cars cost?

[@michaelgraves5320]

Mustang did a 1.33, I hope the Z06 can be a monster

[@SupercarDriven]

C8 is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@lgunderso2117]

Would love to see the C8 at Laguna Seca with PSC2R's.

[@jmm1174]

Check Speed Venom KZbin videos, he switched to Michelin cup tires.

[@lgunderso2117]

@@jmm1174 Thanks for the info. I was surprised the tires only gained him one second, even on a big power track like willow springs. I'd love to see Randy take it on the more technical Laguna Seca since Randy and LS are known quantities. I would hope the tires would give the car an extra second and a half to two seconds at LS, although I would have expected more before watching Speed Phenom's videos.

[@antdiesel3]

Wasn’t the 911 on street tires as well?

[@mattyoz0]

Yes.

[@omdizzle05]

Redoooo on RRR please

[@lynzhu3343]

I remember a 45K dollar ss 1le did 1.37 at Luguna Seca, correct?

[@jmm1174]

On MT Feb 2020 edition they compared the Corvette C8 Z51 VS the also new 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S ( which was the 2019 Best driver's winner), and the winner of that comparison was the Corvette C8 Z51. Even on March 2020 they compared the C8 VS the Shelby GT500 at VIR. The results: Shelby GT500 (non CFTP): 1:59.68 Corvette C8 Z51 (track alignment): 2:00.96 Both tested on Michelin Sport 4S tires. It showed the great handling potential of the C8 ME chassis. Even that the C8 was almost 265 HP below the Shelby it was able to almost match it with better handling at the curves. I wonder why now MT almost scored the C8 at the end of their list if they were very enthusiastic about the new ME DCT Corvette.

[@roaddog7542]

Looked like it was struggling to gain speed going uphill after corner six I believe. Speedometer stayed flat in the 105 range. 🤔

[@lee1130fromtwitter]

It runs out of legs at 100 because of the power to weight. Fast shifts don't help there

[@blaisebeachman6354]

Pretty sure that was just the digital speedo lagging. I can confirm it pulls plenty hard after 100 lmao

[@twobighedz]

I'm gonna park one of these in my garage real soon!

[@jeremiahhall2281]

I feel like Randy didn't put a lot of effort into this car like he has done with the viper or other exotic cars. It's still a good video.

[@shaunlunney7551]

Cant wait, use up the P4S's and mount Cup2's bam, GT car AND Trackrat. 1:34-1:35 w/Cup2's

[@mattyoz0]

Sure.

[@jamesroberts2682]

Every car review ever: "unlike the previous version, which was unrefined, this one is great"... Repeat every four years.

[@nabushdinosaure]

Kind of a shock that a Camaro SS 1LE is as fast...

[@ericmichel3857]

The 1LE is a really good car but the tires make a big difference. The 1LE is on the F1 supercar 200 tread wear R tire, the base Corvette is on the MPS4, a good 300 tread wear high performance street tire, but there is a big difference. There are plenty of tests showing this sort of tire difference could easily mean 2-3 seconds a lap. Even the C7 Grand Sport did a 135.6 and that is mostly due to the difference in tires.

[@lavrentievv]

Base Corvette suspension is tuned for road-users to understeer. Play with the adjustable shocks on the front and put on track tyres and that's 1+ seconds quicker

[@bertdodd5743]

P.S. The Z51 isn't the Base Car. Actually, for 2020, it's the top performance model!

[@Keagan-Z06]

MT, I know yall reran the C8 with some better tires, those all season tires sure sticks out like a sore thumb in this test.

[@Gltokensp06]

I mean, the PS4S tires are no joke man. They're far from your average summer and the closest thing you're gonna get to a r compound tire without going to an r compound tire

[@flyingphoenix113]

@@Gltokensp06, that's true, but they're still a long ways from a Cup 2 or Cup 2R. Like most recent Vette's, the C8's lap time is likely very tire-dependant.

[@karlmalone11]

They aren't all season tires

[@Keagan-Z06]

@@karlmalone11 excuse me PS4's

[@Dolby109]

Interesting...not as good as I expected. This was just barely slower than the Camaro SS 1LE was a few years ago. Just shows how good the Alpha chassis is. Given how quickly the C8 accelerates I am wondering if it doesn't handle very well (maybe forgiving in feel, but slower in peak corner speed).

[@jmm1174]

The 6th gen Camaro ZL1 or the SS1LE are better options.👍

[@Etruscan70]

1LE has R-compound tires though , that matters.

[@Dolby109]

@@Etruscan70 Not the SS 1LE, it has summer tires. The ZL1 1LE has the R version of the same tire.

[@Etruscan70]

@@Dolby109 yes the ss1 le tires are classified as extreme performance, just like the Michelin Sport cup2’s. You can reference tirerack.

[@jmm1174]

I think that the Corvette C8 Z51 should be the 2020 best driver's car. The car looks and drives great. Has a lot of performance for the money. ME V8, DCT, etc. What not to love specially on track alignment.🏆 The only thing missing is the availability of a MT☹. The DCT performance is great.

[@voodoodiecast]

Except that the GT500 is the more superior car. More power, faster, weapon on the corners, dct trans, loud exhaust, better visibility. Hard to beat it but you can’t go wrong on either car.

[@MrWillyCC]

Wait!!!! I thought 1:37 was a bit slow for him in that car. Gotta do it again with track tires!!

[@theroadahead415]

Wow he got a quicker time in a camaro SS 1LE ...hmm

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

@buister s2k SS=6.2 n/a 455 hp don't know times just saying

[@SuperSilvi1990]

That why its impressive they have this time on street tires. The SS 1LE has Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 tires in a 285 and 305 size.

[@theroadahead415]

Its got 455. I own one haha

[@physetermacrocephalus9986]

@@SuperSilvi1990 The Camaro doesn’t have R-compounds tho.

[@SuperSilvi1990]

@@physetermacrocephalus9986 the c8 stock is on pilot sport4 all season tires. There not even summer tires.

[@Samxdr_]

Typical Porsche a Cayman with a manual trans and less horsepower beats the corvette lol

[@jmm1174]

I wonder if MT set the C8 to track alignment 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@Samxdr_]

@@jmm1174 it was Johnny said it was straight from Chevy

[@Theeelp1]

Btw this corvette is not cheap at all going for 60k to 80k when it first came out but not anymore so people shouldn’t be trying to say oh it’s way cheaper then the Porsche or other European cars they tested a C8 right now goes for around 130k

[@HillslamsMirror]

Great vid as always from MT's Randy and Johnny. Odd result here as Car & Driver had it faster around a track than a GT4, Throttle House had it faster around a track than the GT500, and Sport Auto had it neck and neck with the Carrera S, etc etc. So something seemed off with this particular car, even Randy looked surprised - and their results are out of line with all the other magazine test results. Probably the puke yellow color caused it.... Either way, really enjoyed the vid, love the GT500 and the Cayman GT4 is a beauty, easily the prettiest Porsche.

[@westmowgli]

Yeah seems wierd. All the other channels showed this thing within a second of a Carrera S and easily beating the GT500 and GT4. Leave it to MT to be the outlier. That's why the street is fun, you never know what's going to happen.

[@EK-rr2md]

Look at it objectively. The C8 was only 0.1 sec quicker than GT4 driven by magazine writers (not anywhere near the level of driver that can get full performance out of a car). Throttle House also driven by KZbin personalities. Sport Auto was not "neck and neck", the 911S was over a second quicker. Nothing seems off about this review when you consider an accomplished professional driver was behind the wheel instead of some writers and youtube personalities.

[@westmowgli]

There's quite a few more than 3 comparos out there by professional drivers that have it closer than the 5 seconds here. Given the sheer weight/volume of other results, I wouldn't put any stock in this run being the definitive yardstick. No sweat off my brow as I'd buy the GT4 regardless of the Huracan winning Best Drivers Car.