Car and Driver’s Lightning Lap for 2024 is now in the books as the 2024 Corvette E-Ray becomes the latest Corvette to run VIR’s 4.1-mile Grand Course. Corvettes have been part of this competition since the beginning in 2006 when the Lightning Lap was first envisioned, and over the last 17 years a total of 16 different Corvette models have competed for Lightning Lap glory.
Where does America’s newest performance hybrid sports car fit into Corvette’s high-performance hierarchy? With its time of 2:45.9 around the historic Grand Course circuit, the new E-Ray is the fourth fastest Corvette to run North America’s Nurburgring, and it is currently the fastest Non-Z Corvette on the list.
Seeing these cars and their lap times laid out in this Corvette-only historical chart also provides insight for the late model Corvette buyer who wants a high-performing sports car. Those 2015 Corvette Z06s are still looking great after nine years while the 2020 Corvette Z51s show that the base model C8 is no slouch when it comes to slinging itself across the track.
| MODEL | LAP TIME | YEAR |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Corvette Z06 | 2:38.6 | #LL16 2023 |
| 2019 Corvette ZR1 | 2:39.5 | #LL12 2018 |
| 2015 Corvette Z06 | 2:44.6 | #LL9 2015 |
| 2024 Corvette E-Ray | 2:45.9 | #LL17 2024 |
| 2017 Corvette Grand Sport | 2:47.1 | #LL10 2016 |
| 2020 Corvette Stingray | 2:49.0 | #LL14 2021 |
| 2012 Corvette ZR1 | 2:50.7 | #LL6 2012 |
| 2009 Corvette ZR1 | 2:51.8 | #LL4 2009 |
| 2011 Corvette Z06 | 2:53.5 | #LL5 2010 |
| 2014 Corvette Stingray | 2:53.8 | #LL8 2014 |
| 2007 Corvette Z06 | 2:58.2 | #LL2 2007 |
| 2010 Corvette Grand Sport | 2:58.8 | #LL4 2009 |
| 2006 Corvette Z06 | 3:01.1 | #LL1 2006 |
| 2008 Corvette Z51 | 3:01.2 | #LL3 2008 |
| 2007 Corvette Z51 | 3:03.6 | #LL2 2007 |
| 2006 Corvette Z51 | 3:09.3 | #LL1 2006 |
Car and Driver has tested 330 vehicles over the 17 years and it’s amazing to see how much has changed in automotive performance, as well as vehicle costs as Car and Driver uses different classes to test similarly priced vehicles. The fastest time in the first Lightning Lap was performed by a 2006 Ford GT with a lap time of 3:00.7, and today that time doesn’t even get it into the top third. So much has changed and keeps changing. You can see the full historical Lightning Lap chart here.
As for the future, the Corvette team still has additional C8 variants on the drawing board with the ZR1, ZORA, and possibly the return of another Grand Sport. For Corvette enthusiasts, the future looks fast.
Source:
Car and Driver
Related:
[VIDEO] 2024 Corvette E-Ray Hits VIR for Lightning Lap 17
[VIDEO] Car and Driver’s Lightning Lap 2023 is Here!
[VIDEO] The Fastest Corvettes (and other GM vehicles) at Car and Driver’s Lightning Lap
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