Supra GR Obliterates Corvette Z06 in 9.97 Seconds: Shocking Drag Race Results
The Maryland International Raceway, a hallowed ground for quarter-mile duels, hosted a series of adrenaline-pumping races recently that had car enthusiasts buzzing. Among the contenders were the Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 and three formidable opponents: a BMW M3 sedan, a BMW X3 M40i, and the Toyota Supra GR. Ending its runs with a solo time trial, the Z06 faced a mix of triumph and humbling defeat throughout the intense showdown.
Round One: Corvette Z06 vs. BMW X3 M40i
The first race saw the Corvette Z06 flex its muscles against a BMW X3 M40i. The Z06 clocked an impressive 11.26 seconds at a roaring 124.64 miles per hour (200.5 km/h), easily outpacing the family-friendly BMW, which came in at 12.04 seconds and 115.98 miles per hour (186.65 km/h). Not bad for a crossover, but clearly, the Corvette had the upper hand here.
Round Two: Corvette Z06 vs. BMW M3
Next, the Z06 faced off against its bigger BMW rival, the M3. But, in an unexpected turn of events, the Corvette driver failed to launch effectively, letting the M3 finish in an eye-watering 10.78 seconds at 137.51 miles per hour (221 km/h). By the time the Z06 crossed the line, it posted a less competitive 11.68 seconds at 123.49 miles per hour (199 km/h).
Round Three: Corvette Z06 vs. Toyota Supra GR
The real nail-biter came when the Z06 lined up against the Toyota Supra GR. Displaying extraordinary prowess, the Supra smoked the quarter-mile in just 9.97 seconds, hitting 145.91 miles per hour (234.81 km/h). The Corvette trailed with an 11.12-second run at 125.69 miles per hour (202 km/h), leaving the American supercar in the dust.
This race was a revelation. With its 3.0-liter 6-cylinder turbocharged engine producing a modest 382 hp and 368 lb-ft (499 Nm) of torque, the Supra GR was not expected to outperform the fierce Corvette Z06 so decisively.
Solo Performance: Corvette Z06 vs. The Clock
After the humbling rounds, the Z06 opted for a solo run to reclaim some dignity. The Corvette registered a respectable 11.41 seconds at 124.19 miles per hour (200 km/h), but the earlier defeats were a stark reminder of the challenges faced in the world of high-octane drag racing.
Chevy's Heavy Hitters: The Line-Up
The Corvette Stingray, often spotlighted in drag racing within the Chevrolet family, usually starts from around $70,000. The more potent Z06 kicks off at $115,390, excluding the $9,000 Z07 Performance Package. Boasting a 6.2-liter V8 engine that outputs 495 hp (with the Z51 package), the Stingray can hit 60 mph in a rapid 2.9 seconds. On the other hand, the Z06, powered by a 5.5-liter V8 generating 670 hp, does it in a sensational 2.6 seconds, especially with the Z07 pack.
The freshly unveiled 2024 E-Ray cannot be overlooked, either. With a 6.2L V8 and a 160-hp electric drive unit, the E-Ray churns out 655 hp and rockets to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, starting from $117,545.
What's Next?
Perhaps future events will feature the Corvette family facing off against one another—a spectacle worth waiting for. Until then, the tantalizing duel at Maryland remains a vivid display of automotive competition, showcasing just how unpredictable and exhilarating drag racing can be.
Check out the thrilling video below to relive the action: