The C8 Corvette showed up to the party swinging during its maiden launch in 2020. Despite parts shortages, a pandemic, and a slew of other setbacks, the car was an instant hit from the gate. A 495hp 6.2L LT2 V8 stuffed in the middle of an all-new platform, cemented the latest Corvette as a bonfire supercar.
Some can argue that the ultra-performance examples from the previous generation or two were in the same league of European supercars, citing horsepower numbers alone. However, both the sixth- and the seventh-generation Z06 and ZR1 Corvettes were breaching the limits of what was practical in a front engine/rear drive layout. If you’ve ever driven either of them, you’d know that.
The engineers at General Motors wanted to solve that problem with the C8, and they wanted to be able to push the car to even higher limits than ever before. A 1,000hp Corvette from the factory, that can handle the power, and handle it well, is certainly looking to be possible. In recent weeks the C8 Z06 and E-Ray have emerged at the highest-performing from The General.
The C8Z in and of itself is cranking out 670hp, from a naturally-aspirated 5.5L flat-plant crank V8, for starters. Yes, the C7 ZR1 eclipsed it by 85hp, but being able to put that power down and keep the rubber glued to the track on those power levels is something else.
Out of curiosity, Hagerty wanted to compare the C8Z,as well as the E-Ray, to recent heavy hitters from Italy; namely a Ferrari F8 and Lamborghini Huracan EVO. Unfortunately, neither of the Italian carmakers wanted to play ball with Hagerty, supplying them with a fresh car for the sake of the comparison video. For reasons, that you’ll hear in the video.
So, Hagerty sourced a 2020 Lamborghini Huracan EVO and a 2021 Ferrari F8 from a local luxury car rental firm, to square off against the pair of Chevys. We don’t want to spoil any surprises, but the results are certainly impressive. Looking forward to the ZR1/Zora, and whatever else Chevy has up their sleeve for the C8.
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of GMEFI Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isn’t tuning, testing, or competing with the brand’s current crop of project vehicles, he’s busy tinkering and planning the next modifications for his own cars.
