Located in western Germany, the Nürburgring is more than just a racetrack; it’s a legendary proving ground for automotive manufacturers. Spanning 13 miles (20 km) and often referred to as the Green Hell, this track is revered by car enthusiasts worldwide. Yet, it has remained largely overlooked by mainstream US performance car aficionados. This oversight is primarily because American manufacturers rarely test their vehicles at the Nürburgring, and when they do, it’s often done in secrecy, with pre-production models hidden under camouflage, leaving enthusiasts in the dark about any official lap times.
However, the profile of the Nürburgring has been steadily rising in the United States. Late last year, Ford made headlines by becoming the first American manufacturer to achieve a sub-7-minute lap, clocking in at an impressive 6:57.685 with its ultra-high-performance Mustang GTD. The competition heated up when, in May, Ford announced an even faster lap time of 6:52.072. Not to be outdone, Chevrolet soon set a new benchmark for American cars with the hybrid Corvette ZR1X, achieving a remarkable 6:49.275 lap time. This escalating performance battle between Ford and Chevrolet is more than just a contest for bragging rights; it signifies a shift in how American manufacturers approach performance.
The Nürburgring has a storied history, dating back to the 1920s, and has hosted the German Grand Prix for decades until safety concerns arose in the late 1970s. Today, it stands as the ultimate automotive performance proving ground, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators for events like the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. Its mix of high-speed corners, elevation changes, and varied surfaces presents a unique challenge for engineers. As Brian Wallace, vehicle dynamics engineer for the Corvette ZR1, notes, “If you can develop a car that goes fast on the Nürburgring, it's going to be fast everywhere in the world.”
The Mustang GTD is a marvel of engineering, designed by Multimatic, the same company that produced the Ford GT. The car retains a familiar Mustang silhouette but is reengineered for performance. Multimatic starts with partially assembled Mustangs and significantly modifies them, removing the rear seats and replacing body parts with lightweight carbon-fiber components. The rear-mounted transaxle, an eight-speed dual-clutch unit, is crucial for balancing the weight of the 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, contributing to the car's dynamic performance.
Despite its robust performance—boasting 815 hp (608 kW) and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque—the GTD still weighs over 4,300 lbs (1,950 kg). It features advanced features such as carbon-ceramic brakes and a Formula One-style drag-reduction system that enhances its top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h). With a starting price of $325,000, the GTD is not just fast; it is engineered to be a top contender on the Nürburgring.
On the other side of the performance spectrum is the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. With a starting price of around $175,000, the ZR1 delivers exceptional value with its 1,064 hp (793 kW) twin-turbocharged V8 engine, capable of reaching speeds of 233 mph (375 km/h). Unlike the completely reimagined GTD, the ZR1 sticks closely to the original Corvette design, enhancing power and aerodynamics without extensive modifications. Its design incorporates a duct in the hood for improved grip and downforce, while features like big wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes ensure it remains a formidable performer.
The Nürburgring lap time battles between Ford and Chevrolet have intensified recently. Chevrolet has previously recorded impressive lap times, including the Corvette Z06’s 7:22.68 in 2012. However, setting lap records wasn’t initially a priority for the new ZR1 and ZR1X. Drew Cattell, the vehicle dynamics engineer for the ZR1X, noted that after extensive testing, they felt confident enough to pursue a record-setting run. In contrast, Ford made it clear that achieving a sub-7-minute lap time was a primary goal for the GTD, with engineers refining the vehicle during final testing to enhance performance.
While I didn’t get the chance to drive either car at the Nürburgring, I experienced both the GTD and the ZR1 on different tracks. My time in the ZR1 at the Circuit of the Americas showcased the car's incredible speed and handling. Despite its high performance, the ZR1 remained user-friendly, allowing for exhilarating lap times without overwhelming the driver.
Conversely, the Mustang GTD presented a more demanding driving experience. At The Thermal Club in California, the GTD's advanced suspension and handling characteristics required my full attention to navigate its technical layout effectively. Although the GTD is heavier and less powerful than the ZR1, it still delivered impressive performance, proving that it can hold its own on the Nürburgring.
The performance rivalry between Ford and Chevrolet at the Nürburgring is just beginning. While both manufacturers have made significant strides, the competition fuels innovation and development in the American automotive industry. With advancements in technology and engineering, it will be exciting to see how this battle unfolds and what new benchmarks will be set at the iconic Nürburgring in the future.
