Even though the Z06 has way more power and torque than its British-built opponent, the McLaren 570S Coupe, this particular Corvette is wearing its 7-speed manual transmission.
What this means is that getting off to a great start is more difficult than with an automatic when you’re racing somebody, and while this event featured a rolling start, it was still a matter of a human being being able to shift as fast as the McLaren’s automatic brain.
All we’re going to say about the end result is that some might find it extremely surprising – not because of who won, but because of the manner in which they did.
As for the numbers, they’re obviously tilted in the Z06’s favor. Powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 unit, the Corvette sends a total of 650 HP (659 PS) to its rear wheels, with a side of 880 Nm (650 lb-ft) of torque.
In comparison, the McLaren 570S can “only” manage 562 HP (570 PS) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. But again, in this case, it’s got the advantage of faster shifts and it’s an overall lighter car.