The Chevrolet Camaro has developed so dramatically in recent years that it’s easy to think it’s now become the company’s flagship performance car. However, it’s the Corvette that still holds that crown.
As it stands, the range-topping Camaro is the ZL1 1LE, powered by a mammoth 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine delivering 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Those figures are identical to the C7-generation Corvette Z06, but that vehicle is no longer the fastest and most expensive road-going Corvette sold.
Instead, that honor has been passed on to the Corvette ZR1, a brand new model outfitted with a bespoke supercharged 6.2-liter LT5 V8 delivering 755 hp and 715 lb-ft. Just how much faster does this make the Corvette over the Camaro?
To find out, Sport Auto Magazine in Germany pitted the two U.S. performance cars together around the Hockenheim circuit for a shootout.
Unsurprisingly, it was the ZR1 that reigned supreme on the day, recording a fastest lap of 1:06.9. The best the Camaro ZL1 1LE could manage was a 1:09.6, a very respectable time in its own right.
Beyond its power and torque advantage, the Corvette ZR1 tested was also fitted with a 10-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Camaro utilized a six-speed manual.
Customers of the Corvette ZR1 will pay big bucks for the extra performance though. Pricing for the Camaro ZL1 1LE starts at $69,995 but the Corvette ZR1 coupe costs a full $50,000 more, demanding $119,995 before any options are ordered.