Chevy Aims to Outshine Ford, and Setup Preeminence at the Nurburgring, with the Corvette
**Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X Aiming for Nürburgring Lap Record, but No Official Time Yet**
As of mid-July 2025, Chevrolet has not officially confirmed a new Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for either the Corvette ZR1 or the hybrid ZR1X. The American automaker has been teasing a potential record-breaking performance at the famed German race track, but as of now, no official time has been released.
Recent speculation began when Chevrolet shared a teaser video on their official Instagram account, featuring a Corvette ZR1 (possibly the more powerful ZR1X variant) lapping the Nürburgring with the caption “Fast as green hell.” This fueled excitement and speculation that Chevrolet was preparing to announce record-breaking times, possibly even challenging the current production car record held by the Mercedes-AMG One (6:29.09).
However, independent sources have shown unofficial data of a Corvette ZR1X posting lap times as fast as 6:27, which would not only surpass the current fastest American car (Ford Mustang GTD, at 6:52.07) but even the global record-holder (Mercedes-AMG One). Yet, it is important to note that these are not official, manufacturer-validated times.
According to a recent video featuring information from GM leadership, Chevy has not officially attempted, nor claimed, a record-breaking lap at the Nürburgring for the C8 ZR1. Weather, fees, and logistical hurdles reportedly complicate official attempts, and any expectations of a record being set are premature.
In a statement to Top Gear, Tony Roma, Chief Engineer for the Corvette, acknowledged that the team aims for a lap time of less than seven minutes, which could potentially set a new record. The Corvette team's ambition is to reclaim the accolade of having the fastest American car at the Nürburgring.
During their three-week stay in Europe in June, the Corvette team rented the Nürburgring and multiple variants of the Corvette, including the ZR1 and ZR1X, were seen lapping the 'Ring. On June 28, a yellow C8 Corvette was filmed lapping the Nürburgring, but it is unclear if it was a ZR1 or ZR1X model.
As of now, the Ford Mustang GTD remains the fastest American production car at the Nürburgring with a lap time of 6:52.072, set in May. The Dodge Viper ACR, which previously held the record, died eight years ago.
Until Chevrolet officially releases a certified lap time, the Mustang GTD will continue to hold the title of the fastest American production car at the Nürburgring. The speculation, hype, and independent data do not translate into an official record until GM makes such an announcement.
- The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X may have recorded unofficial lap times faster than the current record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, but officially, no record has been confirmed by Chevrolet as of mid-July 2025.
- Despite the speculation and teasing by Chevrolet, the attempt for an official Nürburgring lap record with the C8 ZR1 is complicated by weather, fees, and logistical hurdles, according to a recent statement by the GM leadership.
- The Corvette team's goal is to set a new record and reclaim the title of having the fastest American car at the Nürburgring, with a stated aim for a lap time of less than seven minutes.
- Independent sources have suggested that the Corvette ZR1X might potentially surpass the current record held by the Mercedes-AMG One, but these times have not been officially validated by Chevroley.
