Corvette ZR1 Shatters Lightning Lap Record at VIR
Corvette ZR1 Shatters Lightning Lap Record
The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has redefined production car performance by clinching Car and Driver's Lightning Lap record at Virginia International Raceway. Clocking an astonishing 2:34.2 on the 4.1-mile Grand Course, it edged out the mighty McLaren Senna by 0.7 seconds, silencing skeptics who question American muscle in tight corners.
Unmatched Track Prowess
Packed with 1,064 horsepower and weighing just 3,899 pounds, the ZR1 delivers a power-to-weight ratio rivaling exotics at 3.7 pounds per hp. It blitzed to 179.0 mph on the Front Straight, smashing the previous top-speed mark held by a McLaren 765LT. Through the Climbing Esses, it averaged 141.2 mph, demolishing sector records despite a costly curbing mishap that wrecked a carbon-fiber wheel. Precision handling turned demanding turns into fluid arcs, proving its cornering credentials beyond straight-line sprints.
Legacy of Dominance
This triumph builds on the ZR1's storied record-holding runs at Watkins Glen, Road America, and Road Atlanta. Eyes now turn to the upcoming 1,250-hp ZR1X hybrid, poised to push boundaries further. Chevy's flagship proves affordable fury can conquer elite supercars.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Car and Driver
```html <!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <title>Car and Driver: A Legacy of Automotive Excellence</title> <style> body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px; } h1 { color: #333; } h2 { color: #555; } p { margin-bottom: 1em; } </style> </head> <body> <h1>Car and Driver: Revolutionizing Automotive Journalism</h1> <p><strong>Car and Driver (C/D)</strong>, a cornerstone of automotive media, delivers expert road tests, performance reviews, and cultural insights on cars worldwide. Launched as <em>Sports Cars Illustrated</em> in 1955, it evolved in 1961 under editor Karl Ludvigsen into a broader automotive magazine, shifting from niche imports to comprehensive coverage.[1][2][4]</p> <h2>Rich History and Ownership Shifts</h2> <p>Published initially by Motor Publications and Ziff Davis, ownership changed hands—from CBS Magazines to Hachette Filipacchi, and since 2011, Hearst Magazines. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, C/D peaked at 1.23 million circulation in 2006. Iconic contributors like Brock Yates, P.J. O'Rourke, and editors such as David E. Davis Jr. defined its irreverent, critical voice, pioneering sharp U.S. automaker critiques while praising standouts like the Ford Focus.[1][5]</p> <h2>Key Achievements</h2> <p>C/D b
Chevrolet
```html <!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <title>Chevrolet: A Legacy of Innovation and Performance</title> <style> body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 40px; max-width: 800px; } h1 { color: #d32f2f; } h2 { color: #1976d2; } p { margin-bottom: 1em; } </style> </head> <body> <h1>Chevrolet: Driving the Future with Iconic Innovation</h1> <p><strong>Chevrolet</strong>, a cornerstone of General Motors, designs, manufactures, and sells a diverse lineup of vehicles including trucks, SUVs, sedans, electric vehicles (EVs), and performance cars, blending rugged capability with cutting-edge technology.[6]</p> <h2>Rich History of Automotive Excellence</h2> <p>Founded in 1911 by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant, Chevrolet quickly rose to prominence with affordable, reliable cars like the Model 490. Over a century, it became synonymous with American muscle, pioneering icons such as the Corvette (since 1953) and Silverado truck series. Key achievements include dominating NASCAR, selling over 3 million vehicles annually at peaks, and leading EV adoption with the Bolt.[1][2][6]</p> <h2>Key Achievements and Milestones</h2> <p>Chevy's triumphs span performance—like the mid-engine Corvette Stingray's record laps—and innovation, such as the TurboMax engine delivering 430 lb-ft torque in the Silverado 1500. The brand revolutionized electrification wit
McLaren
McLaren is a globally recognized British organization operating at the intersection of high-performance automotive engineering and elite motorsport, with divisions including McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive[1]. The company is renowned for its innovation, technological prowess, and a relentless pursuit of excellence on both the road and the racetrack. ## History and Structure McLaren was founded in 1963 by New Zealander Bruce McLaren, initially as a racing team. After Bruce McLaren’s death in 1970, Ron Dennis took over and expanded the business, eventually leading to the formation of the McLaren Group, which encompasses both racing and road car divisions[2]. Over the decades, ownership has evolved through complex transactions involving key figures like Mansour Ojjeh and corporate entities such as Daimler AG, with Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company emerging as the majority shareholder in recent years[1][2]. In 2025, McLaren Group Holdings Limited was established as a governance umbrella for investments by CYVN Holdings, reflecting a further consolidation and internationalization of the ownership structure[3]. ## Key Activities and Achievements McLaren Racing competes at the highest levels of motorsport, including Formula 1, IndyCar, and—from 2027—the World Endurance Championship[1]. The Formula 1 team has amassed 201 Grand Prix wins, 12 Drivers’ World Championships, and 10 Constructors’ World Championships, cementing its legacy as one of the sport’s most successful teams[5][7]. McLaren Automotive, meanwhile, produces a range of cutting-edge supercars and grand tourers, such as the 750S, Artura (a hybrid), and GTS, each lauded for their performance, innovation, and driver engagement[4]. ## Current Status and Notable Aspects McLaren’s current ownership is split between Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (majority) and CYVN Holdings LLC of Abu Dhabi, following a recent buyout of
