Chevy Corvette ZR1 Outpaces SRT Viper in Motor Trend Test

OXFORD, Maine, January 23, 2013 — Chevrolet's Corvette has become a performance icon, but its legacy was recently put to the test when Motor Trend magazine pitted the bowtie brand's latest and greatest sports car, the 2013 Corvette ZR1, up against the all-new 2013 SRT Viper GTS. Though the competition was stiff, the powerful Corvette ZR1 pulled away from its 10-cylinder challenger on the track, punctuating its win with a new production-car record at Laguna Seca.

Motor Trend put the two all-American supercars through their paces in a number of performance tests, including acceleration, figure-eight and skidpad evaluations that were followed by hot laps around the Laguna Seca track in the hands of professional racer Randy Pobst. While the two machines are closely matched when it comes to power, the Corvette ZR1 was a solid two seconds faster than the SRT Viper GTS around the famed California circuit, recording a time of 1:33.70. That mark was more than two-tenths of a second faster than the track's previous record, which was set more than three years ago by a 2010 Dodge Viper ACR.

"American cars have an unfair reputation for only being fast in a straight line, but the Corvette ZR1's latest feat at Laguna Seca again shows that it's got the complete package," said Rick Smith, general manager of Oxford, Maine Chevy dealership Goodwin Chevrolet Oxford. "The truth is, the Corvette can stand toe-to-toe with any European exotic car in the turns while costing much less."

While the ZR1 is setting new records, Chevrolet engineers have been hard at work on the next-generation Corvette. The new 2014 Corvette Stingray, which is due to reach Chevy dealers in the third quarter of this year, made its big debut at the Detroit Auto Show last week. Sporting a more swept-back, angular design and an advanced drivetrain, the redesigned model pays homage to the Corvette's past while pushing the vehicle into the future.

Housing a direct-injected 450-horsepower small-block V8, the new Corvette is the most powerful version yet in standard form, but its efficient design means it can also go farther on a gallon of gas. Incorporating lightweight parts like a carbon-fiber hood and a new aluminum frame, the model is estimated by Chevy to return more than 26 mpg on the highway, despite its ability to sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than four seconds.

"Since its debut 60 years ago, the Chevrolet Corvette has been able to thrill its owners with its pulse-raising performance and uniquely sporty style, and the 2014 model is a proper continuation of the family tree," Smith noted. "Though the Corvette's curves have changed over the years, the same basic recipe has remained the same: a powerful V8 engine, an agile chassis and a lightweight body that combine to create an unparalleled driving experience."

About Goodwin Chevrolet Oxford:
A part of the Goodwin Motor Group that has served customers in New England since 1932, Goodwin Chevrolet Oxford is committed to delivering only the best automotive experience at its Maine Chevy dealership. They provide a relaxed atmosphere where car shoppers can browse an extensive inventory of new and used Chevy vehicles and have their questions answered by an expert sales staff. Call them at 866-844-1459, visit them online at www.goodwinoxford.com or stop by their dealership, located at 1606 Main Street in Oxford. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoodwinChevroletBuick.