WebRidesTV is well known for our superlaps, and this superlap seems to be the test with possibly one of the most implicating outcomes. This race has the American muscle from the 08’ Corvette LS3 matched up against the German engineering from the sexy, new Audi R8.
The 08’ Vette holds its own when it comes to a bang for your buck, as this ride will cost you $70,000 less than the heavily engineered R8, but can the R8 show its racing pedigree up against the LS3’s iconic image of American muscle? Statistically speaking, it could be anyone’s race. The Corvette’s engine has a full 2L of displacement over the Audi at a whopping 6.2L, but the thick bore seems to be lacking in potential, as it only produces 16 more horsepower than the R8. The torque is a slightly different story, as the Corvette produces a massive 436ft/lb versus the R8’s 317ft/lb, but I have a feeling that the all wheel drive of the R8 can utilize it better than the rear wheel drive of its counterpart. They both have similar gearboxes, and somewhat similar top speeds and weight, so the question is: who will win?
Off the line, the Vette’s raw power takes it directly to the front of the race, but once the slaloms and hairpin turn come into play, the R8 annihilates the Corvette. The R8 maintains its lead for the duration of the race, because the Corvette’s braking simply lacks in comparison.
What we have really learned from this superlap was really a thing of beauty. Though both of these cars are very similar on paper, it is clear one was strictly engineered for the track. Much like a well trained and properly bred German Shepard, the R8 gracefully did everything it was told with great ease. The Corvette, however, is more like a feisty Pit-bull. The car has massive power that threatens you at every turn. Though it may be a good and responsive car, it will never behave in a manner that puts it on the same level as its German counterpart. This isn’t all bad, though. The Corvette will always be more fun to drive and roughhouse with, especially given the price of the car. Just watch out – it may bite.
