It's an American performance showdown.
In a recent high-octane showdown, the C7 Corvette Z06 flexed its muscle against two formidable Dodge contenders – a Charger Scat Pack dreaming of being a Daytona 392, and a Challenger R/T Scat Pack. This electrifying race, captured in a new video by Wheels, showcased an impressive display of power and speed.
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The Dodge Charger Scat Pack, a near cousin to the Daytona 392, boasts 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. However, its hefty curb weight of 4,372 pounds and a front-heavy weight distribution pose a significant challenge against the lighter and more evenly balanced C7 Corvette Z06. The Corvette, a star since its 2015 debut, tips the scales at a leaner 3,524 pounds for the coupe and 3,582 pounds for the convertible.
The venue for this automotive face-off was none other than the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The first race pitted the Corvette against the Charger Scat Pack. The Corvette, with its superior power-to-weight ratio, blazed through the quarter-mile in 13.11 seconds, hitting a trap speed of 119.43 miles per hour. The Charger, despite its raw power, lagged behind at 13.82 seconds and a speed of 100.43 miles per hour.
Next up, the Corvette Z06 went head-to-head with the Challenger R/T Scat Pack. This time, the Challenger, equipped with drag radials and lighter wheels, posed a more formidable challenge. However, a less-than-ideal start from the Corvette driver resulted in a 14.84-second finish at 112.29 miles per hour, an outcome far from the Z06’s advertised potential. The Challenger matched the Charger's time but clocked a slightly higher speed.
This drag race spectacle not only entertained but also highlighted the end of an era. With General Motors pivoting to the mid-engined C8 Corvette in 2020 and Dodge planning to discontinue the beloved Challenger and Charger models post-2023, these races symbolize a significant transition in the American muscle car landscape. The future holds new designs and powertrains, with whispers of the next-gen Charger being a three-door liftback with either a twin-turbo I6 or an all-electric engine. Meanwhile, Corvette enthusiasts eagerly await the 800-horsepower ZR1, a turbocharged marvel closely related to the Z06.
As the world of muscle cars evolves, these races stand as a testament to the power, legacy, and enduring appeal of these American icons.