‘Top Gear’ Takes a Rip in FuelTech’s 1,350 HP Twin-Turbo C8 Corvette

FuelTech’s record-setting twin-turbo C8 Corvette is impressive in every way, but it isn’t immune from breakage.

By now, most of us are well aware of FuelTech’s insane, 1,350 horsepower, record-setting twin-turbo C8 Corvette. That particular company has been tinkering with the mid-engine model since its launch, working overtime to extract as much power as possible from the C8 while also setting quarter-mile records in the process. Recently, Rob Dahm of Top Gear fame was able to ride along as this insane machine took a few rips down the drag strip, impressing him and breaking a few things in the process.

In Top Gear‘s newest web series, American Tuned, Dahm explores all of the over-the-top vehicles that make this country great, but his latest excursion in this wild twin-turbo C8 Corvette might be the best episode yet. The video also serves as a bit of a learning experience for Dahm and viewers, as FuelTech’s Anderson Dick goes into great detail explaining the ins and outs of tuning and how it affects a vehicle’s performance throughout the video.

As most are already aware, this twin-turbo C8 Corvette utilizes FuelTech’s own specially-tuned VCU to make its insane 1,350 horsepower and rip off 8.97-second quarter-mile passes, as well as simplify the launching sequence and fine-tuning the shift points of the car’s dual-clutch transmission. To launch this car, one only has to press both the gas and brake at once, then release the brake for a perfect start every single time.

From there, the VCU manages the power that flows to the wheels so well that the car simply rockets down the track with zero drama. Everything works as it should, making this gas-powered ride as easy to navigate down the strip as something like a Tesla Plaid. However, that doesn’t stop it from dispatching its rear passenger side wheel cover on the second pass, leaving that hulking piece of plastic behind and ripping some wiring out in the process.

Those are the breaks when one is driving the world’s quickest C8, we suppose, a vehicle that’s packing all sorts of experimental, one-off bits and pieces. Regardless, this car is undoubtedly impressive and fun to watch doing what it does bet – ripping down the quarter mile in precious little time.

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