Modded C7 Z06 and Mitsubishi Evo X Engage in Fascinating Track Battle

Can a massive power advantage for the C7 Z06 make up for its owner’s lack of experience on the track?

For the most part, those that compare the Corvette to other vehicles line it up against other muscle, sports, or exotic cars. GM’s legendary model doesn’t really compare apples-to-apples to any of them, of course, because it’s truly a unique product given its price and performance. But we rarely see the Corvette pitted against tuner machines, as is the case with this new Nitto Driving Line Driver Battles episode featuring a heavily modified C7 Z06 and a Mitsubishi Evo X at Willow Springs Raceway.

Right off the bat, it’s worth pointing out the massive power difference between these two cars. The C7 Z06, owned by Christian Hudnell, has a few additions to its already-potent supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 V8, including an AFE catback exhaust, which helps it make a bit more power than the stock rating of 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It’s also fitted with a Competition carbon hood, an MGW short-throw shifter, Racetech 119 Series seats, DSC Tractive RTS shocks, Brembo ceramic brakes, a Teamtech seven-point harness, BC Forged RZ05 wheels, and Nitto NT01 tires.

That’s a solid 250 horsepower more than its competitor – Paul Aquino‘s Evo X with a 2.0L 4B11T engine that’s been treated to a Garrett GTX3576R turbo and Kelford B cams to up output to 400 horsepower. A set of sway bars and a full KW V3 suspension helps in the handling department, while a VIS carbon hood helps shave a bit of weight. And just like the C7 Z06, the Evo is running Nitto NT01 tires for extra grip.

On paper, this matchup doesn’t really seem fair, but there’s more to the story than just power. “I just got it in September,” Hudnell says of his Corvette. “I’m still getting used to it – this is my second track day with it and it’s too much fun to drive.” On the flip side, Aquino has a bit more wheel time in his Evo. “I have more track time than he does,” Aquino says. “I’ve had the car for about four years now, and I’ve been to Willow about ten times.”

After both cars rip off a few laps, a winner is crowned, and with a best time of 1:29.6, Hudnell and his Corvette manage to beat Aquino and his Evo’s time of 1:35.4 by several seconds. Proving once again that sometimes, brute power is more than enough to overcome a lack of experience.

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