Modded C7 Z06 Takes on Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X at Willow Springs

This intriguing driver battle pits a fairly new C7 Z06 owner against a far more experienced Evo X driver on the track.

While we typically feature Corvettes doing battle with other vehicles (and each other) at the drag strip, truth is, GM’s fiberglass wonder is also rather adept at going fast around corners, too. And that’s precisely the point behind Driving Line‘s Driver Battles series – pit two interesting rides against each other at the track and see which one can rip off the best lap time. In this particular episode, that pairing consists of a modified C7 Z06 Corvette and a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X.

This intriguing duo couldn’t be much more different, and each owner/driver has their own particular set of skills as well, which should make for a very interesting matchup. Right off the bat, we can see that the C7 Z06 owner – Christian Hudnell – is at a bit of a disadvantage in terms of experience with his car. “Just got it in September and still getting used to it,” he says. “This is my second track day, but it’s so much fun to drive.”

In addition to the Corvette’s supercharged 6.2-liter LT4 powerplant that cranks out 650 horsepower, Hudnell has added a host of mods to the car, including an AFE cat-back exhaust, a Competition carbon hood, an MGW short-throw shifter, Racetech 119 Series seats, a Teamtech seven-point harness, BC Forged RZ05 wheels, and Nitto NT01 tires measuring 315/30R18 up front and 335/30R18 in the rear.

On the other side, we have Paul Aquino and his 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, which is equipped with a 2.0L 4B11T engine with Kelford B cams, a Garrett GTX3576R turbo, an SSP stage 2 clutch, Perrin sway bars, a VIS carbon hood, a Sabelt harness, and Nitto NT01 tires, measuring 275/35R18 in the front and rear. Aquino has owned the car for four years and has had it out at Willow Springs 10 times, so he certainly has the leg up in terms of experience.

In the end, Aquino managed a best lap time of 1:35.4, which wasn’t enough to take down the mighty Corvette and its best time of 1:29.6. Proving once again that while experience can be a big advantage, sometimes, sheer power and the right tire can have an even bigger impact.

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