C8.R GTE Spec Extracts Even More Performance From Corvette Racer
The detuned GTD Pro C8.R isn’t exactly a slouch compared to its GTE counterpart.
Two Series, Two Tunes
The Corvette C8.R represents the latest iteration of the Corvette Racing team’s track-focused machine, and debuted in GTE form back in 2020. That made the C8.R eligible to participate in both the FIA GTE Pro class and IMSA GTLM class, though the latter of which was replaced with a pro version of GTD with GT3 specs – dubbed GTD Pro – for this season. Thus, GM had to come up with a detuned version of the GTE car to continue competing in IMSA. But how close are these cars in terms of performance?
Photos: Chevrolet
Same Track, Same Time
Though GM is famously tight-lipped about the exact specifications of these cars, we can compare lap times from recent races to see just how much quicker the GTE version of the C8.R is than the GTD variant. The first time both appeared at the same race weekend was back at Super Sebring weekend in Florida, where FIA’s 1000 Miles of Sebring and IMSA’s 12 Hours of Sebring both took place.
Photos: Chevrolet
Lap Times
The GTE Pro version of the C8.R managed a qualifying lap of 1:57.696 at Sebring, which it followed with a best lap time of 1:57.734 during the actual race. Meanwhile, the GTD C8.R churned out a lap time of 1:59.957 during qualifying and followed up that effort with a best lap of 2:01.413 during the actual race.
Photos: Chevrolet
Few Differences
Thus, the GTE variant of the C8.R is roughly 2-2.5 seconds quicker than the GTD version, which is notable. That difference stems from a couple of changes, including a little less power and a little more downforce. The GTD C8.R also features ABS brakes and a different aero package, though changes are on the horizon.
Photos: Chevrolet
Continued Development
The GTD C8.R also utilizes a less-restricted engine, though both IMSA and FIA have different fuel and tire requirements, too. However, GTE development is essentially finished, while the GT3 class of racing continues to improve with each passing year, with lap times decreasing significantly in recent years.
Photos: Chevrolet
Looking Ahead
This means that GTE is likely on its way out, while GT3 represents the future. GM is currently developing a C8-based GT3 racer set to debut in 2024, which is a solid sign that this is indeed the case. But for now, it will continue to campaign two slightly different versions of the same car, interestingly enough.
Photos: Chevrolet
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