Video: Corvette ZR-1 Chasing Murcielago LP670-4 SV

Some people have all the luck. Like AutoCar's Steve Sutcliffe, who recently had the chance to chase one of Lamborghini's test drivers around the challenging hill track at the Millbrook Proving Grounds.

Now, some important information: the lead car is a Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV, which is Lambo's limited production (at least by Lamborghini standards) top-of-the-line hardcore supercar.  The driver is Max Venturi, a Lamborghini factory hotshoe.  Behind him is Steve, a journalist driving some leaf-sprung American jalopy called a Corvette "Zed" Arrh One - which we in America call a ZR-1.

Now, on paper it seems that the Lamborghini wouldn't have much trouble shaking the relatively primitive Corvette from it's tail; it's 60 pounds lighter, has 30 more horsepower, and viscous all-wheel-drive for faster corner exit speeds. Reality is often different from what you'd expect, and despite the Lamborghini costing more than 4 times the price of one ZR-1... well, watch the video for yourself and see:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9wbe2HNrAg

It's interesting to see how two entirely different cars pretty much achieve the same end result, and it's definitely enlightening to observe the car's on-track behavior.  The rear-drive 'Vette is a little squirrely in corners, but more than makes up for it with it's astonishing supercharged mid-range grunt.  The Murcielago is simply explosive out of the corners, and sounds like God playing a trumpet solo.

And while people buying ZR-1's most likely aren't cross-shopping half million dollar Lamborghinis, I can't say that it doesn't feel good to see the Corvette doing what it's always done best - whooping up on cars costing much, much more than it does.  If that's not proof that America can build a competent vehicle when we put our minds to it, what does?