Known for their success at the racetrack, the Corvette Racing team has big shoes to fill every time they introduce a new race car. With the introduction of the C7, it was only a matter of time before the technologies learned during the development of the C7 were implemented into the C7.R and vice versa. 

The C7.R, built by Pratt and Miller is the culmination of years of success on the racetrack and countless hours of research and development. With the all new aluminum frame in the C7, the C7.R benefits greatly with a frame that is up to 40% stiffer than the C6. Designed and aerodynamically tested in conjunction with the C7 Z06 production car, the C7.R has a chiseled appearance with a low and wide front splitter, large side vents to reduce air pressure in the wheel well, newly designed side panels with side exit exhaust to aid in generating downforce (as opposed to dumped exhaust), and a new adjustable rear wing that is tuned for maximum downforce and adjustability. 

Technology has came so far with GT cars in regards to downforce, tires, and braking that they are actually having to limit the power output to slow them down. The C7.R is no exception as it uses a 5.5L motor running direct injection, E85, and restrictor plates in the intake system as opposed to the production C7 Z06’s 625 hp supercharged 6.2L motor. In order to slow down the C7.R, a set of AP Racing disc brakes are included on all four corners with extensive air ducts to aid in cooling and extremely thick brake pads due to the nature of endurance racing. For more, check out the original article and make sure to look for the C7.R at this years 24 hours of Le Mans and throughout the GT series.