The two quickest from Mercedes and Chevrolet aren’t all that dissimilar. Both share blown V8s sitting just behind the front axle, use a transaxle to plant the rear end, and both wear the same Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Crucially, the two weigh almost exactly the same, but the GT R makes 577 horsepower and 516 lb-ft; down 73 horsepower and 134 lb-ft to the ‘Vette. However, with a quick-shifting dual-clutch and seven gears to row through, you might not be too surprised to learn the Mercedes edges it out to 120.

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However, at Hockenheim’s abbreviated circuit, the two are much closer. It seems the AMG GT R’s engine calibration better suited to harnessing the power; Sport Auto tester Christian Gebhardt seems much less concerned with the rear snapping away as he depresses the loud pedal.

Additionally, it’s better composed over the curbs, and that means the GT R can monster the infield section and use some of its torque to help turn the car when the Z06 breaks loose (1:06) in a fashion that’s wild and fun, but probably not the quickest way around.

Photo credit: Sport Auto

Nevertheless, for a car that requires a manual shift and takes up so much more of the road, it’s remarkably quick and just a hair off the Mercedes’ time on a track that’s technical and requires accurate placement. Though the broad Chevy might not seem to be the most wieldable machine on the market, at least from first glance, it does seem nearly as nimble as one of Europe’s best track toys.