The first-ever Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray and the #1 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R are the headliners of the new Forza Motorsport game. Players got a sample of these cars in the prologue and having spent their hard-earned in-game cash to buy these two, the time's come to get to know the stars of the show.
First, let's get to know about the Chevrolet Corvette C8 E-Ray, the hybrid version of the eighth-generation Corvette that caused a lot of stir since the advent of the base model.
The first-ever Chevrolet Corvette C8 E-Ray rewrote the American sports car's seven-decade history ever since the eighth-generation model, the first mid-engined Corvette, broke cover in 2020.
The E-Ray features a 6.2L LT2 V8 engine that is mated to an electric drive unit powering both front and rear wheels, making it a four-wheel-drive supercar, a Corvette first. It produces a total power output of 655HP and while mated with an 8-speed transmission, it has a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds.
The ZER Performance Package comes with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S ZP summer-only tires as well as chassis tuning and other performance enhancements.
Now, let's get to know the #1 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R, Cadillac's entry to both IMSA's GTP class and the WEC's Hypercar class.
The V-Series.R racing prototype is Cadillac's commitment to the LMDh class and it's made to compete not just in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the new-generation GTP class but also at the WEC's Hypercar class. It was built in cooperation with Dallara.
In compliance with the LMDh standards, the V-Series.R is powered by a 5.5L DOHC V8 Hybrid engine, the only naturally aspirated engine in the GTP class. It has a series-specified 670hp of power output and it is mated to a 7-speed sequential gearbox.
The #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R used in the IMSA 2023 season was driven by IndyCar veteran Sebastien Bourdais and Renger Van Der Zande.
In the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R won the Motul Course de Monterey endurance race at Laguna Seca. At the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, the #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R finished 4th place, behind the 3rd-placer #02 V-Series.R race car.
Upon sampling these two cars in the prologue feature, I got to say that these two cars truly evoked the spirit of Forza in this reborn Xbox racing game made for racers of all generations, be they boomers or Gen Zs alike. By letting their hybrid powertrain loose, these two American marvels showcased the performance that shatters expectations, and in every lap they've done, they've made a huge impression on those behind the wheel, even myself.
Having satisfied with the performance of the new Motorsport heroes, it's time to take them for a quick lap around Laguna Seca, the exact place where the #1 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R scored a win at the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech series.
I've been blown away by how agile and precise the Corvette E-Ray was on the track. The electric motors provide a smooth and responsive ride, allowing the driver to take on the twists and turns with ease, and the advanced suspension and aerodynamic design help to minimize unwanted vibration and noise, giving it a truly immersive driving experience.
The #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R, meanwhile, is an absolute beast on the track with its powerful engine, lightweight body, and precise handling. The car's aerodynamics are also well-done, allowing it to take advantage of every inch of the Laguna Seca circuit.
So, how did I do with these cars? The Corvette E-Ray did it in 1m39.872s while the #1 V-Series.R did it in 1m33.294s, meaning the gap between them is some would say a close shave. Still, I had fun driving the two heroes around Laguna Seca by all means.
As I said before, welcome to the new generation of Forza. Enjoy your drive.
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