Edmunds brings a U-Drag race between the performance-oriented all-electric Lucid Air Grand Tourer and the mid-engine Chevy Corvette Z06. Lucid Motors produce high-performance all-electric vehicles to compete with Tesla Model S Plaid and other EV high-performance vehicles. The Lucid Air GT has impressive numbers with a claimed 0 to 60 of under 3 seconds.
The Corvette Z06 is Chevrolet's top-of-the-line mid-engine performance supercar with the fastest gas-powered Corvette. Does it have all it takes to beat the all-electric Lucid GT? Luckily, Edmund's U-Drag races measure the standing quarter mile, braking test, handling, and rolling race in a single race. Although the Lucid might have a better launch off the line, the C8 Z06 still has a chance due to two major flaws with the Lucid Air GT that can pump out over 800 horses.
Which car do you think takes the win between the mid-engine American supercar and the all-electric American GT sedan in a drag race? Read more to find out.
Corvette Z06 Vs Lucid Air GT: An Exciting Drag Race
Edmunds adopted the U-Drag races to test the handling, braking, quarter-mile speeds, and rolling race in a single race. They swap the drivers for each to have a fair shot.
During the first race, the Air Lucid has a better launch reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Chevy Corvette reaches 60 mph from the line in 3.6 seconds, one second slower than the Lucid Air. The Lucid maintains the lead finishing the quarter mile in 11.0 seconds at 124.3 mph. Despite the 2023 Corvette reaching the quarter mile at 127.4 mph, three mph faster than the Lucid, it is a second slower, finishing the quarter mile in 11.1 seconds.
During the braking and cornering, the Chevrolet Corvette shines by recording a better cornering at 1.04 G, enough to accelerate past its rival. The Lucid all-electric car corners at 0.86 G, which is lower due to its weight and less sticky tires. The 2023 Chevrolet Z06 finishes the drag race in 32.0 seconds at 144.6 mph covering a total distance of 3886 ft. The Lucid Air finishes second in 33.1 seconds at 138.6 mph covering a total distance of 3721 ft.
During the second race, both cars have a fairly better launch. The 2023 Chevy Corvette accelerates from 0-60 in 3.3 seconds, thanks to its warmer tires after the first race. The 2022 Lucid Air GT accelerates from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, similar to the first race. The Corvette C8 finishes the quarter mile in 10.9 seconds at 129.8 mph. The Lucid GT finishes the quarter mile in 11.1 seconds at 125.2 mph. The Chevy supercar and the Lucid EV sedan have better cornering power than the first race, with maximum cornering of 1.16G and 0.89 G.
The 2023 Z06 finishes in a quicker 31.4 seconds at 144.5 mph. The Lucid finishes the drag race in 33.5 seconds, over two seconds slower than the first race, at 136.2 mph.
The Lucid Air Performance EV's Biggest Flaws
Considering the Lucid Air GT's numbers, one would have expected it to perform better during the drag race. The Lucid has two electric motors that send 819 ponies to all its four wheels. Better yet, it has an instant 885 lb-ft of torque.
But this Lucid is let down by a major problem. The Air Grand Touring's biggest flaw is poor braking which is further aggravated by its weight. It weighs 5,226 pounds and has a weight-to-power ratio of 6.38 lbs/hp, larger than the carbon Vette's weight-to-power ratio of 5.49 lbs/hp. But let's keep the performance bits aside, as electric cars' instant torque can mask it to an extent.
But there is no substitute for poor braking. Although Lucid's regenerative braking system is superb, braking in a 5-ton all-electric car is not a walk in the park. Considering its weight, it takes much time to brake and struggles when cornering compared to the Chevrolet's supercar Z06.
The 2022 Lucid Air GT's second flaw is its tires. It is clad on P Zero all-season tires. Although Pirelli boasts the P Zero tires have outstanding performance, its stickiness is less desired for a drag race between the Lucid and the 2023 Vette Z06. The Chevy C8 has Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, which provide exceptional performance for a dry track and are much stickier than Lucid's Pirelli tires.
The 2023 Corvette Z06 Beats The Lucid Air Grand Touring
In both U-Drag races, the Z06 emerges the winner with a minimum time of 31.4 seconds during the second race. The Corvette also wins the handling and braking tests.
The Chevy has the upper hand considering its lightweight, state-of-the-art performance braking and choice of tires. According to Chevrolet, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 has magnificent stopping power thanks to its 4-wheel disc carbon ceramic brakes, 4-wheel antilock and standard six pistons in the front breaks, and four pistons in the rear brake. The braking capability of the 2023 Vette Z06 upholds its reputation during the first race by enabling it to go past its rival.
The base model of the 2023 Corvette is $30,000 cheaper than the 2022 Lucid Air GT at $109,295. Although one can choose any of the two cars depending on their need, the Corvette Z06 is a perfect fit for a person who needs a remarkable American supercar.
Sources: Edmunds Cars on YouTube, Chevrolet, Lucid