GM President Mark Reuss reached 233 mph in a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 on a high-speed test track in Germany, showcasing the car’s top-speed capabilities.
General Motors President Mark Reuss recently took the Corvette ZR1 to an impressive top speed of 233 mph, setting this record on the high-speed oval at Automotive Testing Papenburg in Germany. This milestone performance follows Chevrolet’s announcement that the ZR1 would feature a remarkable 1064 horsepower, even surpassing the power of the early Bugatti Veyron.
Chevrolet shared a video of this achievement, showing two ZR1s on the 7.8-mile banked track in northwestern Germany. To optimize speed and minimize drag, the ZR1s were equipped with the smaller rear spoiler and shorter front wicker bill, along with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Both cars maintained their standard suspension setup with aluminum wheels.
Surprisingly, the top-speed runs were not performed by a professional driver but by GM President Mark Reuss himself. As the video reveals, Reuss managed to hit the incredible speed of 233 mph. To ensure accuracy, the runs were conducted in both directions, accounting for wind and elevation changes.
In an interview, Reuss explained, “I’d never gone that fast before, but after a day of practice and hitting 231 mph, we returned the next morning to set the top speed.” The cooler air conditions on the second day, ideal for turbocharged engines, helped Reuss achieve the record speed. Accompanied by an engineer, Reuss pushed the ZR1 to its limit, reaching the redline in sixth gear. When asked if a gear change could potentially add a few more miles per hour, Reuss confidently replied, “It had nothing left in it.”
Reuss shared that as he exited the corner banking, he was already traveling at 222 mph, allowing him to accelerate down the 2.5-mile straight to reach 233 mph. He added, “The car feels very capable. It has a calming effect at high speeds.”
The video also includes a brief appearance by NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, who joined the Corvette team at Papenburg before heading to the Nürburgring for further development, though not for a lap time attempt. Gordon took the opportunity to drive the Nürburgring in both a Stingray and a Z06.
