The C8 Corvette Stingray takes on a Dodge Charger Hemi and a tuned Audi SQ5.
The C8 Chevy Corvette Stingray continues to uphold its reputation as a force to be reckoned with, proving that even the “entry-level” Corvette is more than capable of humiliating some formidable challengers. While higher-spec versions like the Z06, E-Ray, and upcoming ZR1 dominate headlines with insane horsepower figures, the Stingray remains a practical yet high-performance weapon for enthusiasts—and a fan favorite for local drag strips.
Recently, the 2023 C8 Corvette Stingray, driven by the creator behind the SSDracer YouTube channel, took to the 1/8th mile at Barona Dragstrip in Lakeside, California. With its crimson red paint glinting under the sun, the Stingray faced off against two distinct rivals: a Mopar-powered Dodge Charger and a tuned Audi SQ5, both eager to prove their worth.
The first battle pitted the Stingray against a 2020 Dodge Charger 5.7 Hemi V8, though any modifications to the Mopar sedan remained undisclosed. Right from the start, the Stingray made its intentions clear, pulling ahead and leaving the Charger far behind with a final time of 7.79 seconds versus the Charger’s 8.86 seconds.
The second matchup proved more exciting. This time, the Charger took an early lead, but as the cars roared down the strip, a gear change disrupted the Charger’s momentum, allowing the Stingray to surge ahead and claim victory once again. The C8’s precise gear shifts and mid-engine balance gave it the edge over the bulky sedan, securing another win in style.
Next, the Corvette took on a more unconventional challenger: a 2018 Audi SQ5 with an E50 tune. The first race was a nail-biter, with both cars neck-and-neck for much of the run. It wasn’t until the final moments that the Stingray pulled away, crossing the line in 7.96 seconds, just ahead of the SQ5’s 8.24 seconds.
The rematch followed a similar script. Both cars launched cleanly, staying close until the Stingray once again asserted its dominance, finishing the run with a time of 7.83 seconds to the Audi’s 8.2 seconds. The tuned SQ5 put up a respectable fight, but the Corvette’s superior acceleration and handling proved too much in the end.
While these matchups at Barona showcased the Stingray’s versatility and speed, excitement continues to build for Chevrolet’s future releases. With the 670-horsepower Z06 and the electrified E-Ray already wowing enthusiasts, attention now turns to the upcoming 1,064-horsepower ZR1. Chevrolet’s next powerhouse promises to take the Corvette lineup to unimaginable heights, raising the bar for American performance even further.
For now, though, the Stingray proves that even “entry-level” Corvettes are capable of extraordinary feats. Whether you’re looking for a daily driver or a weekend track warrior, the C8 Stingray delivers in every scenario, making it clear why it’s earned its “supercar killer” nickname.
