Rear-wheel drive performance cars using large-capacity naturally aspirated, mid-mounted combustion engines without electrification look set to disappear. Between EVs and forced induction, automakers are finding alternative ways to build high-powered engines. However, this video shows that the Audi R8 V10 Performance Spyder, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, and Porsche 911 GT3 still offer plenty of straight-line speed. Plus, the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 is ready to challenge them.
This video has great production value. There are many special effects and data on the screen. Plus, the action stops for an explanation of what’s going on.
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In terms of numbers, the Corvette Z06 is the top dog in this race. The naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 with flat-plane crankshaft pumps out 670 horsepower (500 kilowatts) and 460 pound-feet (624 Newton-meters) of torque.
The R8 V10 is in the middle of the pack. This isn’t the new limited-run GT RWD but it still packs 562 hp (419 kW) and 406 lb-ft (551 Nm) from its 5.2-liter engine.
The 911 GT3 with its 4.0-liter flat-six is the least powerful car in the bunch, but don’t count it out of the races. The factory produced 502 hp (374 kW) and 346 lb-ft (469 Nm). Due to the added downforce, the more expensive and more aggressive GT3 RS will not be as fast in this drag race. The changes only make a difference when angle comes into the equation.
As a motorcycle, the Panigale V4 SP2 is an outsider of this group. Professional racer Josh Herrin is in the saddle. This engine has a 1.1-liter four-cylinder producing 210 hp (157 kW) at 12,500 rpm and 90.6 lb-ft (122.8 Nm) of torque at 11,000 rpm. Deliveries begin in North America in the fourth quarter of 2022 with a base price of $39,500.
Ducati offers the motorcycle with the optional full-titanium Akrapovic. He’s lost 11 pounds. Plus, power output increases to 228 hp (170 kW) and 96.6 lb-ft (131 Nm).
The video begins with three drag racing cars. Then, the motorcycle picked the winner among the four-wheeled machines to see which was faster.
