Video: Battery-Powered C6 Breaks 200 MPH And Second Record

Since the C5 generation, Corvettes have commonly been known as 200-mile-an-hour cars in stock form (which, in reality, is a bit of an abridgment – from the factory, C6 Z06s such as the one above often cap out just a few miles per hour shy of 200). Thus, when you hear news that a modified ‘Vette like this one from Genovation Cars reaches 205.6, it doesn’t come as too much of a surprise.

However, don’t let first impressions fool you. The bright folks at Genovation have substituted this C6 Z06’s LS7 for an amalgamation of motors, batteries and inverters, and with it have broken the standing mile world record for street legal electric cars.GXE 1While Tesla and its P85D have become household names for electric-powered performance, its capabilities were never truly breathtaking in comparison to those of most high-performance fuel-burners. This “E-‘Vette”, which Genovation has christened the GXE (Genovation Extreme Electric), ought to really give ‘ol Elon Musk a run for his money.

The record – which Genovation themselves set only five months ago – was previously a brisk 186.8 miles an hour. On the 28th of July, however, they inched the bar slightly higher at 189.5 miles an hour before ultimately raising it to an astounding 205.6 miles an hour later that day.GXE 3Regardless of any opinions on tossing out the ‘Vette’s original 427-inch V8 in favor of electric propulsion, it’s hard to deny what an achievement this record is. Using zero-emission, minimal-footprint power, Genovation’s GXE was able to both achieve and (admittedly) surpass a bone-stock, LS7-powered C6 Z06’s top speed. In fact, Genovation claims that the GXE musters quite a bit more power than an untouched Z06, boasting a stout 660 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque.

Like it or not, electrically-motivated automobiles have undoubtedly squirmed their way into the automotive world and solidified their spot along side their fuel-powered counterparts – first due to their efficiency, but now perhaps for their performance as well.

The movers and shakers of the automotive world have been toying with the function, design and practicality of electrically-powered vehicles for nearly as long as with those of the gasoline powered. Advancements in the last 30, 15 and even 5 years, however, have yielded exponential gains in the viability of EVs (Electric Vehicles) as less-caustic alternatives to our beloved gas-guzzlers.GXE 2Is it likely that gasoline or diesel engines will be ultimately dethroned by the flow of electrons anytime soon? We suspect not. Nonetheless, the EV has established quite the name for itself in terms of efficiency and environmental-friendliness; now, it seems its determined to earn its stripes in the realm of performance, as well.

If Genovation has their way, their GXE will someday soon be available for mass production and public sale. While we’re still a bit tentative about the idea of an electric Corvette (we’re not sure we could ever get used to that jet-like whine where the V8 roar used to be), at least we know that it’s America’s Sports Car that’s leading the high-performance EV charge.

But what do you think – is a Z06 running on batteries sacrilege, or do you think electric performance cars are a step in the right direction? Let us know in the comments below.

About the author

Joshua Phillips

Josh has always been captivated by cars, from legendary classics and late-model American muscle to European supercars.
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