Lightning lap 2022 - Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series sets 2nd all time quickest lap - G80 M3 xDrive, Panamera Turbo, 992 GT3, CT5-V Blackwing, MK8 Golf R, etc.

[Sticky]

The Car and Driver Lightning Lap while not perfect is always an interesting comparison to follow. This is an experiment going on 16 years now at VIR (Virginia International Raceway) so it is fun to compare the data and laptimes.

Different weather, tires, and pavement conditions make comparisons like this imperfect but it is still fun.

It is also good to give credit where it is due with the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series setting the second quickest lap all-time in Car and Driver's testing only shy of the McLaren Senna. There is a reason the AMG GT Black Series is the Nurburgring production car champ.

Considering the Senna is over a million dollars to acquire the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series looks like a downright bargain in this context.

The entire field is pretty good if not BMW heavy. It is interesting to note the Porsche Panamera Turbo S topped not only the new Cadillac CT5-V but also the BMW F90 M5 CS as well. Is the Panamera Turbo S the real performance sedan champ?

Take a look at the results:

It's certainly a nice field for 2022, in order of laptime:

1. 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, 2:37.0
2. 2022 Porsche 911 GT3, 2:40.6
3. 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S, 2:47.8
4. 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, 2:49.4
5. 2022 BMW M5 CS, 2:50.3
6. 2021 Ford Mustang Mach1, 2:51.4
7. 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe, 2:52.6
8. 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive, 2:53.5
9. 2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, 2:55.6
10. 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed, 2:56.2
11. 2021 BMW X5M Competition, 3:00.5
12. 2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition, 3:00.7
13. 2020 Audi RS Q8, 3:02.2
14. 2022 BMW X4M Competition, 3:02.9
15. 2022 BMW M240i xDrive, 3:03.0
16. 2022 Volkswagen Golf R, 3:04.3
17. 2022 Lexus IS500 F Sport, 3:04.9
18. 2021 Acura TLX Type-S SH-AWD, 3:06.7
19. 2022 Toyota GR86 Premium, 3:11.8
20. 2022 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn, 3:12.1
21. 2022 Subaru BRZ Limited, 3:12.4

Looking above the real disappointment is the Acura TLX and possibly the BRZ. The overachiever is the Mustang Mach 1.

Enjoy the video below.

[Weehe]

Lol, IS500 being slower than a Golf R.

[BLKROKT]

That’s a pretty awesome machine.

An important thing to be aware of is that VIR has been resurfaced a number of times recently - in 2014, then again at the end of 2016 - which made the track much much faster than before. So much so that you can’t really compare pre and post times.

The ones I’d be particularly interested in seeing run again on the faster surface are the 918 and Viper ACR. While not threats to the GT Black or Senna, they could certainly be top-5 cars.

Still interesting though!

[Sticky]

That’s a pretty awesome machine.

An important thing to be aware of is that VIR has been resurfaced a number of times recently - in 2014, then again at the end of 2016 - which made the track much much faster than before. So much so that you can’t really compare pre and post times.

The ones I’d be particularly interested in seeing run again on the faster surface are the 918 and Viper ACR. While not threats to the GT Black or Senna, they could certainly be top-5 cars.

Still interesting though!

For more credibility they should re-test some cars. I don't know why they don't.

[DFM]

For more credibility they should re-test some cars. I don't know why they don't.

I would wager that the manufactures see tests like this as advertising the car and the brand, so they will provide new models for the test. Older models would have to be sourced by the magazine and may not be legally as "clean" as new production units from the manufacture if something goes wrong such as a bad accident leading to injury.

This is speculation and I do not really know the reason. May just be cost as well.

I agree it would be beneficial to get updated data on some of the greats from years past.

Side note, the new ford GT is a massive disappointment considering the price and prestige ford built around its launch and availability.

[Sticky]

Side note, the new ford GT is a massive disappointment considering the price and prestige ford built around its launch and availability.

I have to agree. With the way they hyped it and the application process to get to buy one it suited them right for McLaren to come in with the 720S and crap all over it.

That said, it's the most beautiful modern sports car I've ever seen.