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Ever heard of the “U-Drags” before? Ever think that drag racing should have a few apexes for good measure? Well, Edmunds – you know, the guys who measure out the storage capacity of glove boxes – just came up with another way to “test” the vehicles they’re fortunate enough to fondle.
The latest way to test cars, according to Edmunds, is through a half-mile race with one big apex in the middle. The U-Drags!
They decided that a drag race with a twist would be the best way to test the mettle of the cars they quantify down to the hundredths. And, to introduce their straight, then curvy, then straight brainchild, they chose two cars from GM’s stable that may be on opposing ends of the performance spectrum. Without peeking, who do you think would win a half-mile race when there’s a 180-degree turn at the quarter-mile mark?
When you watch this video, you’ll find that things aren’t so cut and dry when you take a few things into account. Firstly, the C8 Corvette is 500 pounds lighter than the Caddy. We’ve driven both cars and while the Caddy is fun, stuffing the engine behind the driver has some really cool benefits for the Corvette. Plus, while the Caddy as we mentioned, is kind of a porker, it also has 668 horsies pushing all that pork, whereas the C8 “only” has 495 horsepower.
The weight difference seems like a pretty good balance of performance, but this time, the weight is in the Corvette's favor.
One thing both cars have in common is the level of technology to make use of all the performance available to both drivers. As a testament to how much technology has crept into our autos, it was very interesting to watch how each driver punches some buttons and finger-prints the screen for a while, getting the car “just right” for the launch. We’re not going to try and convince you that a mere mortal would be quicker accelerating, faster-shifting, or more traction-oriented than what today’s cars are capable of doing. But it might be more fun! If you challenged one of these cars at a red light, perhaps this might be the modern version of an unexpected nitrous purge?
Each driver took their time "setting up" their ride through the control buttons of their respective cars. We've toyed with these gizmos in both of these cars and can appreciate the technology. But unless you use this stuff a lot, it's kind of just like the first car you ever rode in with power windows. You play with them for a while and then get back to the task of driving.
So, a quick look at the competitors. The C8 Corvette with the LT2 engine versus the Blackwing Caddy with the previous generation Corvette’s supercharged LT4 almost makes it a Corvette against a Corvette, except there is so much more to the Caddy. The guys at Cadillac did their homework and the CT5-V Blackwing is an exceptional top-shelf car, the Corvette Stingray is the base model. Let that sink in.
So, on to the racing! The guys at Edmunds explain the reasoning and the purpose of the U-Drags. More than just a battle of horsepower and who can claw asphalt better, the U-Drags factor in braking and handling on what used to be the “big end.” Now, once the competitors get to that point, they’re only halfway there. The return run is part rolling race and part cutting the perfect apex, seasoned with some fancy shifting along the way— at least for the Caddy.
We will admit, the U-Drags does seem like a fun way to air out some grievances on a Sunday afternoon. This illustration shows all the various aspects of the “testing procedure”.
So how does a C8 Corvette fare against a two-ton family-truckster with a blower? Well, you’ll have to watch the video to find out! But watch closely. That’s all we’ll say at this point. Interestingly, there was a lot to be said in the comments section of the video on YouTube. This style of testing seems to resonate with a large portion of those who watched the video. Some even surmised how differently things would have turned out had the Caddy been automatic. Even GM says the self-shifter is quicker, so there is that?
Check out the video and see for yourself, but first, put a few bucks wager against yourself for the one you think will win. If you’re right, use the cash to buy yourself a nice cold beverage. If you’re wrong, use it to buy something for your significant other. Either option may help cool things down a little bit, depending on the situation. Then, let us know what you think of this style of comparison race. Think we should encourage Editor Havins to get out the lane paint and mark our own personal “test facilities” on the local cul-de-sac nearest his house? Let us know either way and let us know if you correctly guessed the outcome. Chances are, you didn’t.
