THIS IS NOT A DRILL

For the first time ever, the hot version of the definitive US sports car seriously could beat the range-topping 911. But will it?

- Ben Barry

IF THE BACK STORY TO THE PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS tested here is unfamiliar, then I hope you are enjoying your first issue of our magazine. But the Corvette Zo6? Even most long-time (British) subscribers will have big gaps in their knowledge; previous generations were left-hand drive, after all.

The two have more in common than first impression suggests. Both RS and Zo6 were born from motor sport, celebrate big anniversaries in 2023, and are now more technically comparable than ever. Besides, the new eighth-generation C8 Z06 is officially UK-bound in right-hand drive.

Prices are still to be confirmed, but the Zo6's $105,300 (Rs 87.40 lakh) domestic retail price could easily balloon to around £140k (Rs 1.45 crore) for British buyers, though even that represents a big saving over a GT3 RS' £192,600 (Rs 1.99 crore).

The Corvette might be from over the pond, but it is no fish out of water. Threading over Welsh minor roads crumbly cambered edges, encroaching bracken and sheep more traffic than we hoped-the Zo6 seems relatively compact and easy to place considering it is not that small and quickly builds confidence with its (mostly) fluid steering and ride.

Limit handling is shot through with surprising finesse, but there is bandwidth to ace long hauls too. Our deputy editor just drove this left-hooker from Germany, noting: "Tour mode is surprisingly comfortable, with decent flex in the suspension to make a long stint bearable."

Nicely placed pedals mean he has not been twisting his right leg at awkward angles and the two-seat cabin is so spacious, I suppose you would have to be over 6'5" tall to find it anything other than roomy and that is with a driver's seat that could and should drop much lower. Generous luggage space and this convertible's targa roof make it more versatile than the 911 too.