Lightning Lap Results 2006 to 2023: Every Car, Every Lap Time

When we started Lightning Lap 17 years ago, a 2006 Ford GT claimed the fast time with a 3:00.7. Today, that lap doesn’t even land in the fastest third of a record book that includes 319 vehicles.

Each time on this list tells a story about the capabilities of a single car. Taken as a whole, the comprehensive list of Lightning Lap times tells a saga of long-running rivalries, continuous technological progress, and an evolving notion of what constitutes a performance vehicle (we’re talking about you, Porsche Cayenne, the SUV lap-time champ). A single overarching theme carries through it all: Faster. At our 2019 Lightning Lap, our fastest contender, the 2019 McLaren Senna, set an all-time record with a 2:34.9 lap. This year, the 315-hp Honda Civic Type R beat the aforementioned Ford GT from our inaugural year at VIR and set a new front-drive record. And the Corvette Z06 this year went some 22.5 seconds quicker (!) than the C6 Z06 from year one, landing it in fifth place of all time.

This Year’s Lightning Lap

For 2023, we adjusted our LL1 through LL5 price categories up by about 12 percent, to recognize the ever-increasing prices of today’s vehicles.

Just as the cars have changed with time, so has our event. What started as a handful of Car and Driver employees with a couple of toolboxes has grown to an army of staffers, along with factory-supplied coaches and support squads bearing more spare tires than a Rascal-scooter meet. Through it all, Virginia International Raceway’s 4.1-mile Grand Course has proved itself the ultimate test of modern machinery, a North American Nürburgring Nordschleife. To be quick around VIR, a car has to be nimble enough to negotiate tight hairpins and inspire the confidence to tackle the Climbing Esses at triple-digit speeds. Also, horsepower doesn’t hurt.

Car and Driver

Year Make Model, Lap Time
2019 McLaren Senna, 2:34.9
2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, 2:37.0
2018 Porsche 911 GT2RS Weissach, 2:37.8
2021 McLaren 765LT, 2:38.4
2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, 2:38.6
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2:39.5
2018 McLaren 720S, 2:39.7
2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, 2:40.5
2022 Porsche 911 GT3, 2:40.6
2019 Porsche 911 GT3RS, 2:41.6
2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S, 2:42.5
2020 McLaren 600LT Spider, 2:42.6
2017 Ford GT, 2:43.0
2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, 2:43.1
2016 Lexus RC F GT concept, 2:43.2
2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R, 2:43.4
2023 Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica, 2:43.9
2018 Lamborghini Huracán Performante, 2:44.0
2016 Dodge Viper ACR, 2:44.2
2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, 2:44.6
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, 2:44.6
2020 Lamborghini Huracan EVO, 2:45.0
2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE , 2:45.0
2016 Ferrari 488GTB, 2:45.1
2017 Ford GT, 2:45.5
2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, 2:45.7
2015 McLaren 650S Spider, 2:45.8
2009 Mosler MT900S, 2:45.9
2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S, 2:46.8
2018 Porsche 911 GT3, 2:47.0
2016 Porsche 911 GT3RS, 2:47.0
2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, 2:47.1
2016 McLaren 570S, 2:47.4
2023 BMW M4 CSL, 2:47.5
2015 Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4, 2:47.5
2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S, 2:47.8
2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, 2:48.6
2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z51, 2:49.0
2019 Mercedes-AMG GT63 S 4Matic, 2:49.3
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, 2:49.4
2015 Nissan GT-R NISMO, 2:49.4
2012 Mosler Photon, 2:49.8
2012 Ferrari 458 Italia, 2:49.9
2014 SRT Viper TA, 2:49.9
2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, 2:50.1
2017 Acura NSX, 2:50.2
2022 BMW M5 CS, 2:50.3
2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, 2:50.3
2015 Porsche 911 GT3, 2:50.4
2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2:50.7
2014 Ferrari F12berlinetta, 2:50.8
2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, 2:50.9
2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S, 2:51.0
2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S, 2:51.2
2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1, 2:51.4
2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggara, 2:51.8
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2:51.8
2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R, 2:51.8
2009 KTM X-Bow, 2:52.3
2022 Audi RS3, 2:52.5
2022 Mercedes-AMG SL63, 2:52.6
2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe, 2:52.6
2016 BMW M4 GTS, 2:52.9
2017 Nissan GT-R Track Edition, 2:53.2
2012 Nissan GT-R, 2:53.2
2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T, 2:53.4
2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, 2:53.5
2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive, 2:53.5
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, 2:53.8
2018 Ford Mustang GT Performance Package Level 2, 2:53.8
2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SV, 2:53.9
2019 BMW M5 Competition, 2:54.0
2016 Porsche Cayman GT4, 2:54.0
2008 Ferrari 430 Scuderia, 2:54.6
2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, 2:54.6
2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE, 2:54.8
2012 Lexus LFA, 2:55.1
2018 BMW M5, 2:55.2
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S, 2:55.2
2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S, 2:55.4
2020 BMW M8 Competition, 2:55.5
2009 Nissan GT-R, 2:55.6
2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0, 2:55.6
2022 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, 2:55.6
2019 Lamborghini Urus, 2:55.8
2011 Porsche 911 GT3RS, 2:55.9
2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus, 2:56.1
2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed, 2:56.2
2018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS, 2:56.7
2016 Cadillac CTS-V, 2:56.8
2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 S coupe, 2:57.1
2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, 2:57.2
2008 Dodge Viper SRT10, 2:57.4
2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S, 2:57.5
2014 Audi R8 V10 Plus, 2:57.5
2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, 2:57.5
2009 Ariel Atom 3, 2:57.6
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, 2:58.0
2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series, 2:58.0
2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, 2:58.2
2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA45, 2:58.2
2017 Porsche 718 Cayman S, 2:58.3
2018 Audi TT RS, 2:58.5
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, 2:58.6
2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport, 2:58.8
2023 Honda Civic Type R, 2:58.8
2013 Porsche 911 Carrera S, 2:58.9
2009 Nissan GT-R (all-season tires), 2:59.0
2014 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, 2:59.1
2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT, 2:59.1
2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 S, 2:59.2
2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo, 2:59.2
2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, 2:59.2
2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, 2:59.2
2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium, 2:59.3
2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro, 2:59.5
2021 Jaguar F-Type R, 2:59.5
2023 Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition, 2:59.6
2019 BMW M2 Competition, 2:59.7
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody, 2:59.8
2016 Cadillac ATS-V, 2:59.8
2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S-model, 3:00.1
2021 BMW X5M Competition, 3:00.5
2013 Ford Shelby GT500, 3:00.6
2022 BMW M240i xDrive, 3:00.6
2006 Ford GT, 3:00.7
2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S, 3:00.7
2015 BMW M4, 3:00.7
2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition, 3:00.7
2015 Jaguar F-type R coupe, 3:01.0
2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, 3:01.1
2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z51, 3:01.2
2020 Toyota Supra Premium, 3:01.4
2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE, 3:01.5
2006 Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe, 3:01.6
2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63S Coupe, 3:01.7
2007 Porsche 911 GT3, 3:01.8
2016 BMW M2, 3:01.9
2013 Jaguar XKR-S, 3:02.1
2016 Jaguar F-type Project 7, 3:02.2
2020 Audi RS Q8, 3:02.2
2020 Lexus RC F Track Edition, 3:02.6
2014 Porsche Cayman S, 3:02.6
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca, 3:02.8
2022 BMW X4M Competition, 3:02.9
2014 Audi RS7, 3:03.0
2022 BMW M240i xDrive, 3:03.0
2020 BMW M340i, 3:03.2
2019 Subaru STI S209, 3:03.4
2016 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, 3:03.5
2017 Audi S8 Plus, 3:03.6
2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z51, 3:03.6
2021 Mini John Cooper Works GP, 3:03.8
2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder, 3:03.8
2018 Audi RS5, 3:03.9
2012 Porsche Cayman R, 3:03.9
2016 Ford Focus RS, 3:03.9
2018 Honda Civic Type R, 3:03.9
2009 Cadillac CTS-V, 3:04.0
2011 Ford Shelby GT500, 3:04.0
2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE, 3:04.0
2020 Cadillac CT5-V, 3:04.1
2011 Cadillac CTS-V coupe, 3:04.2
2013 Porsche Boxster S, 3:04.2
2017 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive, 3:04.3
2013 Audi RS5, 3:04.3
2022 Volkswagen Golf R, 3:04.3
2020 Ford Mustang Ecoboost HiPo, 3:04.4
2007 Lotus Exige S, 3:04.5
2007 Audi R8, 3:04.6
2013 BMW M6, 3:04.7
2022 BMW i4 M50, 3:04.7
2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Q4, 3:04.8
2018 Lexus LC500, 3:04.8
2012 Audi TT RS, 3:04.8
2022 Lexus IS500 F Sport, 3:04.9
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG, 3:04.9
2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA, 3:04.9
2009 Lotus Exige S 260 Sport, 3:05.0
2013 BMW M5, 3:05.2
2015 Ford Mustang GT, 3:05.2
2012 Lotus Evora S, 3:05.3
2011 Lexus IS F, 3:05.4
2009 BMW M3 coupe, 3:05.4
2017 Audi RS3, 3:05.6
2008 BMW M3 coupe, 3:05.6
2019 Chevrolet Camaro Turbo 1LE, 3:05.6
2007 Porsche 911 Turbo, 3:05.8
2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S, 3:05.8
2015 Lexus RC F, 3:05.8
2009 Porsche Cayman S, 3:05.8
2016 Lexus GS F, 3:05.9
2007 Ford Shelby GT500, 3:05.9
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG, 3:05.9
2022 Hyundai Kona N, 3:06.1
2020 Cadillac CT4-V, 3:06.2
2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupe, 3:06.3
2010 Jaguar XKR, 3:06.4
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cup Car, 3:06.4
2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, 3:06.5
2011 BMW 1-series M, 3:06.6
2014 Jaguar XFR-S, 3:06.7
2021 Acura TLX Type-S SH-AWD, 3:06.7
2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport, 3:06.8
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, 3:06.9
2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, 3:06.9
1999 Acura NSX Zanardi Edition, 3:07.1
2014 BMW M235i, 3:07.2
2019 Genesis G70 3.3T Dynamic, 3:07.3
2022 Hyundai Elantra N, 3:07.3
2010 Ford Shelby GT500, 3:07.4
2017 BMW M760i xDrive, 3:07.6
2016 Audi TTS, 3:07.7
2019 Hyundai Veloster N Performance Package, 3:07.7
2017 BMW M240i, 3:08.0
2011 Lotus Evora, 3:08.3
2009 Audi TTS, 3:08.4
2011 Ford Mustang GT, 3:08.6
2015 Alfa Romeo 4C, 3:08.8
2011 Jaguar XFR, 3:08.9
2021 Toyota Supra 2.0, 3:09.0
2006 Lotus Elise, 3:09.2
2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z51, 3:09.3
2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, 3:09.4
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, 3:09.5
2006 Porsche Cayman S, 3:09.5
2013 Audi S6, 3:09.8
2006 BMW M6, 3:10.0
2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, 3:10.1
2012 BMW Z4 sDrive35is, 3:10.4
2007 BMW 335i coupe, 3:10.5
2015 Subaru WRX STI, 3:10.5
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SE, 3:10.6
2010 Audi S4, 3:10.8
2007 Ford Shelby GT500, 3:11.0
2012 BMW X5 M, 3:11.1
2007 Audi RS4, 3:11.2
2015 Audi S3, 3:11.3
2022 Volkswagen GTI, 3:11.4
2018 Subaru WRX Performance Package, 3:11.5
2018 Kia Stinger GT, 3:11.6
2022 Subaru WRX, 3:11.6
2007 BMW Z4 M coupe, 3:11.7
2022 Toyota GR86 Premium, 3:11.8
2009 Nissan 370Z NISMO, 3:12.0
2022 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn, 3:12.1
2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary Edition, 3:12.2
2015 Volkswagen Golf R, 3:12.3
2022 Subaru BRZ Limited, 3:12.4
2006 Nissan 350Z Track, 3:12.5
2011 Ford Mustang V-6, 3:12.5
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS, 3:13.0
2012 BMW 335i Sport Line, 3:13.2
2010 Ford Mustang GT, 3:13.3
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, 3:13.3
2014 Lexus IS350 F sport, 3:13.4
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, 3:13.5
2008 BMW 135i, 3:13.7
2012 BMW 335is, 3:13.8
2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-spec, 3:13.8
2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan, 3:13.8
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-spec, 3:13.9
2008 Lexus IS F, 3:14.0
2012 Volkswagen Golf R, 3:14.0
2018 Subaru BRZ tS, 3:14.0
2008 Audi S5, 3:14.6
2015 Volkswagen GTI, 3:14.6
2017 Honda Civic Si, 3:14.6
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8, 3:14.8
2008 Honda S2000 CR, 3:15.0
2015 Mini Cooper Hardtop John Cooper Works, 3:15.4
2015 Subaru WRX, 3:15.5
2015 Ford Mustang Ecoboost, 3:15.6
2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP, 3:15.7
2007 Mazdaspeed 3, 3:16.0
2017 Mini Clubman JCW All4, 3:16.0
2010 Mazdaspeed 3, 3:16.2
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8, 3:16.3
2011 Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan, 3:16.5
2008 Lotus Elise SC, 3:16.6
2009 Subaru Impreza WRX, 3:16.6
2010 Mazda RX-8 R3, 3:16.7
2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth, 3:16.9
2009 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works, 3:17.1
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club, 3:17.2
2015 Tesla Model S P85D, 3:17.4
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, 3:17.4
2008 Infiniti G37S, 3:17.5
2014 Ford Focus ST, 3:17.6
2013 Dodge Charger Pursuit, 3:17.8
2006 Dodge Charger SRT8, 3:18.2
2012 Mini Cooper Coupe John Cooper Works, 3:18.4
2018 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T, 3:18.4
2013 Subaru BRZ, 3:18.6
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, 3:19.0
2006 Mazda RX-8, 3:19.0
2015 Volkswagen GTI, 3:19.3
2010 Volkswagen GTI, 3:19.3
2017 Subaru BRZ Performance Package, 3:19.7
2014 Ford Fiesta ST, 3:20.4
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged, 3:20.6
2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4, 3:20.8
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club, 3:20.8
2006 Ford Mustang GT, 3:20.9
2013 Ford Focus ST, 3:21.4
2008 Volkswagen R32, 3:21.8
2007 Mini Cooper S, 3:22.9
2013 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle, 3:23.0
2012 Honda Civic Si, 3:24.1
2008 Honda Civic Si Mugen, 3:24.8
2007 Volkswagen GTI, 3:25.1
2019 Toyota Camry V6 XSE, 3:25.3
2006 Honda Civic Si, 3:26.5
2008 Volvo C30 Version 2.0, 3:26.6
2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 3:27.3
2013 Fiat 500 Abarth, 3:27.3
2006 Mazda MX-5, 3:29.3
2015 Honda Fit EX, 3:37.7
2022 Kia Carnival, 3:39.1