The Ferrari 812 Superfast leads the group of fastest FR-RWDs.
Car and Driver notes that only four front-engine, rear-wheel-drive models achieve 0–60 mph in 3.0 seconds or faster: Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Corvette ZR1, Ford Mustang GTD, and Ferrari 812 Superfast.
Four front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR-RWD) cars achieving 0–60 mph in 3.0 seconds or faster is a rare feat, according to Car and Driver's test database. In 70 years of testing using measuring equipment, this editorial team has only recorded four instances of reaching that milestone: the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the 2019 Corvette ZR1, the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD, and the 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast. The common thread: immense power, high-performance tires, and optimized traction.
This article compiles official figures from Car and Driver, focusing on powertrain engineering, aerodynamics, and acceleration/drag data, to explain why these FR-RWD models can shorten their 0–60 mph time to under 3.0 seconds.
Accelerating from 0–60 mph: data and test context
Car and Driver conducted a standard 0–60 mph (approximately 97 km/h) acceleration test. With a rear-wheel-drive configuration, achieving this under 3.0 seconds requires significant rear-wheel traction, optimal slip control, and proper axle load distribution during acceleration. While the mid-engine layout enhances grip during acceleration, the FR-RWD models below still push the boundaries thanks to superior power/torque, high-performance semi-slick tires, and intelligent transmission tuning.
Drivetrain, aerodynamics, and traction
All four models rely on high torque, finely tuned traction control, and high-performance tires. Chevrolet uses a supercharged V8 OHV (Z06/ZR1) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission; Ford adds active aerodynamics (DRS) to the rear wing of the Mustang GTD; Ferrari follows a philosophy of naturally aspirated V12 engines, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, a lightweight body, and balanced weight distribution to maintain traction.
The four fastest FR-RWD models: the numbers speak for themselves.
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – 2.9 seconds
With its 8-speed automatic transmission and Z07 package in test, the Z06 achieved 0–60 mph in 2.9 seconds. The supercharged, intercooled V8 OHV delivers 650 hp and 881 Nm of torque. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP tires significantly contribute to the grip from a standstill. A quarter-mile (1/4 mile) time of 11.0 seconds at 126 mph was recorded. Weight: 3,558 lb. Test price: $97,595.
2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – 2.9 seconds
The ZR1 is the top-of-the-line performance variant of the C7, boasting 755 hp and approximately 970 Nm of torque from its supercharged V8 OHV, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Despite the ZTK configuration's high aerodynamic drag, the car still achieves 0–60 mph in 2.9 seconds, faster than the Z06 in quarter-miles: 10.7 seconds at 135 mph. The stated top speed is 212 mph. It uses Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP tires and weighs 3,671 lb. The price during testing was $141,190.
2025 Ford Mustang GTD – 2.8 seconds
The Mustang GTD pushes the FR-RWD configuration to its limits with a 5.2-liter supercharged DOHC V8, producing 815 hp and approximately 901 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The rear wing incorporates a drag reduction system (DRS), similar to F1 design philosophy, optimizing downforce/traction depending on the driving phase. Despite weighing 4,404 lb, the GTD achieves 0–60 mph in 2.8 seconds. It uses Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires. Price during testing: $367,960.
2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast – 2.7 seconds
The 812 Superfast tops the list with a 0–60 mph time of 2.7 seconds. Its naturally aspirated DOHC V12 engine produces 789 hp and approximately 719 Nm of torque, transmitted through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It uses Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires and weighs 3,851 lb. The price during testing was $465,509. This is the fastest FR-RWD model in the aforementioned test data.
Main specifications table
| Model (year) | 0–60 mph (s) | Price at the time of testing (USD) | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Gear | Weight (lb) | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (2015) | 2.9 | 97,595 | V8 OHV supercharged, intercooled | 650 | 881 | 8-speed automatic | 3,558 | Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP |
| Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (2019) | 2.9 | 141,190 | V8 OHV supercharged, intercooled | 755 | 970 | 8-speed automatic | 3,671 | Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP |
| Ford Mustang GTD (2025) | 2.8 | 367,960 | 5.2-liter supercharged V8 DOHC engine with intercooler. | 815 | 901 | 8-speed dual-clutch transmission | 4,404 | Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R |
| Ferrari 812 Superfast (2018) | 2.7 | 465,509 | V12 DOHC naturally aspirated | 789 | 719 | 7-speed dual-clutch transmission | 3,851 | Pirelli P Zero PZ4 |
Value and positioning
In terms of ownership costs, the Corvette Z06 is a noteworthy performance-to-price case, being the only model under $100,000 at the time of testing. The ZR1 adds superior power, aerodynamics, and quarter-mile performance. The Mustang GTD approaches street racing with its active aerodynamics and Cup 2R tires, reflected in its high price. The Ferrari 812 Superfast is the top-performing FR-RWD option according to this data, and is also the most expensive in the group.
Conclusion: FR-RWD still has room to shine.
In an era where mid-engine and AWD systems reign supreme, these four models demonstrate that FR-RWD can still achieve 0–60 mph in under 3.0 seconds with sufficient power, suitable tires, and proper drivetrain tuning. Results as recorded by Car and Driver:
- Ferrari 812 Superfast (2018): 2.7 seconds – fastest in the group.
- Ford Mustang GTD (2025): 2.8 seconds – active aerodynamics, Cup 2R tires.
- Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (2019): 2.9 seconds – quarter mile 10.7 seconds @ 135 mph.
- Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (2015): 2.9 seconds – lowest test price in the group.
Note: The speed/distance/price figures and tire/transmission configurations in this article reflect the vehicle tested by Car and Driver under the specific conditions at the time mentioned.
