Top Gear Clarkson column
Discussion
Clarksons column in this months Top Gear magazine is on the subect of Corvettes and the Z06.
It's unreal.
He himself says that the Z06 is perfectly proportioned, well specified, handles brilliantly, amazing value at £60k, and obviously fast.
But he also says that Chevy saying that as a daily driver, they are wrong.
But why does he come to this conclusion, given that above we have just named twice as many positive things as a Ferrari needs to have in order to get a glowing front page write up?
He says that the leaf spring doesn't work, and that driving over pot holes is bumpy.
Well the lap times that the car manages obviously prove that the composite leaf spring does work; and don't all cars bump over pot holes? Especially one with very wide low profile tyres and firm sports suspension?
He says that the tyres are very noisy. They are, it's true; on concrete or cobbles, but not on tarmac. The car is almost mouse quiet around town. Anyway, I suggest an easy solution to this: go drag racing, burnout the tyres a few times, then buy some more. Perhaps some Nitto 555Rs.
He says it isn't a daily driver.
Well, i drive mine daily. The clutch is very light and smooth in traffic, and doesn't feel like you might overheat it at any moment unlike my Camaro which had a Spec 4i clutch unit. I just drove it 3,000 miles down to and around the South of France, been drag racing, street racing, and circuit racing in it; nothing has fallen off or gone wrong. Still works like a dream. And you can fit all your shopping in it, or 2 weeks luggage for two people with room for more trinkets. It works just fine at Sainsburies, remote boot release and luggage net making loading and driving with stuff in the boot easy.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but Clarkson must be getting old to criticise a 7 litre, 198mph car thats capable of 11s in the 1/4, 7m40s at the N-Ring and 33mpg on the Motorway, yet only costs 60k and is as reliable as a Porsche, for being bumpy over pot holes and having noisy tyres? I mean, who cares about this when they are buying such a car, especially when they ain't that bumpy or noisy anyway?
Why can't they just like it? I hate it when you see a car get slated because it isn't a Ferrari or Porsche, just because said magazine are scared that those manufacturers won't give them any more cars if they write something bad about them. Thats why Ferrari wouldn't lend EVO a car for the Fast Club test, because they thought that the Z06 and Gallardo were too good for the F430 and the write up may be embarrassing.
It's unreal.
He himself says that the Z06 is perfectly proportioned, well specified, handles brilliantly, amazing value at £60k, and obviously fast.
But he also says that Chevy saying that as a daily driver, they are wrong.
But why does he come to this conclusion, given that above we have just named twice as many positive things as a Ferrari needs to have in order to get a glowing front page write up?
He says that the leaf spring doesn't work, and that driving over pot holes is bumpy.
Well the lap times that the car manages obviously prove that the composite leaf spring does work; and don't all cars bump over pot holes? Especially one with very wide low profile tyres and firm sports suspension?
He says that the tyres are very noisy. They are, it's true; on concrete or cobbles, but not on tarmac. The car is almost mouse quiet around town. Anyway, I suggest an easy solution to this: go drag racing, burnout the tyres a few times, then buy some more. Perhaps some Nitto 555Rs.
He says it isn't a daily driver.
Well, i drive mine daily. The clutch is very light and smooth in traffic, and doesn't feel like you might overheat it at any moment unlike my Camaro which had a Spec 4i clutch unit. I just drove it 3,000 miles down to and around the South of France, been drag racing, street racing, and circuit racing in it; nothing has fallen off or gone wrong. Still works like a dream. And you can fit all your shopping in it, or 2 weeks luggage for two people with room for more trinkets. It works just fine at Sainsburies, remote boot release and luggage net making loading and driving with stuff in the boot easy.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but Clarkson must be getting old to criticise a 7 litre, 198mph car thats capable of 11s in the 1/4, 7m40s at the N-Ring and 33mpg on the Motorway, yet only costs 60k and is as reliable as a Porsche, for being bumpy over pot holes and having noisy tyres? I mean, who cares about this when they are buying such a car, especially when they ain't that bumpy or noisy anyway?
Why can't they just like it? I hate it when you see a car get slated because it isn't a Ferrari or Porsche, just because said magazine are scared that those manufacturers won't give them any more cars if they write something bad about them. Thats why Ferrari wouldn't lend EVO a car for the Fast Club test, because they thought that the Z06 and Gallardo were too good for the F430 and the write up may be embarrassing.
Great post, especially about the use you are getting.
As for Clarkson's comments, he has a career to maintain and that career is partly based on sensationalism.
He's the Sun of the motoring world, sometimes factual and accurate, but other times will print
or say things that are totally untrue or that will get up people's noises and it's just to get people talking.
It works like a charm too but I doubt for a single second anyone will be put off buying a ZO6.
If they like the look and the performance, which JC doesn't fault, they can then test drive one
and make up their own mind on if they can live with it...then it's simply down to trying to obtain one
of the few coming in!
As for Clarkson's comments, he has a career to maintain and that career is partly based on sensationalism.
He's the Sun of the motoring world, sometimes factual and accurate, but other times will print
or say things that are totally untrue or that will get up people's noises and it's just to get people talking.
It works like a charm too but I doubt for a single second anyone will be put off buying a ZO6.
If they like the look and the performance, which JC doesn't fault, they can then test drive one
and make up their own mind on if they can live with it...then it's simply down to trying to obtain one
of the few coming in!
The answer is simple where Clarkson is concerned guys. It all boils down to the politics of money. The companies with the biggest clout will have leverage on shows (and magazines) such as Top Gear. I remember seeing the C5 (I think) getting thrashed by a TVR on Top Gear. The Yanks were going mad on the forums posting clips of the C5 thrashing the TVR mmmmm something going on here.... As for the Clarkson negative comments on the Z06 they were so pathetic it was embarrasing. Left hand drive, crap radio, drive line shunt oh pleeeeeeze !!!
Eric
Eric
We were on Top gear when the Z06 was on I think the script is already done by someone for Clarkson, I think they get told what to say!
I was listening to him after he drove the Yellow Mustang against the Lotus which was shown last week, When he got out all he was saying was how good it was but not when he was talking about it on TV!!
I was listening to him after he drove the Yellow Mustang against the Lotus which was shown last week, When he got out all he was saying was how good it was but not when he was talking about it on TV!!
i agree with you c6vet,i heard that clarksons comments off air were quite different to what he said once the cameras were rolling. i believe that his comments are totally devoid of any mechanical or engineering knowledge, based only on what he likes the look of, or like someone else suggested, politics! and money surely plays a big part, if the big motor companies start withholding test cars due to his negative comments then whats he left with to "report" on?
he made a big deal in the media about ordering a gt40, and a big deal about it going back. strange then that not so many people know he since bought the car back. selective reporting or what. i think it is so so wrong that someone with a platform like he has can get away with it. the gt40's problems, as i know it were down to alarm/immobilser not the car or ford. how many other customers would have been given their money back for the same problem? how many other customers have the voice that he has to damage their reputation. i think the very worst trait anyone can have is to be two faced. clarkson is!
he made a big deal in the media about ordering a gt40, and a big deal about it going back. strange then that not so many people know he since bought the car back. selective reporting or what. i think it is so so wrong that someone with a platform like he has can get away with it. the gt40's problems, as i know it were down to alarm/immobilser not the car or ford. how many other customers would have been given their money back for the same problem? how many other customers have the voice that he has to damage their reputation. i think the very worst trait anyone can have is to be two faced. clarkson is!
I think J.C. and Top Gear are both very entertaining.....however Mr. Clarkson is talking bollox regarding the practicality of the C6 Z06. If there is a more practical supercar/sportscar being produced today then I would like to see it.
My neighbour has a 360 Spider and he told me that the battery is so small that if left unused for more than about 3 days the battery goes flat! The Z06 has a massive boot space, all the toys you would expect i.e. aircon, satnav, blah, blah and yes I expect the road noise is tiresome but FFS what do you expect from 12" wide tyres....he would soon complain about a lack of rear grip if they were narrower!!
If I had £60k I wouldn't buy one 'cos I am not a fan of the looks of the car but that is just my opinion, if you like the looks then there is no debate you just buy a C6 Z06....period....full stop....end of subject
My neighbour has a 360 Spider and he told me that the battery is so small that if left unused for more than about 3 days the battery goes flat! The Z06 has a massive boot space, all the toys you would expect i.e. aircon, satnav, blah, blah and yes I expect the road noise is tiresome but FFS what do you expect from 12" wide tyres....he would soon complain about a lack of rear grip if they were narrower!!
If I had £60k I wouldn't buy one 'cos I am not a fan of the looks of the car but that is just my opinion, if you like the looks then there is no debate you just buy a C6 Z06....period....full stop....end of subject
Watcha fella's,just popped over from the Ultima forum.I often have a look in here, just out of interest(not alone there I am sure) and one thing that I have noticed is that you are all very loyal to the brand and I feel that in general,with the advent of the Z06,it doesn't really matter what the likes of JC have to report on the matter,GM are not going to win many customers on the strength of it and anyone with an existing interest in the marque is already sold.
Maybe Clarkson saw this and got upset...
[url]http://videos.streetfire.net/video/1F[/url]
Z06 vs Ford GT video.
Guess who wins!
>> Edited by sayerbloke on Wednesday 31st May 08:04
[url]http://videos.streetfire.net/video/1F[/url]
Z06 vs Ford GT video.
Guess who wins!
>> Edited by sayerbloke on Wednesday 31st May 08:04
sayerbloke said:
Maybe Clarkson saw this and got upset...
[url]http://videos.streetfire.net/video/1F[/url]
Z06 vs Ford GT video.
Guess who wins!
>> Edited by sayerbloke on Wednesday 31st May 08:04
watched it (without sound) and didn't notice a race!
I don't see the contradiction between the positives he points out and it's unsuitablity as a daily driver (assuming daily driver in the UK with rush our traffic, pot holed, dodgy camber and narrow lanes.
He clearly thought the car was excellent and raved about it's track performance, poise, balance and looks.
On normal roads it's maybe a bit harsh and setup for US surfaces.
It's a fair criticism and if you're going to run one of these you'd have something more suited to crawling in traffic anyway. Who'd want to rack up huge bills and miles just sat in traffic?
I think the Z06 is a great car but, like my rice mobile, wouldn't want to drive it in London rush hour. I would choose it for an evening cruise up the Kings Road though.
I don't think it's criticism is any more unbalanced than that levelled at any other car he's road tested in the UK (note road tested nto traack tested and UK not autobahn/frenc autoroute)...
His review was certainly enough to convince me (a non-'Vette adherent) that, amongst many other great cars, the Z06 is onw to aspire to owning.
He clearly thought the car was excellent and raved about it's track performance, poise, balance and looks.
On normal roads it's maybe a bit harsh and setup for US surfaces.
It's a fair criticism and if you're going to run one of these you'd have something more suited to crawling in traffic anyway. Who'd want to rack up huge bills and miles just sat in traffic?
I think the Z06 is a great car but, like my rice mobile, wouldn't want to drive it in London rush hour. I would choose it for an evening cruise up the Kings Road though.
I don't think it's criticism is any more unbalanced than that levelled at any other car he's road tested in the UK (note road tested nto traack tested and UK not autobahn/frenc autoroute)...
His review was certainly enough to convince me (a non-'Vette adherent) that, amongst many other great cars, the Z06 is onw to aspire to owning.
iaint said:
I don't see the contradiction between the positives he points out and it's unsuitablity as a daily driver (assuming daily driver in the UK with rush our traffic, pot holed, dodgy camber and narrow lanes.
He clearly thought the car was excellent and raved about it's track performance, poise, balance and looks.
On normal roads it's maybe a bit harsh and setup for US surfaces.
It's a fair criticism and if you're going to run one of these you'd have something more suited to crawling in traffic anyway. Who'd want to rack up huge bills and miles just sat in traffic?
I think the Z06 is a great car but, like my rice mobile, wouldn't want to drive it in London rush hour. I would choose it for an evening cruise up the Kings Road though.
I don't think it's criticism is any more unbalanced than that levelled at any other car he's road tested in the UK (note road tested nto traack tested and UK not autobahn/frenc autoroute)...
His review was certainly enough to convince me (a non-'Vette adherent) that, amongst many other great cars, the Z06 is onw to aspire to owning.
That's good to hear.
The objection isn't to the fact that there is criticism, but rather to the fact that it is inaccurate.
To give you an idea:
* The butterfly valves that only open above 3000rpm mean that the engine is much quieter around town than those of other supercars. It also means that, in normal daily use, the combination of tyres + engine noise is still less than in other cars of similar ability. When you push the right pedal hard, though, what a noise!
* The seats are very comfortable indeed.
* The ride is not at all harsh for a car with handling that good. Clarkson didn't criticise the F430 for its harsh ride and the Z06's is not harsher.
* The boot is ENORMOUS, providing practicality on a scale unparalleled in sports cars
* Air conditioning (separate for driver and passenger), sat nav, seat adjustments and other creature comforts are greater than for most rival cars
* LHD-only was a stumbling block for me, but (i) is useful around London (you can see up bus lanes
); (ii) is VERY useful on motorways; and (iii) on the test drive I quickly learned that it wasn't much of an impediment to overtaking. I passed several cars in and between twisties in exactly the same manner as I would have done if I had had RHD visibility and didn't even have to think about it. Clarkson (like Needell) rightly loves the car on the track. But he's talking utter b****cks about it off the track! Shouldn't let old men with bad backs test fast cars.
Defintely.I missed (at least) one thing out, but the thread below reminded me. You can also view the Sat Nav through the Head-Up Display!
This thread has various owners discussing whether the Z06 is good as a road car:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showt
This thread has various owners discussing whether the Z06 is good as a road car:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showt
To be honest, a lot of the criticism is so academic, it's irrelevant.
For example, if you're looking to buy a sports car for around £65k, the choice is really a Porsche 997 or a Z06 and being faster or better than a Ferrari is entirely irrelevant. It's not a case of comparing the Z06 to the Ferrari 599 or even the F430, it's a straight case of comparing it to a Porsche 997 as for most people the Ferraris aren't a choice in the financial sense.
I'm not any fan of the styling of the C6 in any form so the Z06 hasn't really appealed to me. However, having seen Stiff Needle's review, you can't help but be impressed by the ability of the car and you have to face the stark realisation that the criticisms of the car are because of it's price level.
GM have gone out to create a track car which is what the Z06 model has always signified. The road compromises will follow (as they did when TG set up a TVR 350C for the track and found it useless on the road) so the fact it is so acceptable is another achievement for GM. The fact that Stiffy prefers it to the 599 Fiorano is praise indeed but still irrelevant to those who want and can afford a Ferrari badge.
The Ferrari 599 that Stiffy drove underlined the hardcore values of the Z06. They are values that GM engineered into the car. Ferrari didn't and went for road manners and ended up with a soft, nannying car that understeers. Stiffy said his Ferrari would have to be an F430. Edmunds.com drove the 599 and said they drove an F430 along a road and it bashed and crashed like hell whereas the 599 soaked it all up effortlessly. Gordon Ramsay on TG said his F430 was a toy that left him bruised and exhausted. Yet James may drove one across Europe and all we heard about it was it wasn't really fast enough but it handled great. No reference to a hard ride that I recall.
I'm far more inclined to believe Stiffy's review and he drove it on public roads too and said it was fine bar the interior trim (it's a cheap car Stiff) and even concluded that the Americans were finally showing us how to do it.
Ultimately, much of what JC says is deliberately provocative and of no real consequence. Anyone wanting a Z06 will try one and decide for themselves. Being compared to a Ferrari does the Z06 no harm, no more than racing a standard stock-tyred 4 seater Mustang round a sinuous track against a stripped out supercharged track car on semi-slicks and not being far behind after two laps.
We should be grateful that TG and 5G are now starting to feature American cars at all, a sure sign of a change in the tide and recognition that they are worthy of comparison with the best in Europe. They just can't bring themselves to let them win.
For example, if you're looking to buy a sports car for around £65k, the choice is really a Porsche 997 or a Z06 and being faster or better than a Ferrari is entirely irrelevant. It's not a case of comparing the Z06 to the Ferrari 599 or even the F430, it's a straight case of comparing it to a Porsche 997 as for most people the Ferraris aren't a choice in the financial sense.
I'm not any fan of the styling of the C6 in any form so the Z06 hasn't really appealed to me. However, having seen Stiff Needle's review, you can't help but be impressed by the ability of the car and you have to face the stark realisation that the criticisms of the car are because of it's price level.
GM have gone out to create a track car which is what the Z06 model has always signified. The road compromises will follow (as they did when TG set up a TVR 350C for the track and found it useless on the road) so the fact it is so acceptable is another achievement for GM. The fact that Stiffy prefers it to the 599 Fiorano is praise indeed but still irrelevant to those who want and can afford a Ferrari badge.
The Ferrari 599 that Stiffy drove underlined the hardcore values of the Z06. They are values that GM engineered into the car. Ferrari didn't and went for road manners and ended up with a soft, nannying car that understeers. Stiffy said his Ferrari would have to be an F430. Edmunds.com drove the 599 and said they drove an F430 along a road and it bashed and crashed like hell whereas the 599 soaked it all up effortlessly. Gordon Ramsay on TG said his F430 was a toy that left him bruised and exhausted. Yet James may drove one across Europe and all we heard about it was it wasn't really fast enough but it handled great. No reference to a hard ride that I recall.
I'm far more inclined to believe Stiffy's review and he drove it on public roads too and said it was fine bar the interior trim (it's a cheap car Stiff) and even concluded that the Americans were finally showing us how to do it.
Ultimately, much of what JC says is deliberately provocative and of no real consequence. Anyone wanting a Z06 will try one and decide for themselves. Being compared to a Ferrari does the Z06 no harm, no more than racing a standard stock-tyred 4 seater Mustang round a sinuous track against a stripped out supercharged track car on semi-slicks and not being far behind after two laps.
We should be grateful that TG and 5G are now starting to feature American cars at all, a sure sign of a change in the tide and recognition that they are worthy of comparison with the best in Europe. They just can't bring themselves to let them win.
Vetteheadracer, re your neighbour's F360, unfortunately I have a similar tale to tell. I left my C6 Z06 garaged for just under 2 weeks and came back to a flat battery. The man from Cadillac Assistance (i.e. the AA) commented that he had seen bigger batteries on Ford Escorts.
My comment on the ride, you certainly feel larger potholes but it's no worse than an M3 CSL.
I find it funny that Clarkson also said it was LHD and too wide........and his Ford GT isn't?!
My comment on the ride, you certainly feel larger potholes but it's no worse than an M3 CSL.
I find it funny that Clarkson also said it was LHD and too wide........and his Ford GT isn't?!
Gassing Station | Corvettes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff