Monday 30th June 2008

ZR1 Faster Than GT-R Around 'Ring

GM claims the new super 'Vette has lapped Nurburgring in 7.26.4

---

I am writing this from inside the reinforced PH bunker as there is nothing that creates a heated debate these days like a good old Nurburgring lap time story. Add to that the letters GT-R and there is sure to be fireworks – so here goes.

According to Tadge J Juechter, Corvette chief engineer, the new ‘Vette ZR1 has just been timed around the ring in 7.26.4, which for the record is quicker than Nissan’s new super coupe. The GT-R originally managed 7.38 and then cut this down to 7.29 which most thought was quite some achievement.

But if Juechter’s latest blog entry is to be believed, General Motors development engineer Jim Mero smashed that time on Friday following final tuning and testing for the ZR1. The car was apparently stock, running on normal pump fuel and on production Michelin Pilot Sport 2s which have been developed especially for the ZR1. The suspension and everything else was factory spec.

However, as many of us would agree, ‘Ring lap times are not the ultimate indication of how good a car is, and, following 200-odd words about the ZR1’s lap time, Juechter says they aren’t top of GM’s list either.

‘Despite posting one of the fastest times ever run by a production car, Nürburgring lap times were not an over-riding priority in the development of the ZR1,’ he says. 'The truth is, if the only priority was speed at the ring, the car would not be very pleasant to drive on American roads. The ZR1 is an incredibly capable track machine, but unlike most ultra-high performance cars, it is very easy to live with on a daily basis.’

GM is now promising video evidence of the run, but for those of you not interested in 'Ring lap times it probably won’t be worth watching…

[FishFace]

Where's that bunker then?



I can finally start my Monday properly

[300bhp/ton]

Should be one hell of a car, and in typical Corvette fashion. Just lovin it

[CampDavid]

I always love the "I've got a video somewhere" bit

Everyone lies about their ring time in the PK, the manufacturersjust do it on a bigger scale.

Why risk the car, your test drivers neck and all those other things when you can pretty much work out the time using a simulation. Then knock 10 seconds off

[jon-]

This is especially significant considering the tyres on the gtr are a fair bit more sticky than the Pilot Sport 2's (some estimate around 5-10 seconds a lap).

[bradmitchell]

who cares.... there is so much crap about ring times, unfortunately it has spoiled it. If they were bonafide times set by an independent body, then fine... but its all a bit serious isnt it - if a car is good, it wont always be because it can lap the ring quickly, and vice versa.

[ninjaboy]

It's twice the bloody size as a GTR it should be quicker

[300bhp/ton]

ninjaboy said:

It's twice the bloody size as a GTR it should be quicker

Why? It's just a different approach. You have to remember it's also running somewhere near half the state of tune, so should be more relaible and have lower maintenance.

There are guys running the 5.7 LS engine in street tune with 800bhp+ so the ZR1 is hardly streessed at this level.

[Dagnut]

Still impressive for an american car company...these things where running leaf springs not so long ago you could probably lap the ring quicker in a decent golf than 04 corvette

[jaik]

Dagnut said:

Still impressive for an american car company...these things where running leaf springs not so long ago you could probably lap the ring quicker in a decent golf than 04 corvette

Not that old chestnut. Did you know that coil springs are what they use in clicky ball-point pens?

Just pre-empting the "horse-drawn cart suspension" bks

Edited by jaik on Monday 30th June 12:32

[Karson]

I sigh when I see posts knocking the vette, clearly you haven't driven one lately (or ever). I experienced the current Z06 recently and it's a rocket that deserves respect. I don't see the 'ring times as marketing hype, better to see this kind of data than the usual 0-60 bobbins.

[chunkymonkey71]

Imagine being called "Tadge". How can you take that seriously?

Oh, nice car by the way.

[leem8701]

Shouldnt make comparison, GTR was built and tested against 911 Turbo not the GM car.

Still this GM car looks pretty good and probably a bargain like every other car sold in the US.

[Tokamak]

Fantastic lap time, great achievement.

[DamoLLb]

If GM didn't post a 'ring lap time then there would only be speculation or requests for one in forums.

IMO 0-60, 0-100 doesn't really give a overall indication of the performance of a car, a 'ring lap time is something I can relate to and compare easily

[j-j]

I think this is great!

Competition really encourages development and progression that translates to us the buying public having a great choice of cars to choose from. Well done GM, well done Nissan. I just can't wait for the NSX, the LF-A, V-Spec, etc... to come and give us more to salivate over!

We must, however, not forget the drivers. The cars are only as good as the driver pushing the pedals.

I'm just glad that with all the problems with oil prices, CO2, etc... car makers are still doing just that. Making cars, and great ones at that!

[fastgerman.com]

Fantastic! RWD and lots of power while looking sexy!
Nissan Sunny Skyline GRT wannabe's can all go and sell their jap cr&p for half the price now hahahaha.
Come on, where are the Porsche boys comments?!
I'm looking forward to the new Celica and Supra though!

Edited by fastgerman.com on Monday 30th June 13:19

[qube_TA]

Awesome car, I'll never own one, probably never even see one, but I know that somewhere, somehow that the ZR1 my dream car, is out there, being awesome for the sake of humanity.

[davidcharles]

fastgerman.com said:

Fantastic! RWD and lots of power while looking sexy!
Nissan Sunny Skyline GRT wannabe's can all go and sell their jap cr&p for half the price now hahahaha.
Come on, where are the Porsche boys comments?!
I'm looking forward to the new Celica and Supra though!

Edited by fastgerman.com on Monday 30th June 13:19

..i am biting my tongue and not going to rise to it.......

[Droptheclutch]

fastgerman.com said:

Come on, where are the Porsche boys comments?!

Edited by fastgerman.com on Monday 30th June 13:19

That would be you, no? ;-)

Apart from that, well done, Uncle Sam. It must (I hope it does) sound brilliant.

[fastgerman.com]

Glad everyone has relaxed a bit!

Is the Vette available in RHD?! I'm bloody well interested!