Las Vegas to Grand Canyon - Car?

[Knoxville2410]

Hi all,

Been lurking for quite a long time so finally decided to make an account. For anyone that's interested, I currently drive a 2013 F30 320d

Me and the Mrs are off to Las Vegas in July, she has never been before, I went a few years ago and had a blast! When I was there previously, me and a few friends drove from Vegas to the Grand Canyon (I had to do all the driving as they didn't have their licences with them!). If I recall, it was around 4-5 hours each way and was quite an enjoyable drive (Ford Edge 4x4).

We plan on doing this when we go, except we are looking to travel in a bit more style so have booked a Chevy Camaro SS V8. Has anyone ever driven one of these that can comment on what it's like? They sound absolutely incredible and look pretty quick on paper. It works out at around £180 per day which isn't too bad at all for a bit of fun.

Can anyone recommend an alternative that might be even more fun? I was looking at exotics such as Ferrari's and the like but you have to sort your own insurance out which looks to be a huge faff so sticking to mainstream rental companies.

Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Knoxville2410]

Thanks for the replies.

I think when I was there previously, we went to the South of the GC and will probably look to do the same this time round. Open to suggestions on other parts that may be good if you have any.

The car is the convertible . If it gets too hot we will put the roof up - will no doubt have the AC blasting either way.

I did the trip in one day before so going to do the same again. Planning to leave LV around 5:00am-6:00am and return for around 10pm. Should give us a good few hours to look around and take in the sights.

[Knoxville2410]

Drew106 said:

Had a rental Camaro SS on a US trip a few years back.

Highly recommended. Big V8, sounded awesome, auto (of course), comfortable, decent boot size for two big cases. Covered a lot of miles in two weeks and loved it.

Turn off the TC. Never felt I really needed it (I suspect it's still on in the background). Around 15mpg but Gas is cheap. Peel away from all the lights

That's great to hear!

May I ask who you booked it through? I have reserved mine through Hertz but I am just a bit concerned as it says Camaro SS or similar - I don't really want anything similar, would only want the Camaro.

Like you say, fuel isn't an issue as it is so much cheaper there and I plan to over budget for the trip anyway

[Knoxville2410]

Thanks Premature, will definitely keep that in mind.

Kiethton - The Ferrari looks like good value at $999 for 24 hours but you have to sort your own insurance with that company too. I feel that is going to be incredibly expensive to sort.

So called & Guvernator - I did look at the Corvette and quite tempted by it. Going to look into it a bit more, thanks. We are planning to drive from Vegas to GC from 6:00am - 10:00am, surely this shouldn't be too bad with the top down? Driving back from around 6pm - 10pm, likewise it shouldn't be as hot then?

Thanks.

[Knoxville2410]

Dr Interceptor said:

I've done it, in a Camaro soft top... There and back from Vegas in a day, flying solo.

Best driving day of my life so far.

Crack of dawn, leaving the Vegas strip....



Stop off at a view point on route...



Kept the hood down all the way, had to stop off and buy a hat and gloves when I got gas, the altitude change is huge, and it really got cold very quickly on route.

Snow on the ground up at the Canyon





Detour to a photo spot down by the Colarado river on the way back...

That's exactly what we'll be doing.

Who did you rent through, is that the V8 Camaro?

[Knoxville2410]

Shaoxter said:

Certainly didn't feel like a 6.2L engine, it's not even close to an M3 or AMG but if you're driving a 320d normally then it will put a smile on your face!

I'm going to give the branch a call to ensure it is a V8 that I'll be getting, be very disappointed if I ended up with a 2.3l ecoboost Mustang.

Yes, I think it will still be a lot of fun! I used to have a Z4 3.0si which was pretty rapid, think it was 5.6s to 60 if I recall, this looks even quicker - plus that noise!