http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/27/g...ing-in-7-26-4/

I'm impressed... majorly... the gt-r can only do this because the computer drives for you. The fact that this was accomplished is significant IMO!

 

The ZR1 and the Corvette in general is something to be proud of. Chevrolet should really be hyping up the Corvette, because it's a product that is available now, unlike the Camaro.

I found it odd they put the Camaro in the Transformers movie, had the Chevy homepage showing this huge picture of the Camaro about a year or so ago (they have since changed to emphasize fuel economy of the Chevy lineup), when it wasn't even going to be in production for another three or so years. And all this time they've had this great supercar, the Corvette.

 

I'm impressed that the ZR1 went that fast because that is a huge chunk of time off the Z06's best effort there. But Chevy needs to stop looking for ways to numerically validate how good their cars are, it doesn't do justice to what makes a great sports car a great sports car.

The other problem with ploys like this is that they don't last. While I'm impressed that the ZR1 managed to best the GT-R's already ridiculously fast time the reality is that the ZR1 will likely only 'own the Ring' right up until the V Spec lays down an official lap time. The tragedy here is that GM is playing Nissan's game and for no good reason. The Japanese have a history of building sports cars that are all about elapsed times possessing lots of speed but absolutely no soul which is the main reason why their sports cars have failed in the past IMHO. Why fall into their trap and meet them on their own terms?

If GM wants to prove that they build the fastest car in the world then really throw down the gauntlet and challenge the Japanese and Germans players to a road racing series using production cars with nothing but safety equipment and the most basic racing hardware. That is how the American manufacturers used to get it done, proving their cars were the fastest at venues across the country and even the world, and not with this ridiculous game played out on one road course by engineers over the course of months.

 

Well said. Couldn't agree more.
So, a $100,000 Corvette managed to edge out the BASE GT-R (allegedly). Huge difference in power and price too. I remember when GM used to point to the performance to dollar ratio of the Corvette, and how it managed to meet or beat most anything the imports could throw at it, at a fraction of their price. Well GM, how's it feel to be on the other side of the match-up?
And as for how useful a good 'Ring time is, other than bragging rights, I think it's useless. And with OEM's like Honda, Toyota and of course Nissan being on the verge of dropping some serious hardware on the 'Ring, just how long do you think the ZR1 is going to stay on top?

 

according to this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordsch...test_lap_times

The V-spec has already shown a 7:25 unoffical and the Lexus LsF at 7:24.

 

Any video yet??

 

Not until they get back from Germany. We should see one around July 7.

Oh and Im surprised that no one has noticed that it wasn't a race car driver that drove the Vette. It was an engineer for the Corvette. There are rumors that when a seasoned driver gets behind the wheel, it will be below 7:20.

 

i sure hope so, I rooting for the vette to beat the V-spec.

 

I was wondering if they used a racer, I think it's a good bonus to add, but you can design a car around a track if you wanted. The ZR1 is a great car, no doubt. I dont like the GTR, it doesnt look particularly good, IMO.

 

This is definately going to be their trump card for the VSpec.

 

American Iron rules!!!

 

Very impressive, but I agree that they're setting themselves up for a fall. The base GT-R is priced/aimed at the Z06, not the ZR1, and only gives up a couple seconds on the 'Ring. If the Vspec follows the ZR1 above $100K and gets an qualitatively equal hp boost and weight loss, it will be running closer to 7:20.

 

The V Spec will be put on a weight loss program and power boost. Some Japanese mags are saying the V Spec will have carbon fiber front and rear fascias, hood, trunk, and doors. Power is rumored at 540hp.

 

As I said, that will absolutely destroy the 'Ring, and if its priced at right at the ZR-1 like the "base" GT-R is at the the Z06, bad news for bowtie. It's not the end of the world to be #2 when you're talking times like this, but it takes plenty of wind out of the sails.

 

yeah GM really shouldnt be putting so much emphasis on ring times........the V spec is gonna be faster around the ring.

they should be pushin the fact that the ZR1 is more fun to drive...or that its more of a drivers car

 

GM is sandbaggin a bit. Put one of the C6R drivers behind the wheel and I guarantee the laps times will drop.

I personally think that Nissan sent a ringer to the Ring to draw up buzz. Check out the latest C&D and look at the track times. The GTR was only 6 tenths faster around ButtonWillow.

 

The GTR that set the record used race tires.

 

Put race tires on the ZR1 and see what its times are. The ZR1 was in factory trim tires and all.

 

I don’t know. Nissan has never shown the car in detail. Did Nissan play with the ECU and bump HP? Did Nissan use race pads? Did Nissan use R-compounds?

A few facts that the GTR fan-boys don’t ever mention:

1. The GTR is under-rated. Nissan claims 480, but reports state that it’s making 550-580. Given the weight of the car and the times it runs, this makes sense.
2. Nissan is LOSING money on the GTR. The “bang for the buck” claims are BS. Nissan has stated that the GTR is a loss-leader.

 

This reasoning doesn't make sense. having 550hp instead of 480 would make this car an even better bang for the buck since they are still selling at the same price and only promising 480hp.

And second if nissian is lossing money on the car then it as well makes it even better bang for the buck being able to buy a car cheaper then it cost to make.


The cars bang for the buck value is all about what the consumer is getting.