The reality here is that the times for both the standard GTR and the ZR1 are each incredible in their own right all things considered. The GTR because it is 'only' a 500hp car even if it does use AWD and AWS and the ZR1 because it is so much faster than it's 500hp cousin despite the obvious traction issues and weight gain. Both sides have accused the other of being less than truthful with the reality being that each probably did exactly what they claimed to have accomplished pointless as both efforts may be.

The entire concept is just silly. We are using one race track most of us will never set foot upon to decide which car is the fastest in the world 'round the twisty stuff because a bunch of 'enthusiasts', most of whom have never been on any race track, deemed it to be the high watermark of all things twisty. Despite the obvious problem of taking into consideration the realities of who was driving the car and just how many times they had a go at Ring, how on earth could any sane person ever think one road course could ever be truly representative of the outcome you can expect on the street or road courses in general?

This is why we have racing series in the first place so we can compare multiple cars of each type against one another in a variety of venues which, when taken as a whole, come far closer to giving us a good idea of who is 'the fastest' than a cars performance on one road course in Germany could ever hope to. Unfortunately auto makers avoid such contests these days because they can't be manipulated as easily or as cheaply as can a Ring time. So it goes.

 

i like this race , everyone is going faster and faster. the japanese cars are coming back, the american cars are coming back, and the european cars will always be in the race.. it just sucks it has to happen in oil crisis time

 

I know you may think that but it's not necessarily true. I realize most people think AWD is easier, and that DSG is a no-brainer but to be honest, you'd be surprised. Anyone with even a modest amount of seat-time in a more traditional RWD sports car with manual trans will probably be able to drive a Z06 easier than the GT-R. Transitioning to a car like the GT-R requires you to un-learn a lot and re-learn a lot. Simply driving an AWD car around a track will teach you quickly that they require a very different technique.
Regardless of what you "meant", this was your statement:
"...almost anyone with a little driving experience can drive the car to its limits."
In situations like this (internet forums), I know it's sometimes hard to get your point across. Sorry, I simply took you at your typed statement.

 

Its not that it is AWD that makes it easyer to drive, its the computer controlled traction and stability control, and if you read or watch any review on the car they talk about the computers sorting out the drive so much that the car is so easy to drive fast.

 

I've seen this happen at the track with EVO's and STI's. Drivers have more confidence and that makes it easier for them to learn their line.

I've never driven a GTR, but the people that have always write that it's a confidence inspiring vehicle. On the other hand, read the reviews of the Z06.

 

Computers + AWD + DSG = almost unfair

 

It's fair, run what you brung.

 

More $$$$$$$$$ = More Speed!!!