Motor Trend Best Drivers Cars

[silversleeper]

http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/.../0622-zl1.html
The 1LE is a very fast track car. That's what it was designed to do and it does. A track car isn't a smooth street ride. Some judges were put off by the harsh street manners.
http://www.motortrend.com/news/choos...t-drivers-car/
I got tired of looking up track times e.g.
http://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/3vmabtfh69le
but for us who don't road track, a few seconds a lap isn't important. They seemed to judge by how the car felt around the track as much or more than actual track times. I don't disagree with that per se, but if you won't give full credit to the 1LE track excellence, might be better to have the ZL1 non-1LE in the competition. I think that car would have won with higher street manners marks, except for politics.

Originally Posted by 1970judge

Agreed. Just like the SS 1LE is, the ZL1 & ZL1-1LE are no brainer the better car for the $.... the enthuisiasts see the bargain and will bite. I know several GT3 converts to ZL1 (and Z/28) and also converts from Cayman to 1LE.

http://www.automobilemag.com/news/20...view-one-week/
A CAI cam and headers with tune would embarrass lots of cars that have routine maintenance and lic and tax costing what that would all inclusive.

[DRKS1D3]

Any which way you cut it, the $70k ZL1 1LE hanging with cars costing 2-3 times as much is pretty darn impressive.

[lbls1]

Tough battle this year: Ferrari wins, Cayman runner up, 911 Turbo third place, and ZL1-1LE 4th place. Its a respectable showing; This was a difficult field.

[2cnd chance]

Originally Posted by 1970judge

I am more impressed with the ZL1 beating the GS/Z07. That combo is made up of pure voodoo magic from new orleans. The ZL1 putting 1.5 seconds on the GS is huge.

There's more to the story...When the ZL1/1LE (as well as the other cars) was (were) being timed it was beautiful out, sunny and warm (see the attached in-car picture). When they ran the GS/Z07 (see the attached in-car picture) it was early in the day around 50* with heavy clouds and some fog causing it to be damp (hence the over-steer).

It's so very difficult to test this many cars on an apple-to-apples basis.

[JUSTIFIED]

Originally Posted by 1970judge

Agreed. Just like the SS 1LE is, the ZL1 & ZL1-1LE are no brainer the better car for the $. You're never going to capture the die hard, dyed in the wool Porsche, Ferrari, AMG owner..because for them its about the experience of owning a Porsche rather than all out performance etc. BUT, the enthuisiasts see the bargain and will bite. I know several GT3 converts to ZL1 (and Z/28) and also converts from Cayman to 1LE.

Either way, no matter which way you go, its a good damn time to be an enthusiast no matter how big or small your pocket book is.

I am die hard Z/28 fan and would've probably agreed that for the Ferrari and Porsche guys its more about the experience rather than performance, but I recently drove a 458 Italia. It was one helluva an experience (performance wise...). It would be hard to resist driving it even with a Z/28 parked next to it and the 488 is even better (although I prefer NA engine...). However, bang for buck, the Z's are the better deal. The 1LE had very tough competition and performed very respectably.

[Supercup]

Originally Posted by JUSTIFIED

I am die hard Z/28 fan and would've probably agreed that for the Ferrari and Porsche guys its more about the experience rather than performance, but I recently drove a 458 Italia. It was one helluva an experience (performance wise...). It would be hard to resist driving it even with a Z/28 parked next to it and the 488 is even better (although I prefer NA engine...). However, bang for buck, the Z's are the better deal. The 1LE had very tough competition and performed very respectably.

As a long time Porsche lover/owner and performance car lover I can tell you that the guys who by z/28's and ZL1 1LE's are the same guys who buy GT2's, GT3's, GT3 RS's, GT4's, Ferrari speciale's, McClaren's 570S, 720, and GT 350 R's.

They are hard core enthusiasts who love the best of the best. Pocketbooks dictate which you can own, but we all enjoy great performance cars that provide great performance and driving experience. We also know and appreciate the other cars regardless of make or price.

As noted above we are living in what will likely be the greatest gas engine performance car era of all time. With new mandates and hybrid tech taking over cars like those noted above simply won't be available anymore. You will be glad you held on to whichever one's you are lucky enough to acquire!

[1970judge]

Originally Posted by 2cnd chance

There's more to the story...When the ZL1/1LE (as well as the other cars) was (were) being timed it was beautiful out, sunny and warm (see the attached in-car picture). When they ran the GS/Z07 (see the attached in-car picture) it was early in the day around 50* with heavy clouds and some fog causing it to be damp (hence the over-steer).

It's so very difficult to test this many cars on an apple-to-apples basis.

Yes, I saw the differences. I agree that the time could be made up on an apples to apples basis (if you could do that). What I was getting at is, the GS/Z07 is an amazing package and for the pony car to post up a similar time speaks loudly about the Camaro. Not downplaying the GS by any means.

[2cnd chance]

Originally Posted by 1970judge

Yes, I saw the differences. I agree that the time could be made up on an apples to apples basis (if you could do that). What I was getting at is, the GS/Z07 is an amazing package and for the pony car to post up a similar time speaks loudly about the Camaro. Not downplaying the GS by any means.

I agree. The Camaro ZL1/1LE is impressive, however I prefer the looks of the 5Gen Z/28.

[1970judge]

Originally Posted by 2cnd chance

I agree. The Camaro ZL1/1LE is impressive, however I prefer the looks of the 5Gen Z/28.

Me too!

[z28monster]

Originally Posted by Z/28Dan

For $365,000--as tested--it had better be the best driver's car!

And to think the $76,000 2014 Z/28 won this award. That's simply incredible.

You mean $48K?

Truly makes it one of the best values of all-time.

[Z/28Dan]

Originally Posted by z28monster

You mean $48K?

Truly makes it one of the best values of all-time.

No. I meant $76K. The award was given in 2014.

[z28monster]

Originally Posted by Z/28Dan

No. I meant $76K. The award was given in 2014.

same car, 30K discount.

[kingz]

Originally Posted by Supercup

As a long time Porsche lover/owner and performance car lover I can tell you that the guys who by z/28's and ZL1 1LE's are the same guys who buy GT2's, GT3's, GT3 RS's, GT4's, Ferrari speciale's, McClaren's 570S, 720, and GT 350 R's.

They are hard core enthusiasts who love the best of the best. Pocketbooks dictate which you enjoy, but we all enjoy great performance cars that provide great performance and driving experience. We also know and appreciate the other cars regardless of make or price.

As noted above we are living in what will likely be the greatest gas engine performance car era of all time. With new mandates and hybrid tech taking over cars like those noted above simply won't be available anymore. You will be glad you held on to whichever one's you are lucky enough to acquire!

I don't think the pocket book dictates which car a person enjoys because I than seen some ppl with a Ferrari or Porsche enjoy their muscle cars more that cost less.

[Z/28Dan]

Originally Posted by z28monster

same car, 30K discount.