2013 GT500 going to the Ring in April

[YourBlindingBias]

But I am not talking about every car on the ring I am talking about the ZL1 with the cage and the rolling start. It's not production if it's not production that's pretty simple stuff lol

It's awesome that you can actually go to the ring and run your car I would like to see the results of that for sure. but again we are talking about Chevy production ZL1's not SLP's hennessey's etc...

[PeeBee]

Originally Posted by YourBlindingBias

But I am not talking about every car on the ring I am talking about the ZL1 with the cage and the rolling start. It's not production if it's not production that's pretty simple stuff lol

Official Ring times are quoted from a rolling start... Chevrolet got it wrong at the first attempt of the Z06.

My point is: every car that is run there by a manufacturer should have the "production specifications", bar the roll cage. But again, as it's a mandatory item enforced by the Ring, it is zeroed out.

With "production specifications" I mean that the cars aren't "fiddled" with. If a ZL1 used to drive there is producing 750hp, it's obviously not a "production car". But I think you can't argue (again, bar the roll cage that is an enforced item) that the rest of the car is all production specs (standard LSA, standard MR suspension, standard interior, no special enlightened body panels)...

[YourBlindingBias]

If they were tuning the car whilst running on the ring, how was it to production spec if they were dialing it in? as in it wasn't finalized. and also production was not started at the time.

[PeeBee]

Originally Posted by YourBlindingBias

If they were tuning the car whilst running on the ring, how was it to production spec if they were dialing it in? as in it wasn't finalized. and also production was not started at the time.

From that point of view, I guess you could say many of the times aren't valild....

Lexus' LFA nurburgring package was specifically developed during the testing there. Porsche's GT2 RS set it's 7:24 time "officially" way before it was produced... (although there still is no video for everyone to see)

The 2012 Z06 time was set with a car that was technically not in production yet as well...

Dodge claims to have the "fastest production car" with their Viper ACR, but (correct me if I'm wrong), isn't the ACR some kind of souped up track thingy?

[Stew]

Originally Posted by PeeBee

From that point of view, I guess you could say many of the times aren't valild....

Lexus' LFA nurburgring package was specifically developed during the testing there. Porsche's GT2 RS set it's 7:24 time "officially" way before it was produced... (although there still is no video for everyone to see)

The 2012 Z06 time was set with a car that was technically not in production yet as well...

Dodge claims to have the "fastest production car" with their Viper ACR, but (correct me if I'm wrong), isn't the ACR some kind of souped up track thingy?

ACR was a full factory built and sold car, with the track in mind yes, but just as factory as a stock Chevy Cruze.

[garcmol]

Originally Posted by Stew

ACR was a full factory built and sold car, with the track in mind yes, but just as factory as a stock Chevy Cruze.

So, my Cruze is as fast as a Viper ACR? Sweet!

[YourBlindingBias]

Originally Posted by PeeBee

From that point of view, I guess you could say many of the times aren't valild....

Lexus' LFA nurburgring package was specifically developed during the testing there. Porsche's GT2 RS set it's 7:24 time "officially" way before it was produced... (although there still is no video for everyone to see)

The 2012 Z06 time was set with a car that was technically not in production yet as well...

Dodge claims to have the "fastest production car" with their Viper ACR, but (correct me if I'm wrong), isn't the ACR some kind of souped up track thingy?

The acr is a factory produced and publicly consumable car.
if GM was still tuning the ZL1 when they made their ring time what's to say they didn't dial it back for production because maybe the ride was too harsh etc...? I don't believe any ring time is really "production" they went there to fine tune the car, so that means they made adjustments right?
adjustments that maybe didn't make it to the production car in which was not even being produced yet.

[radz28]

If it ain't street legal, it's comparing apples-to-oranges...

[Stew]

Originally Posted by garcmol

So, my Cruze is as fast as a Viper ACR? Sweet!

Haven't you found the "turbo boost" button yet?

[PeeBee]

Originally Posted by YourBlindingBias

The acr is a factory produced and publicly consumable car.
if GM was still tuning the ZL1 when they made their ring time what's to say they didn't dial it back for production because maybe the ride was too harsh etc...? I don't believe any ring time is really "production" they went there to fine tune the car, so that means they made adjustments right?
adjustments that maybe didn't make it to the production car in which was not even being produced yet.

Every manufacturer runs there to make adjustments, that is exactly why they go there. One location, where you get all kinds of situations to fine tune the car. Chevrolet isn't an exception on that... Besides, I think, if Chevrolet is confident enough to bring out numbers, that they've done all the testing and are in a "production" ready state. I for sure wouldn't part with my money if I get promised 580hp, decent handling and end up with a "deux-chevaux" (Ciitroën 2CV) and wobbly suspensiion, fun as a 2CV may be

I guess that's why Ford is keeping so quiet about their Ring times for now, because they still need to set up a lot of things... (which kind of brings us back on topic I guess LOL)

[Huggerorange73]

Originally Posted by Rock36

And the original Z06 time was a standing start lap time.

This is a fact lost on many as they place the ZL1 ring time in super car territory.

Many of those old ring times were done from a standing start.

[ffrcobra_65]

The way I see it, no way Ford is going to post an offical "unofficial" ring time unless it is better than the ZL1's. Ford has the luxury of knowing what time to beat and I think we can all agree that Ford has been using the last few months to hone in on a set up that will beat the time. I have no doubt whatsoever that the GT500 will have a better time going straight or on a roadcourse but that doesn't pour water on what a capable all-around machine the $55k ZL1 is, which is the one I want next. I have a few friends who can't wait to order the new snake and run at Willow Springs but I fully intend to keep them in the rear view mirror of my ZL1. I got bigger "balls" going around those corners and the ZL1 should make it a little easier for me.

[Crowley]

I would guess that the ZL1 is the target for the '13 GT500. That being said, I bet it will be very close and who knows who will come out on top. As long as it is close, they will post the time. The reason I think this (even if it isn't as fast around as the ZL1) is that looks at the other cars around this time. I don't think anyone would mind having their car listed in that pack

Crowley

[radz28]

Originally Posted by Crowley

I would guess that the ZL1 is the target for the '13 GT500. That being said, I bet it will be very close and who knows who will come out on top. As long as it is close, they will post the time. The reason I think this (even if it isn't as fast around as the ZL1) is that looks at the other cars around this time. I don't think anyone would mind having their car listed in that pack

Crowley

IMVHO - Whether or not ZL1 is faster, if they are within a couple seconds, I think it's close to a draw. Considering how much influence conditions and drivers have, like many have already said, driving these cars back-to-back by the same person, would be the optimal way to determine which car is faster around that track. Seeing ZL1 quicker is what I think GM wants to see to justify all it's chassis and technology work. They know ZL1's down on power and weight, which we all know are HUGE factors, however, it hasn't been until the last couple years, I think, Ford has taken handling very seriously with the GT500. That's fine, because I dont' think the majority of the buyers cared much. That's who you want to cator too. The market has been getting bigger and the expectations are much more broad, and I think that may be where the Ford has a little bit of a disadvantage. Power can't always be the equalizer, and we know there's a WHOLE lot.

It's pretty plain which car I'd like to see be faster. I think testing around this track is an excellent indication on the whole balance of any car. Seeing either car within seconds of the other will be nice and I think both sides should be proud.