ROCKGT

This was posted elsewhere by a Z7 Z06 dealer up in Gaithersburg MD...

We all know that on a race track, that if you beat somebody on a lap by a half a second, that is a huge margin, often the difference between starting on pole and starting fifth. How about beating others by 1.2, 2.9, 5.8, and 6.4 seconds on one lap!!! The Z06 just slayed the McLaren 650 S, the Lamborghini Huracan, the Porsche GT3, and the Mercedes AMG at Virginia International Raceway, in Car and Driver's annual "Lightning Lap" competition.

As they say in the Z06's Kentucky birthplace, "it gave 'em a whoopin'!"

Here are the Lightning Lap stats thanks to Car and Driver.

Z06 = 2:44.6 ($100,245)

MacLaren 650 S = 2:45.8 ($353,115)

Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 = 2:47.5 ($274,720)

Porsche GT3 = 2:50.4 $(162,010)

Mercedes AMG = 2:51.0 ($171,900)

When, much earlier this year, a Z06 driven by Corvette Master Development Test Driver Jim Mero, set a record lap at VIR, Z06 naysayers said it was unfair because he had done tens and tens of laps there earlier, and/or said it was because the track has just been repaved, and therefore was easily 2 to 3 seconds per lap faster, reaching their conclusion that Mero's earlier record lap shouldn't count. Fair reasoning, but the latest results prove the Z06's incredible capabilities! This time the car was driven by a Car and Driver staff, and everybody drove the identical lap, on the identical VIR circuit.

Who would have believed that the Z06 would beat a Porsche GT3 by 5.8 seconds per lap...

Z06, you KILLED them!

BearZ06

So you thought the ZR1 crowd needed to hear this?

ROCKGT

I own a ZR1 and not trading it to Z06 anytime soon. Just love cars and specially GM accomplishment, I'm happy for them.

BearZ06

I wouldn't trade either, my ZR1 is still too special to me and may always be. Happy for them also but still some disappointments with the car that shouldn't be there.

C5 Hardtop

The ZR1 is much better looking

Gary '09 C6

keeping mine...

3LZZ06

Mine's a keeper too.

If I didn't own a ZR1, I would be shopping for one right now.

The C7Z isn't for me, although I do appreciate "some" of their performance capabilities, other aspects leave me suspect.

Gary '09 C6

I like the C7, but I don't like all the reports of the power-train reliability issues et al. To me, that's the most important aspect of the car...

OnPoint

IMO the interior of the new Z is nicer than the ZR. But the ZR is a more handsome car overall on the outside. There are aspects of the new Z's exterior styling I like a lot. And there are others that I don't.

I think the ZR's styling will age much better than the C7Z. I suspect (though I hope not, as I own one) that the C7Z's styling cues will date it to a specific period/time. The ZR just seems to have classier, more flowing design that will age better.

All JMHO. I like 'em both, but the ZR isn't leaving my ownership. It is IMO a special Corvette.

NofakeJake

I'm keeping my '13 ZR1 but purchased a new '15 C7Z07 for my wife. The vin is 9314 so there are a few of them

The ZR1 is iconic, like a 63 fuelie split window or 67 big block. I'm just glad GM keeps pushing Corvette's to the next level.

For a daily driver, an A8 Z07 isn't bad

OnPoint

That is a nice pair. My Z is an M7. They make for a fun pair because as similar on paper as they appear (which do they), they are very different driving experiences.

And I agree with you on the ZR - it is iconic. And I bet will be so for quite a while.

Crabbers

Super relevant to this board but okay, I'll play.

Wasn't VIR changed right before the Z ran? Granted, it's still a great accomplishment, but comparing that time to the other car's times isn't really relevant. Two different tracks.

NofakeJake

Check out Car and Driver's "Lightning Lap". There's a whole article on how the cars were compared, included parity in driver, run date and times.The Z07's time doesn't really compare to the ZR1, as the ZR1 ran prior to the track change at VIR

Yes, I think you really have to drive both to appreciate each car. Exterior looks are only half the story

My ZR1 also has an LPE, headers, cam, pulley package

Crabbers

Well, best case scenario it would be same driver same day, but that's not realistic. I can accept that a track is going to be run in different conditions and the times are going to be compared. The thing that grinds me is people who want to compare this time to the Porsche 918 when the track is different. Different driver different day, okay I get that. Different track, no. You just can't compare the two, and that's why I'm hesitant to compare them as quickly as most people seem to be.

Again, it's a great accomplishment, but it can't really be compared to times from a different track. I know you're just expanding on my point, I'm just expanding further

racerns

Also if I remember correctly, when C&D last tested the ZR1 it rained 3 of the 4 testing days and they even commented that they had difficulty getting dry laps. I think a better comparison will be the Laguna Seca time by MT and the Hockenheim Short by Sport Auto. While it wont be same day, at least they use the same pro driver and the tracks have not changed.

NofakeJake

Yep!

timmyZ06

Am i the only one who doesnt like the interior of the C7?? I think the centennial edition interior looks much better, minus the navi and the seats of course. But that is an easy fix!!

NofakeJake

C7Z07 interior with comp seats is snug, but I guess track cars are built snug...... C6 is roomier.

It was clostrophobic at first


I wanna hate it, but it grows on you