Throttle response
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Throttle response
I have owned a 2004 Z06, a 2010 Porsche GT3 and currently own a 2014 Nissan GTR, all stock. I test drove a new 2015 Z06 today. Automatic without the Z07 package. I loved everything about it except the throttle response was awful, even in manual with track mode. Downshifting on the freeway and burying the throttle made a lot of noise as the exhaust opened up but the car really didn't want to get up and go. I had already agreed on a deal with the dealer (precondition of a test drive) but couldn't pull the trigger. I even took the salesman and sales manager on a test drive in my GTR which was not in track mode and they both agreed that I was right. Is there something that I missed like a valet or demo mode that slowed down the response? Does Chevrolet do this on purpose to protect newbies from themselves on aggressive throttle tip in? I know that final drive ratio makes a difference but this seemed to be much more than that. I really liked the car but I couldn't go ahead. The fun factor just wasn't there. The car won't see the track (been there, done that at VIR--too old now) and will be a frequent but not daily driver. I still have an option to buy the car and I don't want to miss out if this is just an aberrancy.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,436
Likes: 977
From: Overland Park KS
First its an adaptive transmission, so if new and since it hadn't been driven in an aggressive fashion before, it most probably would take a little longer for the transmission to downshift. Also, as mentioned above, you do need to roll into the throttle pretty well to make it downshift multiple gears, but when it does so, it's very fast. Not DCT fast, but fast nevertheless.
I've owned multiple cars with DCT transmissions, including the GR6 in my '09 GT-R and I'm very happy with the A8 tranny in the Z06.
Bish
I've owned multiple cars with DCT transmissions, including the GR6 in my '09 GT-R and I'm very happy with the A8 tranny in the Z06.
Bish
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 198
Likes: 17
From: Cape Coral FL
No sense being that unkind....
I have trouble seeing a person ready to plunk down 90K who has not read any test results on the Z06,,, such as it's sub 3 second 0-60 times.
Or that it beats all the cars you mentioned , or that it has the most low end torque of any of the cars you mentioned.... or that its acceleration is scary per some reviewers.... and more than a few who bought it found it quite easy to send the car side ways......
If you are not confused between the gas peddle and the brake peddle, something was very wrong.... maybe in eco mode....
Or that it beats a GTR Nismo....
I would do some reading up If I was you....
Regards,
Viper
I have trouble seeing a person ready to plunk down 90K who has not read any test results on the Z06,,, such as it's sub 3 second 0-60 times.
Or that it beats all the cars you mentioned , or that it has the most low end torque of any of the cars you mentioned.... or that its acceleration is scary per some reviewers.... and more than a few who bought it found it quite easy to send the car side ways......
If you are not confused between the gas peddle and the brake peddle, something was very wrong.... maybe in eco mode....
Or that it beats a GTR Nismo....
I would do some reading up If I was you....
Regards,
Viper
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 215
From: Bronx New York
I babied my car A8 for the first 500 miles. At 501, I was getting onto a highway and put it to the floor and all I can say is WOW. I wouldn't walk away from your chance yet. IMHO this car is ridiculously fast and responsive.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,436
Likes: 977
From: Overland Park KS
Bish
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
No sense being that unkind....
I have trouble seeing a person ready to plunk down 90K who has not read any test results on the Z06,,, such as it's sub 3 second 0-60 times.
Or that it beats all the cars you mentioned , or that it has the most low end torque of any of the cars you mentioned.... or that its acceleration is scary per some reviewers.... and more than a few who bought it found it quite easy to send the car side ways......
If you are not confused between the gas peddle and the brake peddle, something was very wrong.... maybe in eco mode....
Or that it beats a GTR Nismo....
I would do some reading up If I was you....
Regards,
Viper
I have trouble seeing a person ready to plunk down 90K who has not read any test results on the Z06,,, such as it's sub 3 second 0-60 times.
Or that it beats all the cars you mentioned , or that it has the most low end torque of any of the cars you mentioned.... or that its acceleration is scary per some reviewers.... and more than a few who bought it found it quite easy to send the car side ways......
If you are not confused between the gas peddle and the brake peddle, something was very wrong.... maybe in eco mode....
Or that it beats a GTR Nismo....
I would do some reading up If I was you....
Regards,
Viper
Racer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 263
Likes: 8
I had a GT-R and there is no comparison in pulling power from a roll. The Z06 pulls MUCH harder. You said you were in manual. Maybe did not select the optimal gear? Put in Tr mode and "D" and bury it and you will smile. Caveat: you don't get full power until tires are warmed up and engine warmed up. I never tried it, but also <500 miles, the redline is much lower. I THINK it is "advisory" (redline <> rev limiter) so you can still nail it, but am not 100% sure. I didn't hammer mine until after 500 mile service.
In terms of throttle response, its not really fair to compare a high-revving 6 cyl NA car like GT3. You're not going to get that kind of throttle response ANYWHERE else. Given the TQ available in the Z06 I would not want anything as twitchy as a GT3.
In terms of shifting speed, once the Z06 figures out that you mean business, shifting speed is simply a non issue. Upshifts are essentially instant, and smooth downshifts seem limited by physics/rev matching requirements and nothing else.
In terms of throttle response, its not really fair to compare a high-revving 6 cyl NA car like GT3. You're not going to get that kind of throttle response ANYWHERE else. Given the TQ available in the Z06 I would not want anything as twitchy as a GT3.
In terms of shifting speed, once the Z06 figures out that you mean business, shifting speed is simply a non issue. Upshifts are essentially instant, and smooth downshifts seem limited by physics/rev matching requirements and nothing else.
Last edited by ChrisN123; May 12, 2015 at 02:19 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 317
Likes: 1
You can tune out a lot of the "dead foot" in the car. Forced induction will always to seem have a lag from the factory. Also there are many protective things added to the factory tune. Your next step is also inexpensive which is a ported throttle body. My Porsche Turbo has a bit of lag too but when it hits well it makes up for it like the Z06
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 179
From: Cedar Rapids Iowa
Mine seems to responds quickly. Now if you're cruising in top gear and hit the gas, there is some delay while the transmission drops down. To get instant response you should paddle into the right gear. After some break-in miles and the transmission gets some time to learn the downshift time in auto seems to improve.
If I were doing a roll race though, I would paddle to the right gear for the start. Hit the gas and you'll get instant response. As soon as the gas pedal is down all the way shift to D and enjoy the ride.
If I were doing a roll race though, I would paddle to the right gear for the start. Hit the gas and you'll get instant response. As soon as the gas pedal is down all the way shift to D and enjoy the ride.
Navigator
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Something probably wrong with the car if there's no power. On another note, My 2010 Z06 was very responsive compared to my new z06. Couple people have mentioned there's a slight delay because accelerator is drive-by-wire. No cables anymore so there's a time lapse from when you step on the accelerator to when the car actually accelerates.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
I think you're being a bit harsh. While driving last night I had the exact same thoughts as the OP. I nailed it in 2nd gear many times and found the throttle response to less than desirable. I'm not saying the car was not fast. It's plenty fast but there is certainly a small lag. To the OP buy what you like. If you don't actually plan to track the car I would think the little lag wouldn't be a deal breaker and I think the tq that rushes in after the lag is addictive. Either way it's your money and you should get what you like
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 3,169
Likes: 861
From: Naples FL
The OP said 'there was a lot of noise but the car didn't get up and go.'
That car has a problem. Period. What you're describing is a lack of power and not an issue with throttle response. Poor throttle response would be simply mashing the go pedal, nothing happening for a moment or two and then all hell breaking loose. Lots of noise implies the engine has downshifted and RESPONDED to the throttle. Your demo car want making power.
The first time I saw a Z06 driven with fury was while I was driving behind my friend's. He went to overtake someone at 60mph and left rubber stripes for 30 yards as the car picked second and rocketed away. Since that time I bought my manual Z06 and it gives my stomach butterflies every time I rip through 1-2-3 getting on a highway on ramp.
That car has a problem. Period. What you're describing is a lack of power and not an issue with throttle response. Poor throttle response would be simply mashing the go pedal, nothing happening for a moment or two and then all hell breaking loose. Lots of noise implies the engine has downshifted and RESPONDED to the throttle. Your demo car want making power.
The first time I saw a Z06 driven with fury was while I was driving behind my friend's. He went to overtake someone at 60mph and left rubber stripes for 30 yards as the car picked second and rocketed away. Since that time I bought my manual Z06 and it gives my stomach butterflies every time I rip through 1-2-3 getting on a highway on ramp.
Last edited by spearfish25; Oct 4, 2016 at 06:41 AM.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 611
Likes: 29
From: Old Saybrook, CT
Either something is wrong with the car and that it why it is available or maybe it was in touring or weather mode.
Try another one, my 2015 A8 is a rocket!
Good luck.
Try another one, my 2015 A8 is a rocket!
Good luck.
Last edited by Jet Stream Blue Z06; Oct 4, 2016 at 08:13 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 10,961
Likes: 2,643
From: Texas Hill Country
Something probably wrong with the car if there's no power. On another note, My 2010 Z06 was very responsive compared to my new z06. Couple people have mentioned there's a slight delay because accelerator is drive-by-wire. No cables anymore so there's a time lapse from when you step on the accelerator to when the car actually accelerates.
The difference is the power train management is now torque based rather than airflow based and it has very different characteristics.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 1,106
As others have noted either it was in weather mode or something is very wrong with that specific car.
I have a 2016 Z06 A8 (non-Z07 also) and going to full throttle at interstate speed results in an immediate downshift and far too quickly you are seriously into felony level speed. A couple of weeks ago I was on the merge ramp behind someone who decided midway down to pull over so I went to full throttle at about 45 MPH to get in front of traffic and as I merged I noticed on the HUD I was past 130 MPH which would have been very unpleasant if a state trooper had been in the area. The opportunities to go full throttle in a Z06 are very limited off the track with heavy traction and stability control intervention at lower speeds and potentially serious legal issues if you go to full throttle for more than a brief instant at highway speed.
I have a 2016 Z06 A8 (non-Z07 also) and going to full throttle at interstate speed results in an immediate downshift and far too quickly you are seriously into felony level speed. A couple of weeks ago I was on the merge ramp behind someone who decided midway down to pull over so I went to full throttle at about 45 MPH to get in front of traffic and as I merged I noticed on the HUD I was past 130 MPH which would have been very unpleasant if a state trooper had been in the area. The opportunities to go full throttle in a Z06 are very limited off the track with heavy traction and stability control intervention at lower speeds and potentially serious legal issues if you go to full throttle for more than a brief instant at highway speed.