Test drove A8 and M7 ZO6 today-made my decision for the ZR1
04-26-2018, 09:36 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Test drove A8 and M7 ZO6 today-made my decision for the ZR1
After reading all the posts on the A8 vs M7 I really began questioning my ZR1 order with the A8. I would also point out that I am hotroder whose previous and current cars were all manuals, M22's, T10's and both of my current C3 customs are Tremecs. I thought that I was ready to give up the shifting, and focus more on driving with both hands on the wheel but it dawned on me that what if I put the A8 in the Z and I didn't like it, then what? drive my 72 when I want to DRIVE...or it proves to have issues like the previous A8 vettes. I had until Saturday to make my decision. So today my dealer here in VA. was kind enough to let me test drive two Z06's today.
I am not a professional driver, and all of my previous cars were antiques compared to the Z06, my previous driving experience in a new vette was a friends GS. with less HP than my 80 or the 72. I drive pretty hard and give my current cars a good ringing out whenever possible. i jumped on the chance to drive both today.
I drove the A8 first. The automatic performed really nice and we did some spirited back road driving and it felt fantastic. I was impressed as it was my first time in 650-hp auto car that doesn't have to go in a straight line. I went to manual mode and this being my first experience with paddle shifting I thought It performed pretty well but I did find myself wanting it too react quicker and I was already missing the exhaust notes that a manual creates. I like to hear my cars and motorcycles, they are all loud. I returned the A8 with a new respect for a high hp auto street car.
Then I got the M7 car out on the road and immediately felt more at home shifting the car and was way more connected to the car. I didn't push the manual as hard as the A8 not knowing all the of the cars tendencies. The rev matching was pretty nice as you downshift too. obviously, the clutch and shifting feel is fantastic and super easy compared to other cars I've owned. I know the critics of the M7 for its use in 1/4 and 1/8 mile, but it is much much more of a track car not a drag car. I will also "suffer with it traffic jams" to enjoy really driving the car. So for me M7 without hesitation after driving both back to back today. My recommendation to all is that if you've had manuals before and still like to row the gears forget about the A8- its just not worth it.
Hope this helps those that are still undecided and don't care about 1/4 mile times as much as driving a great car.
The auto is nice, it's just not for me!
So my car is finalized!!
Blade Silver Coupe with Black/Grey two tone interior
M7
Jake Stripe
Both tops
3ZR
ZTK Track Pkg
Carbon flash mirrors
as yes CHROME wheels. LOL
I am not a professional driver, and all of my previous cars were antiques compared to the Z06, my previous driving experience in a new vette was a friends GS. with less HP than my 80 or the 72. I drive pretty hard and give my current cars a good ringing out whenever possible. i jumped on the chance to drive both today.
I drove the A8 first. The automatic performed really nice and we did some spirited back road driving and it felt fantastic. I was impressed as it was my first time in 650-hp auto car that doesn't have to go in a straight line. I went to manual mode and this being my first experience with paddle shifting I thought It performed pretty well but I did find myself wanting it too react quicker and I was already missing the exhaust notes that a manual creates. I like to hear my cars and motorcycles, they are all loud. I returned the A8 with a new respect for a high hp auto street car.
Then I got the M7 car out on the road and immediately felt more at home shifting the car and was way more connected to the car. I didn't push the manual as hard as the A8 not knowing all the of the cars tendencies. The rev matching was pretty nice as you downshift too. obviously, the clutch and shifting feel is fantastic and super easy compared to other cars I've owned. I know the critics of the M7 for its use in 1/4 and 1/8 mile, but it is much much more of a track car not a drag car. I will also "suffer with it traffic jams" to enjoy really driving the car. So for me M7 without hesitation after driving both back to back today. My recommendation to all is that if you've had manuals before and still like to row the gears forget about the A8- its just not worth it.
Hope this helps those that are still undecided and don't care about 1/4 mile times as much as driving a great car.
The auto is nice, it's just not for me!
So my car is finalized!!
Blade Silver Coupe with Black/Grey two tone interior
M7
Jake Stripe
Both tops
3ZR
ZTK Track Pkg
Carbon flash mirrors
as yes CHROME wheels. LOL
The following 2 users liked this post by jamesw2066:
Palantirion (04-27-2018),
RJ-92 (04-27-2018)
04-26-2018, 09:46 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
Good choice. I test drove 4 automatic z06’s and a couple of manuals. I ended up with the manual in my “z06” purchase. The auto was very nice and shifted well WOT. But in light to mid throttle applications it didn’t seem to be a well sorted out feel. [/left]
Last edited by Steve Garrett; 04-27-2018 at 06:00 PM.
04-26-2018, 11:20 PM
#4
If you still can, delete the dual roof option! It is $2995 on the ZR1 and only added the transparent top as the exposed carbon top is standard. Save $1000 and buy it from your parts dept or from an individual for $1500-1700. Wish I would’ve known before finalizing my order as I paid $2995 for a $2000 top...
[/left]
[/left]
Last edited by Steve Garrett; 04-27-2018 at 06:01 PM.
04-26-2018, 11:34 PM
#5
if you still can, delete the dual roof option! It is $2995 on the ZR1 and only added the transparent top as the exposed carbon top is standard. Save $1000 and buy it from your parts dept or from an individual for $1500-1700. Wish I would’ve known before finalizing my order as I paid $2995 for a $2000 top...
04-26-2018, 11:38 PM
#6
Yes, it is the addition of the transparent roof to the standard roof of the car you’re ordering, body color or exposed carbon depending on the model. The dual roof option with exposed carbon fiber roof is a $2995 option on the stingray for example as it adds a transparent roof and upgraded the body color roof to an exposed carbon version. It seems GM just carried that pricing over to the ZR1 even though the exposed carbon roof is standard and included in the base price. Essentially if u order a ZR1 with dual roof at $2995 (as I did) you will pay for the exposed carbon roof twice.
04-27-2018, 01:30 AM
#7
Yes, it is the addition of the transparent roof to the standard roof of the car you’re ordering, body color or exposed carbon depending on the model. The dual roof option with exposed carbon fiber roof is a $2995 option on the stingray for example as it adds a transparent roof and upgraded the body color roof to an exposed carbon version. It seems GM just carried that pricing over to the ZR1 even though the exposed carbon roof is standard and included in the base price. Essentially if u order a ZR1 with dual roof at $2995 (as I did) you will pay for the exposed carbon roof twice.
04-27-2018, 01:58 AM
#8
Nice choice! I drove both transmissions on a 3-day racing school on Z06’s and the automatic just isn’t for me. I don’t care which is faster, it’s all about the feeling for me. My Z06 is manual. Hopefully one day can afford the ZR1 with a manual transmission.
Last edited by groovyjay; 04-27-2018 at 02:00 AM.
The following users liked this post:
fugly1 (04-28-2018)
04-27-2018, 02:53 AM
#9
Team Owner
Wise choices on the whole car
I would have went 1lz low wing otherwise perfect.
I would have went 1lz low wing otherwise perfect.
Last edited by Steve Garrett; 04-27-2018 at 06:01 PM.
04-27-2018, 04:32 AM
#10
Burning Brakes
SAVE THE MANUALS!!! 
Last edited by Steve Garrett; 04-27-2018 at 06:01 PM.
04-27-2018, 04:56 AM
#11
The following users liked this post:
Judgment Day (04-27-2018)
04-27-2018, 05:03 AM
#12
Instructor
Thread Starter
I do plan on the purchasing the low wing as I have verified it will bolt on just fine. I think ultimately having the option to remove the big wing for around town and trips is a must. My wife and I are 5'8" and the big wing will be an issue loading items., But I wasn't willing to give up the suspension and better track car performance. I do think the car is really nicer looking with the low wing.
04-27-2018, 05:14 AM
#13
Race Director
The A8 transmission is excellent in low speed traffic situations and also excellent at track days...
It's the 7/10ths driving the torque converter automatic is comparatively lacking in Driver involvement compared to the manual transmission.
Pretty good insight in this thread....
Both transmissions in the zr1 are awesome.....just a personal choice of which to own...
Enjoy and congratulations on
It's the 7/10ths driving the torque converter automatic is comparatively lacking in Driver involvement compared to the manual transmission.
Pretty good insight in this thread....
Both transmissions in the zr1 are awesome.....just a personal choice of which to own...
Enjoy and congratulations on
04-27-2018, 06:44 AM
#16
if you still can, delete the dual roof option! It is $2995 on the ZR1 and only added the transparent top as the exposed carbon top is standard. Save $1000 and buy it from your parts dept or from an individual for $1500-1700. Wish I would’ve known before finalizing my order as I paid $2995 for a $2000 top...
. I wanted a trans top to get the moon roof effect coming from verts which don’t give that feel in closed position. The vert carries a higher cost than coupe, what is GM hiding in that? Do vert owners pay more for just one top lol?
04-27-2018, 07:39 AM
#17
Burning Brakes
if you still can, delete the dual roof option! It is $2995 on the ZR1 and only added the transparent top as the exposed carbon top is standard. Save $1000 and buy it from your parts dept or from an individual for $1500-1700. Wish I would’ve known before finalizing my order as I paid $2995 for a $2000 top...
04-27-2018, 10:23 AM
#19
For me the key is “feeling connected”! I enjoy driving my wife’s auto. But it never connects me to the car in the same intimate way. Good choice!
