Fellow on TV at the NY Auto Show stated that the C8Z06 had the most rear wing downforce ever for a corvette at a little over 700#. Someone forgot to tell him that the C7ZR1 has 950#.

 

..and I think the C8Z with Z07 is mid- 800's at 300 KPH, but that's less than the C7 ZR1 #s you quote.

 

C8 Z06 has more downforce than C7 ZR1 at 186 mph
ZR1 has 950lb estimated at top speed.

 

ZR1 top speed is 212 MPH, top speed of the C8 Z07 was reported at just about 186.

 

So at top speed, the ZR1 has more. But if the ZR1 slows down enough to let the Z07 catch up at 186mph, then the Z07 would have more. Got it.

 

Actually, I caught a couple of other inaccurate facts on other models by the 'tour directors'. Since we tune in to see the newer models and learn the facts it would be nice if the spokespersons actually new the facts.

 

If I'm reading this correctly another way to explain it is if the C8 Z06 only went 150mph but had more downforce at that speed than any other corvette it would be labeled the most downforce ever? Even though the C7 ZR1 is 1000lbs at top speed? And I thought the ZTK didn't do 212 mph though? So at what speed was that (doesn't matter anyway).

I'm gonna say that's incorrect. The C8 Z06 is a great corvette the most advanced ever.

But there's a reason tadge made it a point to to say the C7 ZR1 is faster around a track. Because it is.

 

I agree the ZTK aero on the C7 ZR1 did not run the top speed, just like the C7 Z06 stage 3 aero and the C8Z07 don't turn the top speed of their respective models.

 

“MacDonald: My team of development engineers and I are pretty lap-time focused. We sort of had our benchmark of where we thought the C8 Z06 was going to land in the C7 lineup, from the ZR1 on down, and we were pretty certain our new C8 Z06 would be faster than the C7 ZR1. It was simply that good. At our first development track event, the C8 Z06 was running lap times faster than the 2019 ZR1, and we were shocked. That ZR1 has its places where 750 horsepower is hard to argue with. Generally, the new Z06 punches above its weight class.”


https://www.chevrolet.com/new-roads/...n-year-journey

 

I believe both your statements to be true. There will be tracks that are smaller and tight turned that will favor the C8 Z06 ME design.

 

Be interesting to see what the top speed of the C8Z would be with some good gearing. 6th is way too tall, and forget about 7th & 8th.

 

How are 'track development' events conducted? Prototype engine/car experimenting? Shaking out problems? I can imagine there may be many vehicles that show great promise while in development until it is realized that for the sake of longevity in production models there has to be compromises. Of course, not knowing the particulars of the development of the C8 I have no idea whether the C8 was later dialed up or down.

Andy Pilgrim got a 2:05.xx out of a ZR1 at the NCM MSP. I am sure he will get some good runs with the C8Z06. That is a lap time I will love to see.

 

C&D at VIR Grand track would possibly favor the C8Z over the C7 ZR1 so that will be telling. I think the ZR1 would be faster on the VIR normal track with the full back straight. Randy Pobst at Laguna or Big Willow Springs will also be a good indicator.

Re MacDonald, isn't it amazing (suspicious) with all those official Chevy comments they refuse to actually give lap times?

 

There definitely will be smaller tracks that are tight turned that favor the ME platform (And always have) - like Laguna Seca. VIR I think will favor the C7 ZR1, as well as any bigger track like Road America. I also agree with you in your "Re MacDonald, isn't it amazing (suspicious) with all those official Chevy comments they refuse to actually give lap times?" - Good thing we had Jim Mero in the previous platforms that actually provided this data.

 

IF the C8Z with the 07 set up were able to get to 212(which it currently can't), I wonder what that downforce would be? Perhaps the next version ZR1 or Zora will have the power to get there.

 

My "guess" is that it will have the power to get there and also have active aero which will have much more downforce when needed and do the DRS thing for high speed straight line events. Chevy apparently applied for a patent on active areo several years ago.

 

Jim Mero sets records without even trying (truly a funny story) He and Randy have different styles of driving though. It is my understanding that Jim Mero likes a smoother input to suspension loads. Randy likes to twitch the steering wheel constantly. One probably desires more understeer than the other. I know Randy has a lot of rear engine experience, not sure about Jim.