Hello all,
I know this is a long shot, but, do we have anyone that has both a Hellcat and Z06 with a Z07? If so, how would you compare the ride harshness when both are in touring mode and when both are in track mode?
Soon as my dealer gets an allocation my order is good to go and I am still on the fence about going with a Z07.....Thanks in advance, NL

P.S. I have a Hellcat Redeye, so I know what track mode feels like in it with PS4s....just need to compare it to a Z07 car being as I can't test drive one. I realize it is not
apples to apples as the Z07 will have the Sport Cup Rs.

 

A lot of people swap the 2Rs for P4S tires as they’re more practical on the street though the big difference in the tires is fact that the Corvette has run flats which are much stiffer, not to mention they have a shorter sidewall. I know the Redeye has stiffer springs than the regular Hellcat though can’t imagine it’s that stiff as it doesn’t really corner that hard not even pulling 1G, an E-Ray can do that on all seasons for comparison.

 

Can only comment on track ride stiffness comparative impressions.
The Hellcat/Redeye track setting yields a much stiffer ride that doesn’t inspire greater track/sport driving confidence. The Hellcat track ride stiffness, it’s elevated ride height (center of gravity), and much heavier weight can leave the driver feeling that the older chassis stiffness (comparatively much less stiff compared to Z06) and weight of the car ultimately can’t be overcome by putting the stock suspension in it’s stiffest (track) setting…it makes the ride compliance harsher without inspiring track driving confidence.
Whereas the Z07 Z06 suspension settings elevate ride stiffness but they equally elevate driver confidence and encourage the driver to push much harder. Most recreational track drivers cannot match the capabilities of Z07 Z06 chassis and suspension stiffness. Is it stiff, yes. Is it punishing, no. It is inspiring!

But I suspect a non Z07 Z06 would be equally inspiring compared to a Hellcat/Redeye.

The Hellcat/Redeye leaves me feeling, “put me back in auto mode.” The stiffer ride is not particularly rewarding.

The other notable vehicle comparison effecting driver confidence - in addition to suspension stiffness, vehicle weight, and ride height - is the front engine, rear drive layout versus the mid engine, rear drive layout. Again, the Z06 architecture makes the driver feel like saying, “Let’s GO!”

If you’ve ever driven a Camaro ZL1 1LE, my opinion is that the Z07 Z06 is notably more comfortable/less punishing in track mode. The Z07 Z06 magneride shocks really are great.

 

ZL1 1LE is the most hardcore track vehicle GM has ever produced. The Hellcat Redeye Challenger was slower than a C6 Grand Sport in Car and Driver’s Lightning Lap for comparison and it didn’t come with stickier tires or a stiff suspension, just weighed a little over a 1k lbs less and handled much better.

 

thanks for the thoughts....many great points you make on other factors that influence "the feel for the driver.

 

IMO Hellcat/Hellcat Redeye were not really "track cars"....to heavy, bad weight distro, traction control could not keep up with insane torque curve....list goes on. I bought mine as a powerful cruiser with lots of trunk space and the two big hood scoops looked menacing.

Z07 is a race car through and through, I wonder if it could also be a daily driver in a town with smooth streets. We will/may see if my order gets picked up this next cycle.

 

A race car without a roll cage? What tha?!

 

Not judging, just saying

 

Agree completely, the Hellcat/Redeye is not a track car for all the reasons noted. It’s a modern muscle car that is really quite comfortable - La-Z-Boy front seats in a car - driving around town in auto setting. Put in track setting and it seems like a needless punishment.

See if your dealer can arrange a Z07 Z06 test drive at a local store. Or connect with a member whom you can meet up with for a ride.

Consider arranging the best track test drive at Spring Mountain or a Super Cars Experience at a local track.

If you’re particularly critical like me - I know what I like/don’t like within a short drive in the setting where most of my driving will take place - a drive in the Z07 Z06 is really important. You want your spec to check all your boxes.

 

Spot on!