Background: I have owned quite a few high HP (800-1,200 whp) cars, but have not owned a RWD one since a TT Viper almost 25 years ago. The Viper's lack of traction below 60-70 mph was so frustrating that I went AWD only for anything with significant power and never looked back. I drive on the street only, including regular mountain runs on twisty roads, so road race type tires for more traction are fine, but drag radials (which I eventually tried on the Viper) are not a realistic option. I've been thinking about picking up a ZR1, but am concerned about having similar frustrations when trying to accelerate on the street.

The question: For those of you who own a ZR1 or have spent some significant time driving one, how big an issue is traction, especially at speeds below 60 mph? I know the electronic nannies are far more sophisticated these days, and McLaren in particular seems to have done a good job with allowing enough traction for blistering acceleration while still keeping the wheelspin under control. And I have heard that the new ZR1 uses some form of boost by gear that limits boost in the lower gears, which I have had in the TT Lambos I have owned (but they were also AWD of course). I also have seen the video of the ZR1 hitting the wall during a roll race at a track, but gather it was not very hot out, and don't know what whether the driver had all the electronic aids turned off, etc. I realize wheelspin can be controlled with throttle modulation, and don't expect a 1,000+ hp car to dead hook at WOT at 10 mph. But I also don't want to go back to having to pedal the car up to 80 mph either. Thanks!

P.S.--yes I know the X is an option and has AWD, but there are very few of them out there, and I'd really rather avoid having an electric motor as well. Plus I gather all of the hp/torque from the engine is still going to the rear wheels, with only the electric motor's output going to the front.

 

If your concern is under 60mph I would certainly hold out for the ZR1X. Tire (and road) temperatures are big factors here.. Even with warm tires you'll still break the tires loose in a straight line (not to mention in a turn) under 60 in a RWD car (even with mid-engine) with 800+ hp, unless you modulate the throttle. Simple physics.

 

Have about 3000 miles of seat time in mine so far, and yes you have to pay attention for sure. She will get loose on you if you get too aggressive at lower speeds. But thats the best part of having a car like this, you need to drive it.