I see your point. But to truly test a car, you have to push it to it's limit. That can't be done safely/sanely on any public road. IMO, the Nordschleiffe is the ultimate test of a cars absolute limits. It's got every type of turn, and every combination, with elevation changes, and long straights thrown in.

If you've mastered the 'Ring, you could go to any track in the world and recognize any type of corner.

Dan -

and up yours, twice as far with a chocolate bar.

Sorry ol chum, Motor Trend SUCKS.

Is that really a surprise from a car salesman? :D

If pushrods work--which they obviously do--why diss them? It's like being condescending about a 911 engine because it only has sohc.

Stephan

There is no doubt that it is a great or nearly-great car.
It seems that expectations were a bit higher than what was delivered, however.

Even with inflated markups, it still delivers a lot for the old dollar.
I'd love to drive one at the track.

Other solutions work better. Not saying they don't work, just that a flagship sports car is a funny place to find them...

iancc

Sounds like GM has done good at a reasonable price. Take satisfaction that the USA's only sports car deports itself so well. This is a very significant achievement. My choice would still be the Porsche whatever, but that isn't to dis the Corvette. Similarly, admiring the Corvette's (GM's) achievement and the American workers, engineers, and designers who built it doesn't diminish Porsche's worth either. Credit where credit is due.

Well said!
If I were a CGT owner (fantasyland), I would be more than a little "tweaked" to find out that an "American made" car costing 1/6th of the CGT's price, was just a few second's slower on that track! :mad:

The CGT is an AWESOME car, but for the ridiculous price, I would expect it to outperform the ZO6 by a MUCH higher margin..... How long will it take aftermarket guru's to come up with a supercharger kit for less than $10k, that will then leave the CGT in the dust??

I laugh when the critics say they thought the handling might have been a little "off." When exactly does "purchase price" come into play? The fact that one could purchase a NEW ZO6 car for <$70k that can out perform 99% of all new Porsches, Ferrari's, Lambo's, & Mercedes, has certainly caught my attention.... However, I don't know if I could get over the "mo-ped" thing.... You know... Where it's fun to ride one, but you'd never want your friends to see you! I'm not so sure I could buy one... I'd have to lose 6" of height, gain a pot belly, and wait for a receding hairline to appear before I'd look right behind the wheel of one.... Isn't that a pre-purchase requirement??

I will always be a Porsche fan, but have made my purchases based on purchase price, AND performance. Not purely for just a vehicle name plate. That's why I believe the early 70's Porsche's up to the late 80's will always be the best performance value for the dollar... While the newer Porsches offer terrific performance, they are GROSSLY over priced!!!!

Some would argue that having a single camshaft down low operating 16 big valves through a mechanism capable of 7,000 rpm is "better."

Stephan

So this is not a 4 valve engine then?

ianc

Are Cool Collars available for the new Vette yet?

touché :D

I am seeing that with a few exceptions "World class" isn't what it used to be. Some American cars have continued to improve . .. while others stagnate, relying on their name association.

kit car?

Are you saying that tongue in cheek or sarcastic? (I cant tell)

. . .is a Ferrari a kit car too?

No, it's not a four-valve engine. It's just a big Briggs & Stratton. Works, though.

Stephan

Wow. Image how it'll work when they master OHC's and 32 valves. ;)

ianc

I'll be happy to tell you how to contact Dave Hill (Corvette chief engineer). Doubtless he could use your expertise.

Stephan

Much as I appreciate your offer, you're probably better off referring him to one of your (no doubt) numerous contacts at Porsche. I'm sure they could help him more.

ianc

This thread has become tiresome and personally insulting. This will be my last post on Pelican.

Stephan

I was hitting High 20's consistently in my 1990 z51 6speed car. It's entirely possible.

OBTW never, ever underestimate what can be done with a SBC - it's quite possibly the worlds most hotrodded engine. Nevermind the BS OHC technocrap flash in the pan whatever, these things RUN.

I'd buy a z06 given the chance.
rjp

Randy P, what's an SBC? I'm corvette challenged.