Car and Driver Camaro ZL1 Test!

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01-26-2012, 02:01 PM

#16

SSCamaro99_3

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Location: Ballwin, MO

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Re: Car and Driver Camaro ZL1 Test!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bossco

Maybe, or maybe Ford stubbornly refuses to adopt this GM technology? I know they've liscenced GM tech in the past (which escapes me at the moment).

Frankly, I'd take a Mustang with a live axle and the MRC dampers over a Mustang with IRS any day, but oh well, maybe Ford might take a good look at Tenneco's Kinetic H2/CES technology. It seems very promising?

I know they had a joint venture on the FWD 6 speed automatics.

2013 GT-500 or Boss with MRC and carbon brakes would be one hell of a fun ride.

01-26-2012, 03:21 PM

#17

ZZtop

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Join Date: Jan 2003

Location: Greenville, SC

Posts: 1,217

Re: Car and Driver Camaro ZL1 Test!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96_Camaro_B4C

Nice find. Looks like that was the same facility (Inde) where Car and Driver ran their test, but they did not mention a comparison...

Of note is the 4051 lb measured weight of the Camaro. That is better than the 4120 Chevy published, though I was still hoping for something in the 39xx range. Still, and I've mentioned this before, even though the Camaro was 413 lbs heavier (4051 vs 3638), it only carried an extra ~100 lbs over the front wheels because of its better weight distribution. Couple that with a better suspension system and 285 series front tires and you get a 4051 lb Camaro that apparently carried more speed through the corners (not just on the straights) than the Boss.

That is DAMN impressive, especially since this is the freaking Boss Laguna Seca, not the GT500 we are talking about here. Unless Ford changes things, the GT500 will have similarly sized tires, and it too will have a ~55/45 weight split (but with more weight than the Boss).

It is certainly impressive, but keep in mind that the 2011/2012 GT500 with the SVT Performance Pack has lapped slightly faster than the Boss LS in head-to-head comparisons. In theory, the ZL1 and 11/12' GT500 with PP should be close competitors on most tracks with perhaps the slight edge going to the ZL1. Time will tell.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96_Camaro_B4C

I am thinking the ZL1 vs. GT500 fight is going to surprise some people. I think the ZL1 will be dang close to the GT500 up to the 1/4 mile mark thanks to superior traction (might even get ahead early on, and maybe hold the lead longer than expected). It won't be until the higher speeds, when traction and weight are smaller factors, that the horsepower of the Mustang will take over. And if the Boss LS couldn't hang with the ZL1 in the corners, the GT500 is really going to have its hands full!

EDIT: And if the ZL1 really can outhandle the Boss, maybe there is hope yet for Car and Driver to pick it in a comparo against the GT500. That would be a pleasant surprise.

Again, the ZL1 and current 11/12' GT500 with PP will be close competitors on track and at the drag strip for that matter. The 2013 GT500 really looks to be taking it to another level on paper with 650HP, less weight, and especially when optioned with the Performance Package which will include electronically adjustable Bilstein shocks with external reservoirs that are basically race developed/proven and a Torsen rear differential among other things.

The GT500 will likely cost more, especially with options, but the performance will leave the ZL1 fans making "bang for the buck" arguments and the GT500 fans making their own, but at a higher performance level. In my opinion anyway.