Just got back from GM Mainstreetmotion FedEx Field just outside DC


Vette Grand Sport Z06 body w LS3 V8 was sweet nicely engineered car.

If I had the money and was in the market for a Vette GS would be my 1st choice. I still may shop for used Grand Sports after driving this one. This is the first car Ive ever driven with V8 power with handling and tight steering comparable to Japanese (Cant believe the filter *** out J A P) smaller sports cars such as the RX7 and RSX. I honestly never though Id drive an American Car that had the tight solid feeling. Also once a car gets larger than a Compact or Civic, usually the car looses that tight feeling and tight handling regardless of Manufacturer. This car had mangna (spel?) ride suspension. This car is beautifully engineered with handling tightness and feel. Handles perfectly to my tastes. I do not like the style of the wheels and the graphics, however given all the Pro's this car has with the graphite rims I could over look it. Like all the cars there this car was automatic. They had pro drivers ride with you. The guy who rode in the Vette with me said the Manuals may be legislated out of existence. I would never consider an automatic Sports Car. Period. Unless forced. Working 3 years at the drag strip typically the automatic advantage is not speed it is consistency which as many know in drag racing trumps speed. Either way, I dont care, manuals more fun and this car proved it.

The Camaro SS felt slightly slower acceleration with its weight difference. There is a bigger gap in handling behind the Grand Sport. The Camaro was tight, but not as tight and solid as the Grand Sport. My guess is this is due to the taller thinner Camaro tires creating under steer, Weight difference, larger size, in that order. The car felt good, but I felt GM could tune the handling a bit more. Especially given the Grand Sport having such sweet handling. I could be wrong, but making the wheels too tall by 1" or 2 (19) to appeal to the bling crowd probably affected handling. Of course I may be wrong.. Please chime in if I am by all means.

Camaro V6 handled similar to SS power difference was very noticeable. The funny part was like the other cars a pro driver had to ride with you. The guy in the Grand sport said get on it. This guy in the V6 Camaro made me uneasy. He told me put both hands on the wheel which I never do, is uncomfortable to maneuver in the corners and is uncomfortable unless the car is at speed over 110. Then opposed to the "feel free to put your foot in it" this guy said "Ill let you know if you go too fast" In addition to the the power difference the Critical Camaro V8 Rumble and power is gone. Ive owned a 69 350 2 bbl Camaro, and a 98 3.8 V6 Camaro. I am done with any sub V8 underpowered Camaro with a V6 sound but I am glad I tried it for myself.

Was a lot of fun! My job is unstable at best. Over a year and a 1/2 ago we had massive layoffs. My then laid off Director literally on his way out with a box of his stuff in hand as I was trying to make him feel better, said "Bobby, there is a Camaro in your future." Honestly at that point most of us were wondering how many days we had left. I go back and forth with spending my savings on a car to live a little. No manual is a deal killer point blank. This Ride and drive opened my eyes to a possible used grand sport. Obviously I need to learn more as this was my first personal experience with the Grand Sport and I love it.

May go back tomorrow morning not sure. My father just fired up his 468 AC Cobra replica (toploader 4 speed MANUAL) a couple weeks ago so Ill be helping with that over next couple days. Highly recommend going to these if you get the chance and they are free.