Btw, the Nissan was fitted with Bridgestones (est to be 5s slower than when shod with the Dunlops) but had its speed limiter removed.

The time run by the Nissan GT-R was in fact 27s off their claimed time. The GT2 was 17s slower than their best "Ring time.

 

Eh, GT-R is old news. 370Z is where it's at if you're a Nissan fanboy. When is anyone gonna have a test of Camaro SS?

 

GM already unofficially tested it. Pulled down an 8:20, but I belive that was from a standing start.

 

Only two seconds faster than a Cobalt SS?

 

The Cobalt SS did quite well at last months Car and Driver's "Track Meat". It embarassed some much more expensive and highly thought-of cars.

 

Its still not going to run within 2 seconds of a GTR on that track.

Ring testing is so inconsistent I barely pay attention to it anymore. Where is the offical start line? Wet track, dry track, winter weather, summer weather, standing start, starting from a stop, tires used, yadda yadda... There was a pic I saw yesterday of a G8 GXP on the track, and the car had a roll cage in it!

I take it all with a grain of salt.

 

While I agree completely that times can vary (wildly if the vehicle has a turbo or supercharger), it still gives a good idea of a car's handling ability and is a one stop shop of handling development and tuning.

But like you said, I'd take lap times with a grain of salt when there is only a couple of (or even a few) seconds difference.

 

The Camaro was tested in the snow. I hope they officially test it in some dry weather soon.

 

Reading failure. Camaro SS posted a time only two seconds faster than Cobalt SS. That comes up quite a bit short of my expectations for Camaro. Here's hoping there's some truth in post #8.

 

While I agree with the basic points of your post, I sure as hell wouldn't want to go around that track at those speeds without a cage.

 

The same could pretty much be said of any "performance testing" of any vehicle at any location (albeit the 'Ring is especially treacherous) couldn't it?

If the goal is to test a vehicle in a trim/option package available to the public from the factory then a roll cage would be a bit unfair wouldn't it?

 

This just adds to the growing list of speculation and casts more doubt on the famed 7:29 GTR run. Will that run go down in history like the 1980 US Hockey team or more like Barry Bonds HR title remains to be seen. *

 

or like the WWE??? Its fake..

 

I think it all points to the GT-Rs super run being BS

 

The 'ring is still relavent to me.

The GT-R is a good performer. Styling wise it doesn't do it for me at all.

Under 8 minutes at the 'ring denotes a fast and capable car over a number of challenging type curves, corners, elevation changes, and a long, long straightaway.

Tires make a huge difference on a roadcourse.

Right around 8 minutes or less is a good car. A very good car. That much is reliable as far as a relavent indicator.

If you ever get the chance to drive the track you will have a better understanding of why it's a good place to tune a performance car. It's one of the only "true" road courses still available.