Or run them both ways. Because really, they are evaluating the car as a whole, and tire selection is very much a part of how the car is engineered.

But yes, for track-specific tests (as opposed to their road comparos), I'd like to see them add this feature.

 

The Viper ACR could be considered a "ringer". Its about as close to a factory race car as you can get.

The Z06 really, REALLY needs some better tires. The F1 Supercars are worthless.

 

Thats true. My friends Dad bought an 02 Z06 about 2 years ago, first thing he bought was tires. Then he went around on the suspension/chassis. I imagine the new Z would benefit even more.

 

Agreed.

They have to do a balancing act, though, because sometimes they'll run even "normal" cars at a road course so they can explore handling and braking capabilities without the limitations of traffic and speed limits and such. So in those cases, it probably still makes sense to run the OEM stuff.

But again, for cars that might actually see some track time, like the comparo in question here, it would definitely make sense to run them with the same tires across the board (in addition to running some laps with the factory originals to get an out of the box, baseline comparison).

 

Then what's next after tires?? This engine has a more aggressive premium tune while this one is tuned for 87 octane so let's change that by giving this one a custom premium tune. The exhaust on this other car is a lot more restrictive so let's toss in a less restrictive catback to make things more equal here. This one has backseats while this other one doesn't so let's remove the backseats & or spare to equal things out. And the list goes on.

Car's are different and they come prepped and equipped differently from their respective manufacturers. The whole point of these tests is to find out the stock capabilities straight out of the showroom. Just run them like they come from the factory. If you change tires then the vehicle is no longer "stock" imo.

As for the GTR, that's some slow #'s. What's with the crazy inconsistent #'s from Nissan?

C&D tests from the last 4 issues.
May 08 Issue: 0-60 in 3.3 sec, 0-100 in 7.8, 1/4 mile in 11.5@124, Braking 70-0 in 145'
July 08 Issue: 0-60 in 3.6 sec, 0-100 in ??, 1/4 mile 12.1@115mph, Braking 70-0 in 156'
Aug 08 Issue: 0-60 in 4.1sec, 0-100 in 10.2, 1/4 mile 12.6@111mph, Braking 70-0 in 155'

That's quite a drop off. 0.8sec slower to 60, 1.1sec & 13mph slower through the 1/4 mile, and 10' longer to brake from 70. I think the May one was a pre-production ringer. I look at those #'s and the May #'s look too fast, & the Aug Issue looks too slow with the July issue sounding about right given the hp and weight ratings of the GTR. Guess we'll have to wait for more tests & #'s from other mags and actual owners before we know what these cars really run.