Quote:
Originally Posted by TrackClub
Agree that officially this will be the fastest "factory" Camaro, according to the order sheet anyway.
But, will it be the fastest Camaro that can be purchased directly from GM? Well, if somebody puts both cars on the same rubber and Z28 beats the ZL1 fair and square, I will admit: it is the fastest factory Camaro. But not until then.
All the track comparisons between the 2 cars (Milford 2.87 seconds, Nurburgring est 10 seconds) have been heralded loudly, except for one important point: the tires.
In effect, ZL1 brought a knife to a gun fight. Tires are always a key factor at any track "game" and even in pro racing, there is a level playing field. But not here, unfortunately.
The "factory" makes the car, but they don't make the tires. Plus the tires are "consumables" especially on a track car. Besides I am sure a GM dealer will be delighted to take my money and sell me Z28 rims with Pirellis on them. I would expect the same response for those nice Recaro seats.
So technically, I could purchase a ZL1 (possible for $48,250, as a friend just got one), add the rims (est $6,000?) plus the seats (est $2,000?) and have the (possibly)fastest Camaro, directly from GM for $56,250. But let's round it up to $60,000 to be certain I am not sand-bagging my own expectations. As a value added bonus, we have gained some weight reductions: let's assume 100lb all in, which will make it even faster. Plus I still have an AC and stereo, fog lamps and other bits that got deleted from the Z28.
These simple and readily available enhancements could make the ZL1 if not actually faster, then likely as fast as the Z28 on a road course, straight from a GM dealership. And of course I am saving at least $15,000 (more if I shop aftermarket). This would also include already having a spare set of (original) rims and street tires to store the car on in winter (a necessity for any future Z28 owner living in a 4 seasons climate). Chock the savings up by another 2 or 3 grand minimum. Hence the current offer makes no sense to me.
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Totally agree with you on the comparison and that the tires need to be the same for a fair race. But, they've made this the flagship Camaro so I really don't believe they will have engineered the Z28 slower than the ZL. I am also bias as I have a ZL but remember the Z28 track day was also wet so that beast is probably good for another 3-4 seconds off that time yet. You still don't have the CF brakes, extra ground effects, dry sump. When all is said and done you are going to be knocking on that $75K door. And don't forget a hand built 427 that has got to be in the $15K range.
Quote:
Originally Posted by james347
Minus A/C, Navigation, Insulation, HID headlights and fog lights.
Well you do get One Speaker and a K&N air filter.
Yep. A real bargain. 
Get a ZL1 or 1LE. |
Maybe not a bargain but it would be really tough to duplicate all the features of this car for that price. Yes you are right if we look at the history of the Z28 the current 1LE is probably really close to what the Z28 traditionally has been. But at the end of the day the 1LE is an awesome, affordable, track able car. Let the Z28 be the super track hero we want to have to kick the competitions butt.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EnlighteningYou
The z/28 doesn't have magnetic suspension either, something that was touted as the best most advanced suspension on earth, why doesn't the Z/28 have it? Is the Z/28's non magnetic suspension better?
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In a simple answer NO. The ZL1 and the mag. suspension is good for ALL uses of the car. Yes the Z28 suspension may out do the ZL1's suspension at the track only, then it can rattle every filling you have loose every time you drive over the painted lines on the street. The Mag ride and PTM system is leading edge for all manufacturers because it can do anything, anywhere. I can drive my car everyday and enjoy a comfortable ride then change the PTM mode and go to the track and be more than competitive. It's about being able to do everything and the Z28 is only concerned with one thing. Track days.
Also, don't forget with the new Mustang now having IRS that GM maybe wanted to make sure they had something in the lineup that will hold the track car crown and not let Ford have it.