Motor Trend compares the ZL1 to the Boss 302 Laguna Seca

[bpmurr]

Originally Posted by blufin

I think because its already been proven that the Boss is faster around a track than the 500.

I too am looking forward to a full comparo between all models.

The LS Boss is still a little slower than a 2011+ GT500 with SVTPP around the track but not by much. The Boss is definitely the better handling car and doesn't suffer from heat soak like the GT500 will over multiple laps. Which makes me wonder how the well the ZL1 does with heat over extended drives?

[radz28]

Originally Posted by bpmurr

The LS Boss is still a little slower than a 2011+ GT500 with SVTPP around the track but not by much. The Boss is definitely the better handling car and doesn't suffer from heat soak like the GT500 will over multiple laps. Which makes me wonder how the will the ZL1 does with heat over extended drives?

Interesting points... That little 1900 is only spinning about 9 psi, so I imagine heat shouldn't be too bad, but they've also improved the upper plenum. As much as they've bragged about track capable and 600 clutch drops, I'm thinking they've been looking into IATs, too. 24-hours of testing should've popped up a problem if there was a serious one. Still - it's not like it takes a lot of IATs to drop timing, so...

Excellent point, and answered my question before I asked

[hognutz]

Originally Posted by Black GT

Should have done better than that against the Boss.

It'll have a tough time against the current GT500's.

It beat the boss 302 laguna secca (no back seat special areo selling for 50k) by 2 seconds.

the current gt500 gets dominated by the boss 302 LS by 2 to 4 seconds around most tracks.

So how do you figure???? I am pretty sure that is why they did the boss 302 head to head becasue the GT500 laps slower.

The boss 302 LS is an awsome performing car though. If it were not for the back seat delete and the horrible color schemes I would have considered it.

[rextremeak]

Anybody else notice all the Ford advertisements on that site??? Weird...

[1st Gen Forever]

Originally Posted by evolve

I want to see 1/4 mile run on the same track at the same time. I mean, how many of us actually run our cars at a track and how many at the strip? LS is a great tool to measure handling performance, but I am a 1/4 kind of person just as most Camaro/Mustang people are. I understand that the Boss is a track car, but I am very interested to see them both at a strip. Last I checked the Boss will be about equal in the 1/4. ZL1 ran 12.3 and the Boss ran the same at 115.

The last thing I want to do is start a Z28 vs ZL1 debate but keep in mind that GM hasn't engineered this car to be single purposed like the ZL1s of 1969. This is a balanced, street legal, performance car that can be track ready and drive well on the street every day with passengers. That equals compromise when compared to a car that isn't going after that same balance.

I would say if you are a 1/4 kind of person and looking to accomplish that in a modern Camaro then your choice in 2012 as a street legal starting point should probably be an SS. You don't need (or want) magnetic ride in a 1/4 mile run.

We (Camaro enthusiasts) will probably always be defending this car simply because of the ZL1 name heritage and the natural urge to think of it as a 1/4 mile performer.

[Sawyer]

Bottom line impressive win for ZL1.

The boss was supposed to be THE track car for ford.

Well done.

[TaylorRyanSS]

I love the tough guy ford fanboys that post comments on these comparisons in the comment section. Its funny how according to them it was ok to test the SS against the GT500 a few years ago, but its insane to test the ZL1 against the Boss. I do agree they are in different leagues though but who cares.

[c4maroboy]

really nice article, its refreshing to see some actual LEGIT comparison, with no ford bias!!

[evolve]

Originally Posted by AUS10BMX

Power to weight, power to weight... The ZL1 will most likely be way stronger than the new GT500, I don't care what horse power number is being shown. The strength and technology in the ZL1 is what I believe will carry it in the long run. Like most keep stressing, for the money, look at what your getting! I think once it hits the streets and we as consumers get to drive it, it's gonna surprise a lot of people. The wait is almost over, let's not let numbers from a source that's obviously one sided get people upset and doubtful.

And if its just a "track car", then why wouldn't it be perfect for road driving. The streets aren't a drag strip... This cars gonna handle like a dream in any conditions.

I have to STRONGLY disagree here, but you are entitled to speculate just as I am.

Originally Posted by TaylorRyanSS

I love the tough guy ford fanboys that post comments on these comparisons in the comment section. Its funny how according to them it was ok to test the SS against the GT500 a few years ago, but its insane to test the ZL1 against the Boss. I do agree they are in different leagues though but who cares.

I thought that test was dumb and think that the SS is in the realm of the 5.0. The GT500 had no other Chevy to compare, other than the Vette (again, not a good comparo). You are absolutely correct: different leagues indeed.

Originally Posted by c4maroboy

really nice article, its refreshing to see some actual LEGIT comparison, with no ford bias!!

You must not have read the last part of this article... I will quote it for you:

"But let’s face it: The big whoa here is the one the boys in Dearborn sprung, in the form of a Mustang with the world’s most powerful production V-8. Is it any fairer to judge the ZL1 on its 12-percent peak-horsepower deficit than to assume that the 2013 GT500 is a 12-percent-better car? Of course not. Still, the big fish eat the little ones.  And war ain’t fair."

[tnspd]

I like how the Mustang crew say wait until the 2013 GT500 gets here. Well remeber GM will also have a 2013 ZL1.....oh no!!!!!

the stock ZL1 will run in the 11's at the track and I'm sure you will see the time sheets once they start getting in the hands of those that will run them.

[BiggFoot]

Possibly I am missing something here, but wasnt the Boss 302 Laguna Seca built especially for the track and basically the best Ford currently has to offer?

http://media.ford.com/article_displa...ticle_id=33065

[SS 376]

Originally Posted by hognutz

It beat the boss 302 laguna secca (no back seat special areo selling for 50k) by 2 seconds.

the current gt500 gets dominated by the boss 302 LS by 2 to 4 seconds around most tracks.

So how do you figure???? I am pretty sure that is why they did the boss 302 head to head becasue the GT500 laps slower.

The boss 302 LS is an awsome performing car though. If it were not for the back seat delete and the horrible color schemes I would have considered it.

I'm sure you will be able to pick one up (a Boss 302 anyway) in a couple years for $20K or so.

[The IOM Ninja]

Originally Posted by BiggFoot

Possibly I am missing something here, but wasnt the Boss 302 Laguna Seca built especially for the track and basically the best Ford currently has to offer?

That's why Ford is stated that the 2013 GT500 is being improved due to the Boss 302 putting down similar times. The 2013 was started back when the Z28/ZL1 program was cancelled.

[BiggFoot]

Originally Posted by evolve

You must not have read the last part of this article... I will quote it for you:

"But let’s face it: The big whoa here is the one the boys in Dearborn sprung, in the form of a Mustang with the world’s most powerful production V-8. Is it any fairer to judge the ZL1 on its 12-percent peak-horsepower deficit than to assume that the 2013 GT500 is a 12-percent-better car? Of course not. Still, the big fish eat the little ones.  And war ain’t fair."

By the way, its not 2013 yet and who knows whats in store for the 2013 ZL1