Stingray Precision Drive
09-27-2013, 11:25 PM
#1
Stingray Precision Drive
Got invited to the Stingray event at Montecello Motorclub today (very nice facility, by the way). Saw the C7 for the first time and had some limited follow-the-leader track time. The car looks great from most angles, the rearend is a bit "futuristic Camaro" but didn't look as odd as I thought it would. The leader cars were facelifted Camaros which now have more generic Chevy tailights, so I guess they make the new Corvette look less like a Camaro!
Anyway, my impressions of the cars were very favorable, plenty of power, lots of traction, decent seats and cockpit. Adam Andretti actually gave the pre-track classroom session, and was very good although his driving tips were mostly lost on Chevy Malibu driving crowd in my group. I drove two 7 speed manuals with rev matching which worked well and a 6 speed automatic which had me missing my PDK. Regardless, the performance of these cars is far above what one can ever use on the street.
So, am I selling the Carrera anytime soon for a new vette? Not likely. While the vette might exceed my car in ultimate performance, I just find the design of the Porsche more appealing and less in your face. The cars are nearly identical in size yet the 911 feels less massive and drives lighter, the 2+2 cockpit seems much roomier and has better visibility. They did have one car in "Lime Rock" metallic green and tan leather which I thought looked fantastic and I do have to admit, you do get a lot for your money in the vette.
I think most people who can afford 911's probably aren't really cross shopping the new corvette. On the otherhand, if I was a Cayman or no-options base Carrera shopper, and especially if a liked a green car (I don't think Porsche is doing any greens right now w/o PTS) and wanted a manual, I'd have a tough choice!
Anyway, my impressions of the cars were very favorable, plenty of power, lots of traction, decent seats and cockpit. Adam Andretti actually gave the pre-track classroom session, and was very good although his driving tips were mostly lost on Chevy Malibu driving crowd in my group. I drove two 7 speed manuals with rev matching which worked well and a 6 speed automatic which had me missing my PDK. Regardless, the performance of these cars is far above what one can ever use on the street.
So, am I selling the Carrera anytime soon for a new vette? Not likely. While the vette might exceed my car in ultimate performance, I just find the design of the Porsche more appealing and less in your face. The cars are nearly identical in size yet the 911 feels less massive and drives lighter, the 2+2 cockpit seems much roomier and has better visibility. They did have one car in "Lime Rock" metallic green and tan leather which I thought looked fantastic and I do have to admit, you do get a lot for your money in the vette.
I think most people who can afford 911's probably aren't really cross shopping the new corvette. On the otherhand, if I was a Cayman or no-options base Carrera shopper, and especially if a liked a green car (I don't think Porsche is doing any greens right now w/o PTS) and wanted a manual, I'd have a tough choice!
09-28-2013, 02:02 AM
#3
Pro
Got invited to the Stingray event at Montecello Motorclub today (very nice facility, by the way). Saw the C7 for the first time and had some limited follow-the-leader track time. The car looks great from most angles, the rearend is a bit "futuristic Camaro" but didn't look as odd as I thought it would. The leader cars were facelifted Camaros which now have more generic Chevy tailights, so I guess they make the new Corvette look less like a Camaro!
Anyway, my impressions of the cars were very favorable, plenty of power, lots of traction, decent seats and cockpit. Adam Andretti actually gave the pre-track classroom session, and was very good although his driving tips were mostly lost on Chevy Malibu driving crowd in my group. I drove two 7 speed manuals with rev matching which worked well and a 6 speed automatic which had me missing my PDK. Regardless, the performance of these cars is far above what one can ever use on the street.
So, am I selling the Carrera anytime soon for a new vette? Not likely. While the vette might exceed my car in ultimate performance, I just find the design of the Porsche more appealing and less in your face. The cars are nearly identical in size yet the 911 feels less massive and drives lighter, the 2+2 cockpit seems much roomier and has better visibility. They did have one car in "Lime Rock" metallic green and tan leather which I thought looked fantastic and I do have to admit, you do get a lot for your money in the vette.
I think most people who can afford 911's probably aren't really cross shopping the new corvette. On the otherhand, if I was a Cayman or no-options base Carrera shopper, and especially if a liked a green car (I don't think Porsche is doing any greens right now w/o PTS) and wanted a manual, I'd have a tough choice!
Anyway, my impressions of the cars were very favorable, plenty of power, lots of traction, decent seats and cockpit. Adam Andretti actually gave the pre-track classroom session, and was very good although his driving tips were mostly lost on Chevy Malibu driving crowd in my group. I drove two 7 speed manuals with rev matching which worked well and a 6 speed automatic which had me missing my PDK. Regardless, the performance of these cars is far above what one can ever use on the street.
So, am I selling the Carrera anytime soon for a new vette? Not likely. While the vette might exceed my car in ultimate performance, I just find the design of the Porsche more appealing and less in your face. The cars are nearly identical in size yet the 911 feels less massive and drives lighter, the 2+2 cockpit seems much roomier and has better visibility. They did have one car in "Lime Rock" metallic green and tan leather which I thought looked fantastic and I do have to admit, you do get a lot for your money in the vette.
I think most people who can afford 911's probably aren't really cross shopping the new corvette. On the otherhand, if I was a Cayman or no-options base Carrera shopper, and especially if a liked a green car (I don't think Porsche is doing any greens right now w/o PTS) and wanted a manual, I'd have a tough choice!
How was the fiberglass torsional rigidity versus metal 911 experience? Also, correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the Vette look "Pixarish", you know the "cars" movie?
Thx
09-28-2013, 09:02 AM
#4
Since my dad is a GM retireee, I had to at least consider the Vette. I've only seen 1 C7 in person, yellow, and I thought it was a very sharp car. Until I got behind it. The rear end was God-awful!! That was an immediate no for me.
I wouldn't say it reminds me of a Camaro. My wife has a 2012 SS so I see it daily.
ETA: Sounds like a great day on the track, and the ugly rear end wouldn't stop me from going, if I had the chance!!
I wouldn't say it reminds me of a Camaro. My wife has a 2012 SS so I see it daily.
ETA: Sounds like a great day on the track, and the ugly rear end wouldn't stop me from going, if I had the chance!!
09-28-2013, 10:41 AM
#6
Race Car
I think most people who can afford 911's probably aren't really cross shopping the new corvette. On the otherhand, if I was a Cayman or no-options base Carrera shopper, and especially if a liked a green car (I don't think Porsche is doing any greens right now w/o PTS) and wanted a manual, I'd have a tough choice!
