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The base styling is angular, think F22 Raptor or F35 JSF. Certainly, that's a styling choice GM made. That said, the extra openings on the rear fender are for cooling (base C8 doesn't have them). The gurney flap on the leading edge of the opening helps extract more air out of the hood opening for better cooling. The raised section of the front splitter is typically to keep front downforce more consistent while the car is rolling around.
GT3RS has similar flaps on the leading edge of hood vent opening. It also has air turning vanes to direct the hot air extracted from the hood out to the sides so the hot air doesn't get sucked into the engine air intakes at the base of the rear window. GT3RS even has more aggressive aero to control the airflow coming out of the wheel wells. None of these things are pretty on either car, but totally functional. Also, I would amend your statement to all Porsche GT cars and maybe GTSs can lap without overheating. Base and S Carrera and 718 are definitely susceptible to cooking the brakes.
I don’t think pretty was ever the goal, but the GT3 RS looks purposeful and more balanced; edging towards absurdity while simultaneously making it work. The C8 ZR1 doesn’t resonate with me in the same way. This becomes even more apparent when you see a C8 in any color other than black. Black actually works in the C8’s favor.
Originally Posted by Mike in CA
I appreciate your take. I also have no problem with the functional vents, scoops, and other bits on either the ZR1 or the 3RS. They serve a purpose.
My "complaint", if one wants to call it that, is with the fundamental styling concept of the C8. The basic Porsche design is classic, organic and beautiful. The basic Corvette's styling seems forced and edgy, in both senses of the word. I'm not looking for a car that evokes an F35.
Again, this is my personal perspective and I get why some may disagree. There's no right or wrong here with regard to the styling of the two cars, but appearance CAN be a turn off. Maybe I'm being shallow, but it's a big reason why I wouldn't cross shop the Porsche and Corvette.
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Last edited by M3Inline6; Mar 29, 2026 at 06:12 AM.
so who is the imposter they sell a couple hundred thousands of?
the fiberglass Ferrari. Look, I didn’t say it was unpopular or even bad, just that for me the front to mid changes the car so much that it strikes me as something completely different. If you think otherwise you’re right too.
Maybe it's just me, but outside of price these are two very different cars. I'm not considering paying $200K for a vehicle based on a $69,000 platform.
What about paying $273K for a vehicle based on a $137K platform? Same $130K+ addition. Not trying to start a fight, just pointing out the breadth of adaptability of each model, a good thing.
What about paying $273K for a vehicle based on a $137K platform? Same $130K+ addition. Not trying to start a fight, just pointing out the breadth of adaptability of each model, a good thing.
C'mon man, the Porsche Carrera is a $137K vehiclke based on a $273K platform.
I don’t think pretty was ever the goal, but the GT3 RS looks purposeful and more balanced; edging towards absurdity while simultaneously making it work. The C8 ZR1 doesn’t resonate with me in the same way. This becomes even more apparent when you see a C8 in any color other than black. Black actually works in the C8’s favor.
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I’ve been a Porsche guy for decades. But their pricing forced me to make a change. I currently have a 2025 Z07. It cost me $150k brand new. It runs dead even off a stoplight or on the freeway with my buddies 992TTS. And then on track days I’m a little bit quicker than my other friends 992 GT3 manual. I’ve had zero issues with it. And in my opinion, when you take into consideration the wishbone suspension all around plus mid engine configuration and vastly superior torsional rigidity, the chassis is more capable than 992 with strut suspension. With that all being said I would trade it in two seconds for my buddies GT3. So there’s that.
The ZR1 is a crazy machine, but no I would not cross shop it. My 992.2 Targa GTS was 260k before taxes and small ADM. Plenty to buy a ZR1 or even X but its not my cup of tea. Yeah, performance is great but I don't like the styling or the fact that is a still a Corvette. I hear all the time... "why didn't you buy a Turbo S" when someone asks what I spent on the GTS Targa. Its close. But by the same example, I wasn't looking to pay for the fastest car, I was looking for the open air Targa feel in well balanced fast car. I've never raced a soul nor do I plan on it.
I have a 992.2 GTS. And if I had the garage space, there would be a C8 Z06 sitting next to it. Lightly used examples are less than $100k now. Mine would have color matched boomerangs and NO wing or front splitter. Keep it as under the radar as possible. The fun is in the noise and the push back in the seat.
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