What do you think of the 2018 Camero ZL1 1LE
05-14-2017, 12:57 AM
#31
Rennlist Member
At the big track at Willow Springs Raceway, we had Randy lap a SS 1LE, a ZL1 with a six-speed manual and a ZL1 with the 10-speed auto. The 1LE ran a 1:28.29. That’s a great lap, especially when you consider that time is 0.1 second ahead of the previous-generation Camaro Z/28, which is a former BDC winner and track-focused monster with more horsepower and torque.
And now the ZL1 (Non LE). LE will be even faster.
Next up was the ZL1 with a manual. That stick-shift ran a blistering quick 1:26.16, besting the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport (1:26.28), a 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S (1:27.04), a 2015 Porsche Turbo S (1:27.17), and a 2017 McLaren 570S prototype (1:27.21). Impressed yet?
Randy strongly felt there were some tenths left in the automatic ZL1. He worked with a couple of engineers from Chevy and kept adjusting tire pressures and lapping. The result? An unofficial lap time of 1:25.87, recorded on the ZL1’s optional Performance Data Recorder (PDR). A McLaren 650S Spider—a mid-engine, 3,239-pound, 641-horsepower, carbon-fiber supercar—does a 1:25.88. Yes, you read that right. The quarter-million-dollar McLaren got beat by a Camaro. But because our test team didn’t run the numbers—meaning we don’t have a Vbox data file of the lap—we have to asterisk Randy’s lunchtime lap. It’s simply not official. These things happen. But here’s the thing: You’re not supposed to mention Chevy’s other sports car in the same breath as legit, flat-out elite supercars such as the Chevrolet flagship. But if the lap holds, the ZL1 has the eighth-best lap we’ve ever seen around Big Willow and is less than a second behind the best we’ve seen from big brother Z06 (1:25.00)
And now the ZL1 (Non LE). LE will be even faster.
Next up was the ZL1 with a manual. That stick-shift ran a blistering quick 1:26.16, besting the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport (1:26.28), a 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S (1:27.04), a 2015 Porsche Turbo S (1:27.17), and a 2017 McLaren 570S prototype (1:27.21). Impressed yet?
Randy strongly felt there were some tenths left in the automatic ZL1. He worked with a couple of engineers from Chevy and kept adjusting tire pressures and lapping. The result? An unofficial lap time of 1:25.87, recorded on the ZL1’s optional Performance Data Recorder (PDR). A McLaren 650S Spider—a mid-engine, 3,239-pound, 641-horsepower, carbon-fiber supercar—does a 1:25.88. Yes, you read that right. The quarter-million-dollar McLaren got beat by a Camaro. But because our test team didn’t run the numbers—meaning we don’t have a Vbox data file of the lap—we have to asterisk Randy’s lunchtime lap. It’s simply not official. These things happen. But here’s the thing: You’re not supposed to mention Chevy’s other sports car in the same breath as legit, flat-out elite supercars such as the Chevrolet flagship. But if the lap holds, the ZL1 has the eighth-best lap we’ve ever seen around Big Willow and is less than a second behind the best we’ve seen from big brother Z06 (1:25.00)
05-14-2017, 01:03 AM
#32
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
It'll keep a faster lap after 30 minutes. Because the brakes will be toast, you'll just keep going and going and going.
05-14-2017, 09:35 AM
#36
Rennlist Member
I'm getting a .2 GT3, just submitted my preliminary build to my sales guy two days ago, but I really do love the new Camaros. The fun factor is really up there. I have a '16 Camaro SS fully loaded. Comfy, fast, agile, sounds great, nice interior features, well built, etc. NEVER liked Camaros at all until my wife and I made the mistake of driving a new one.
We were cross shopping them against a 340i, ATS, Mustang GT, etc. and fell in love during the first rifle shot popping upshift of the 8-speed as the LT1 bellowed through the multi-mode exhaust. Mag ride is comfy in tour mode and stable and fast in sport and track mode. Visibility issues are overrated IMO. Spend more than 20 minutes driving it after getting the seats and mirrors (with good blind spot monitors) properly adjusted and it's a non-issue.
Anyway, I'm very interested in the ZL1 1LE. Y'all owe it to yourselves to take an SS or ZL1 for a slide fun run at your local dealer. GM actually did these right.
We were cross shopping them against a 340i, ATS, Mustang GT, etc. and fell in love during the first rifle shot popping upshift of the 8-speed as the LT1 bellowed through the multi-mode exhaust. Mag ride is comfy in tour mode and stable and fast in sport and track mode. Visibility issues are overrated IMO. Spend more than 20 minutes driving it after getting the seats and mirrors (with good blind spot monitors) properly adjusted and it's a non-issue.
Anyway, I'm very interested in the ZL1 1LE. Y'all owe it to yourselves to take an SS or ZL1 for a slide fun run at your local dealer. GM actually did these right.
05-14-2017, 09:53 AM
#37
Rennlist Member
05-14-2017, 11:03 AM
#38
Burning Brakes
Not sure if it was a '17 or '18, new to him, no plate yet and temp placard in front window (Cali).The 17 is a NA motor, the 18 is a SC motor, about 200HP difference, along with a bunch of other things they made better for the track.
Was the wing in the back a big CF one?
Last edited by GT345; 05-14-2017 at 11:36 AM.
05-14-2017, 11:09 AM
#39
Burning Brakes
05-14-2017, 11:11 AM
#40
Burning Brakes
At first he joked and said it was going to be 5k over MSRP, but then he laughed and said they won't charge me over.
I think there is even a $1000 rebate on all there 18s atm.
05-14-2017, 11:17 AM
#41
Rennlist Member
I love and own Porsche but kudos to not only Chevy but also to the other American car makers for the products they are putting out.
Dodge Demon fastest ( 0-60 & 1/4 mile car) street legal, Hellcat, Shelby, Ford GT ZO6 etc. Those are some really really good performing cars especially for the money. Interiors not all that great but fit and finish getting better.
Also those that follow IMSA american insurance race series including the continental race series American cars including Ford GT, Mustang & Corvette have been doing extremely well; intact leading in manufactures points.
Dodge Demon fastest ( 0-60 & 1/4 mile car) street legal, Hellcat, Shelby, Ford GT ZO6 etc. Those are some really really good performing cars especially for the money. Interiors not all that great but fit and finish getting better.
Also those that follow IMSA american insurance race series including the continental race series American cars including Ford GT, Mustang & Corvette have been doing extremely well; intact leading in manufactures points.
05-14-2017, 11:17 AM
#42
Burning Brakes
Biggest problem with these cars is weight!
Just finished up a great day at Sebring with my gt350. Car is a good compromise. Good street car. Ok on track but oh my I miss my gt3 on track.
Even with more hp than the 991gt3 that I played with today, they left me on the back straight. The gt350 is a bargain and holds up to abuse. It runs thru fuel like there is no tomorrow.
To OP,
My guess is, you'll enjoy the American sport car for a little while. They have charm. But, after a few track days. You just want back in that gt3rs. No hiding weight on track.
Just finished up a great day at Sebring with my gt350. Car is a good compromise. Good street car. Ok on track but oh my I miss my gt3 on track.
Even with more hp than the 991gt3 that I played with today, they left me on the back straight. The gt350 is a bargain and holds up to abuse. It runs thru fuel like there is no tomorrow.
To OP,
My guess is, you'll enjoy the American sport car for a little while. They have charm. But, after a few track days. You just want back in that gt3rs. No hiding weight on track.
05-14-2017, 11:28 AM
#43
Rennlist Member
SS 1LE (LT1 6.2 NA engine 455hp)
V6 1LE (3.6L V6 NA engine 335hp)
ZL1 (LT4 6.2 SC engine 650hp)
ZL1 1LE, it's not released to the public yet. (same LT4 6.2 SC engine 650hp, better aero, suspension, weight reduction, etc. over the "base" ZL1). This car will have a big CF wing on the back. The other cars listed above have more a flush spoiler that isn't far off the trunk lid.
05-14-2017, 11:34 AM
#44
Burning Brakes
05-14-2017, 11:38 AM
#45
Rennlist Member
I am in a similar fortunate position to the OP. I own a 991'Gt3 and love the car and love it at the track when I take it there. However, I also had the same desire to have something less expensive that I would feel better about beating on, on a more regular basis. I decided on the GT350R. I think it's much better looking than the Camaro (I liked the last generation Z/28 very much, but this one not so much) and the naturally aspirated flat plane crank in the Shelby is a hands down winner. While I know for brute speed of the supercharged Camaro V8 has more raw power, it doesn't hold a candle to the Shelby for feel, sound, and linear acceleration.
You made a comment about the GT350 and ZL1 not being able to pull away in the straights. That's pure physics, the American cars are pulling an additional 650+ pounds around the track. Weight is weight. That's another reason why I chose the GT350R as it sheds about 150 lbs and the unsprung weight of the carbon fiber wheels make it accelerate like a slightly lighter car still.
Lastly, the GT350R is a more collectible car and should hold its value better if you can buy it at the right price. California dealers are a rip off and are asking up to 50k over MSRP and actually selling them in the range of 25k over. Don't do it. Look around the he country for one. It took me a couple months but I found what I wanted in the southeast and will pay 8k over MSRP. I hate paying over but it's a great price for this car and as they are only making 500 a year of the R, I believe it will hold its value.
All that said, I am not selling the GT3 unless it is to replace it with the .2, and yes, I know I am very lucky to own both.
You made a comment about the GT350 and ZL1 not being able to pull away in the straights. That's pure physics, the American cars are pulling an additional 650+ pounds around the track. Weight is weight. That's another reason why I chose the GT350R as it sheds about 150 lbs and the unsprung weight of the carbon fiber wheels make it accelerate like a slightly lighter car still.
Lastly, the GT350R is a more collectible car and should hold its value better if you can buy it at the right price. California dealers are a rip off and are asking up to 50k over MSRP and actually selling them in the range of 25k over. Don't do it. Look around the he country for one. It took me a couple months but I found what I wanted in the southeast and will pay 8k over MSRP. I hate paying over but it's a great price for this car and as they are only making 500 a year of the R, I believe it will hold its value.
All that said, I am not selling the GT3 unless it is to replace it with the .2, and yes, I know I am very lucky to own both.