CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1 test drive since 2008

King Kong from the genus Corvette against Japanese Godzilla

Now only 11 am, but on the street is already hot. We approach our Nissan GT-R to the guest parking near the test site of the General Motors concern in Arizona. Against the background of an aging brick building of the 1960s buildings facing the facade to the empty while the test area, the Japanese supercar looks like a spacecraft.
Despite the fact that all the GM employees passing by GT-R practically do not notice it, we suspect that in fact they know perfectly for what he is here. Somewhere in the depths of this test site, Chevrolet Corvette Zr1 was accumulated, which was prepared specifically for a comparative test. Well, the opponent arrived.
We make several calls and subscribe some papers before the gate open and produce silver Zr1 (Cyber \u200b\u200bGray color). He parked next to GT-R, the driver comes out of the car, gives us the keys and gives a friendly parting: chase carefully.
So began the battle of King Cong from the genus Corvette with Godzilla from Japan. To both cars will have 480 km to Los Angeles, where they are tested on Dynamo-stand, and also run through a series of standard tests and to top it will test by several hot circles on the tracks of the Streets of Willow (part of the Willow Springs International Raceway track).
Slobska 120 km / h
As soon as we left for a feature of Phoenix, as Chevrolet Corvette Zr1 began to throw out the forties. It is understandable: stick the third gear, click on the accelerator pedal, and it will begin to burn rubber and slip at a speed of 120 km / h, and then accelerates sharply.
With all-wheel drive Nissan GT-R, this will never happen. It will not work out to repeat the Ferrari Enzo, Lamborghini Murcielago or Porsche 911 GT2. Yes, Zr1 is really a mad car.
After a dozen of these tricks, we slightly calmed down and chose a more calm movement pace, with surprise, finding that the Zr1 is very comfortable for the highway car. Adjustable Chevy suspension swallows small road irregularities, on which GT-R nervously jumps. Tires are practically no noise, which you can not say about Nissan. Long transmissions are still one advantage of Zr1, since they allow to maintain a stable high speed without much effort at 2,000 revolutions on the tachometer.
But, despite the stunning comfort and incredible power, the shortcomings of the ZR1 also have. The steering column vibrates, as if one of the wheels launched (although the pressure sensor in the tires shows that everything is in perfect order), and the driver's seat is a shapeless piece of skin and filler, it would be more for a 12-hour marathon in front of the TV, rather than for a sports barbed car, which accelerates up to 320 km / h.
We also noticed that the steering wheel was installed here from Chevrolet Cobalt. What, covered suede steering wheel from the Cadillac CTS-V model too expensive? It is hard to believe, considering that the completion we tested by us will cost the buyer at $ 118,520, and the price tag on CTS-V is equal to $ 70 thousand. By the way, for the cost of our Zr1, you will also get a set of tasteless chrome casting option worth $ 2,000. We sincerely hope that on the way back we will fall into the sandy storm, which will cut the whole chrome from the disks.
Comfortable mode
Driving on Nissan GT-R to Arizona, we got well familiar with his behavior on the road. The configurable suspension has a Comfort mode, but it turned out that when driving in this mode, your teeth are scattered into slightly smaller pieces than in the standard mode. We also noticed that, hitting the wheels in the groove groove, rolled down the long-term, GT-R begins to swim, so you need to be very attentive, and on a concrete coating, getting on the joints of the plates, its tires make such noise as if you are driving inside the concrete mixer.
But in the portions of a flat asphalt inside the GT-R feel like in a personal aircraft, and not in the car moving along the road. The annoyable buzz of the tires disappears, an unobtrusive whistle of two turbines goes to the fore and intimate noise of the oncoming air flow. Seats have a good shape and rigidity, and a chubby steering wheel creates a pleasant sensation of weights.
In general, the GT-R interior is logical and solid, high-quality materials are used everywhere. For the test, we were given a package of Premium, with such options, as an iPod connection connector and rugs raising its cost up to $ 80,770. This is not an embodiment of luxury, of course, but not in the cabin and the feelings are cheaper.
We estimate power
Here is Los Angeles. We immediately go to Dynamo Stand at Harman Motive Dyno Shop to measure what power these heavyweights are obtained. Their superior test chamber is it from the most accurate installations, so that the readings should be stable and reliable.
The first on the stand was driving Nissan GT-R. Its 3.8-liter V6 with two turbines should produce 480 horsepower (in accordance with factory TTX) and 583 nm of torque. This power is transmitted to all four wheels using a two-way 6-speed transmission in varying depending on the degree of adhesion along the axes by the ratio.
After several very smooth attempts to GT-R issued 406 hp. 6,000 rpm. and 541 nm at 3,800 rpm. The power curve is slightly uneven, but the result does not become less impressive.
Then the Chevrolet Corvette Zr1 turns. Its V8 with a volume of 6.5 liters with a turntable Roots should develop a power equal to 638 hp and 818 nm. It also transmits its power to the wheels by means of a 6-speed transmission, however, in this case, the whole it goes to the rear 20-inch wheels.
As with GT-R, the ZR1 engine demonstrates very smooth results for several measurements. Outcome: 505 hp At 6,200 turns and 669 Nm of the moment at 4,200 rpm. With a perfectly smooth curve. No failures, no jumps.
You may have expected a more significant difference than the 99 horses received by us. And although such a result suggests that one of the manufacturers was a little less frank about the total capacity of his car than the other, our engineers suspect that it happened because of the difference in the settings of the car cooling systems during Dynamo stand tests.
Accelerate in direct
The next day we went to the test track. The GT-R struck many in the heart, having passed the quotor in 11 seconds during the previously conducted tests, so that it was even more expected than from more powerful Zr1.
Start on GT-R is quite simple thanks to the electronic start control system. Give the appropriate switches to the desired position, unlock the brake pedal, give the engine as you should unleash and release the brake.
After several confident attempts, our best time was 3.8 seconds to accelerate up to 96.56 km / h. 402 meters GT-R overcame in 11.8 seconds at a speed of 190 km / h on the finish. A good result for a street car for $ 80,000, and, most importantly, the result is steadily repeated.
With Chevrolet Corvette Zr1 is a completely different story. Even with tires 335/25 R20 on the rear wheels, this car lacked a clutch with an expensive when we pressed on the highway to just accelerate. You can imagine what will happen with a sharp start from the place.
We have tried all the methods known to us so that the car starts as quickly as possible: they worked as a grip, gas and tried different combinations. As a result, the best acceleration of up to 96.56 km / h was obtained by 3.8 s, and the best result on the quotier was 11.5 s at a speed of 206.5 km / h on the finish.
The test results of the acceleration of Nissan GT-R and Corvette Zr1 are very similar, but in speed at the finishment it can be seen that cars do it in different ways: Zr1 sharply goes into the separation closer to the finish. The improvised duel between our participants on Drag Strepe showed that GT-R will be able to go with the ZR1 nostril to the nostril up to 160 km / h, and then the latter will break back sharply.
Turns
The status of the supercar gets not only for the ability to quickly accelerate, so in turns we have tests for lateral acceleration and braking, as well as slalom. Nissan GT-R with its complex intelligent full drive system should receive an advantage here, but also from Corvette Zr1 there is a couple of trumps in the sleeve.
The most serious of them is a set of carbon-ceramic brake discs, and this is not a joke. They are powerful enough to stop Corvette Zr1 from a speed of 96.56 km / h in 29.26 meters. A strikingly short brake path. Until now, only the Porsche 911 GT2 worth $ 192,000 was managed.
When Zr1 passes with a gloss with an average speed of 120 km / h, we get another portion of shock. Not only from the fact that Corvette and here turned out to be the fastest of all-wheel drive GT-R with its result equal to 115 km / h, but also from the fact that even the previous modification of Corvette, the most discerning Z06, with its 111 km / hour looks somewhat inhibited.
The result of Corvette Zr1 is not less impressive in the side acceleration test: Michelin Pilot Sport 2 adhesive tires hold the car in turn to the latter, providing an acceleration equal to 1.06g.
Despite the stunning figures shown by Zr1 in our tests, GT-R on their background can be preserved quite a decent view. 1 777-kilogram Nissan not only manages to develop in the slalom almost the same speed as Corvette, which is easier than an opponent by 250 kg: from 96.56 km / h GT-R stops for 32.31 m and develops acceleration equal to 0, 93g. On the usual road among simple cars, these indicators will be shiny. But next to Zr1, they suddenly begin to mess.
Final test
Since riding in a straight line, in a circle or between cones does not give a full-fledged view of the test machine, the last stage of our test was the race on the track Streets of Willow (one of the parts of the Willow Springs International Raceway track in Rosamond, California). This is a rather winding area with a length of about 3 km, with two straight lines, where you can accelerate to 160 km / h. Here we are planning a little more to reveal the potential of both cars.
Our test pilot jumps into GT-R, quickly accelerates and makes several circles on the highway with a very stable time, the best of which is 1: 25.09. Then he moves to Corvette, with which you have to tinker a little longer. The circle time is constantly reduced, and the fastest result of ZR1 is fixed at 1: 23.87.
And again, Zr1 turned out to be faster than GT-R, although naked numbers cannot show the colossal difference in the behavior on the track of two of these cars.
For Nissan GT-R is a simple exercise. The car behaves stably, confidently keeps the road, goes to the skid very predictably only at the limit itself. The seats are perfectly held by the driver and passenger, the steering wheel is clear and responsive. It does not arise any sharp jumps, which are present in the lighter Corvette, and the hard suspension allows you to confidently accelerate. Brakes demonstrate minimal fatigue, and Bridgestone Potenza Re070 tires provide excellent clutch with expensive. If your driving skills do not reach the level of pilots of annular races, then, sat behind the wheel GT-R, you can significantly add gas.
Corvette, on the contrary, requires a pilot of filigree skill, hard work pedals, rapid rotation of the steering wheel and complete concentration. We had to choose: to hold the steering column with your knees to stay in place, or hold on to the wheel to direct the car into the direction you need. Do not understand us wrong, all these efforts are the result, but it is still efforts.
In Sport mode, adjustable suspension is unnecessary nervous, so the best circle time has been fixed in a calmer Touring mode, which allowed the car on the track in several very uneven places. A couple of times we stuck not that transmission, but in general it is worth recognizing that the Kulis of the ZR1 box is the best of all installed on Corvette. The brakes are also flawless, instantly grabbing and never showed signs of fatigue, even after multiple repetitive braking on the track.
The crown receives Corvette
This is not the perfect Corvette, although Zr1 is close to it. If you are ready to spend $ 100,000 on his purchase, then, perhaps, find money and buy a pair of sports buckets Recaro and a set of decent wheels. After that, it will be better to improve.
A more couple of horses under the hood, and its tires never kill for asphalt. Large diameter brake discs elementary will not fit into 20-inch wheels. The front wheels are already touched up the arches with a quick ride on the track, so install the larger diameter disks will not work. And why are such troubles? Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is the fastest and most powerful serial car in the world.
Where does Nissan GT-R appear? He thinks everything will be fine. It guarantees you similar dynamics in a much less tempting on the disgrace of the configuration, which, moreover, is much more practical. Yes, Zr1 showed that there is no equal on the track, but the use of these abilities in everyday ride will be extremely difficult. This Corvette will break anyone on a straight line, but on a winding mountain road, for victory will have to be pretty sweat.
And do not forget: Nissan GT-R will soon appear new opportunities, because on the approach its charged version of the V-SPEC.
But this will happen only next year. Zr1 in front of us now, and there is no equal.
Another point of view
Josh Jaco, Senior Traffic Test Editor
GT-R against ZR1. Not an easy choice. One is the current king of the mountain, the second former. And both deserve respect.
In this situation, it is difficult to make a mistake. Both vehicles will be afraid of the laws of physics, and in direct proportionality to the driver's skill. Both cars are fast as no one. And if they compare them, it seems to me that the difference will not be so significant as the results of our tests show. I manage both cars. At the same conditions: on the same road, at the same time. And I did not notice so striking differences in their behavior on the track in order to unambiguously be towards one of these cars.
Corvette is definitely faster on a straight line, while practice shows that most drivers simply do not have enough experience or courage to use the Corvette abilities on the full coil. It is much more difficult to start on ZR1 correctly than just click on GT-R gas.
In addition, real roads with their irregularities, pits and mud also play a considerable role. And GT-R, being much less picky, overcomes all these troubles with complete calm. Plus, they are much easier to control. In other words, this car will be rapid on any track.
But all this: acceleration, handling, similar high-speed characteristics tights against the background of a real reason why I would choose GT-R. Exclusivity. He is simply rare. And it makes it even more desirable.
Look: any guise American can buy a Corvette. I believe that the presence of various carboxylica in his equipment in its equipment only undoubtedly attracts attention to it. Nothing in his appearance gives him a feature. Moreover, most changes led to what he looks like a caricature on himself. I do not care who you are: If you can spend such money, you need to spend them on the things exclusive.
Therefore, for me, Zr1 is not an option, but the GT-R will remain for a long time with the object of my dreams.
 
Specifications of compared supercars
Chevrolet Corvette Zr1 Nissan GT-R
Dimensions, weight
Full length 4 475 mm 4 656 mm
Full width 1 928 mm 1 895 mm
Full height 1 245 mm 1 369 mm
Wheel bass 2 685 mm 2 781 mm
Curb weight on test 1 527 kg 1 777 kg
The diameter of the reversal is 11.9 m 11.2 m
Engine and transmission
Volume 6,200 cubic meters. CM 3,800 cube. cm
Engine type V8 V6
Power 638 hp at 6,500 rpm. 480 hp at 6,400 rpm.
Torque 819 nm at 3,800 rpm. 583 nm at 4,200 rpm.
Transmission 6-speed MCPP 6-speed
automated
with 2 clips
Fuel consumption (city) 16.8 liters per 100 km
Fuel consumption (highway) 11.6 liters per 100 km
Fuel consumption (combo cycle) 14.3 l per 100 km
Guarantee
Basic warranty 3 years / 58 000 km 3 years / 58,000 km
Warranty on power transmission 5 years / 161,000 km 5 years / 96 500 km
Indicators
Acceleration to 96.56 km / h 3.8 s 3.8 s
Passage time 402 m 11.5 from 11.8 s
Speed \u200b\u200bat a mark of 402 m 206.5 km / h 190.9 km / h
Brake from 96.56 km / h 29.26 m 32.31 m
Side Acceleration 1.06G 0.93G
Slomal speed 120.2 km / h 119.1 km / h
Price
The cost of the tested configuration $ 118,520 $ 80,770
 
 

A source: Inside Line.