We've had a number of threads on some of the ZL1 facebook groups about the potential lap times of the GT500 and ZL1 1LE. Wanted to share my experience and thoughts on the topic:
Motor Trend, VIR Full (Randy Probst Driving):
- C8: 2:00.96 - Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- GT500: 1:59.68 - Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
- GT500 (CF Package): 1:56.30 - Michelin Cup2
NASA Oktoberfest, VIR Full (Kramar Driving)
- 100% Stock ZL1 1LE - 1:58.7 (4 day old SuperCar 3R; 3rd session of the day; 69 degrees ambient air temp; no sun)
- ZL1 1LE Theoretical Best: 1:57.7 (if I put my best 3 sectors together)
Thoughts:
Gt500 - I can't believe the jump from the CF and non CF version. I suspect the Cup2s are a special compound / tire specific for the GT500. I'll know more once I see a head to head video and can look at the corner speeds. Off the shelf Cup2s appear slower than the SuperCar 3R; or at least the ZL1 1LE hasn't responded well to them at VIR (another driver; 2:02 vs a high 1:59)
ZL1 1LE - I've spent hours pouring over data from VIR. I caught a flag out of oak tree that ruined a predicted 1:57.x run. Data suggests a 1:56 is possible, but at my skill level I don't believe I can get there in real life. I'm moslty on my limit in this lap. IMO most of my available time is in the uphill esses where it appears there's a second or so on the table from 6 - 10. On my 1:57 attempt I entered at 144.5 (!!) and attacked 9 at 129 (!!) so I clearly undrove in my 1:58.
Obviously, a pro driver or some additional tweaking of suspension could change how the car handles. I like a lot of understeer at the limit which is really hurting my ability to attack 9; my specs are -2.4 all round; front ride height all the way up and rear bar neutral.
Conclusion: ZL1 1LE is every bit the car the GT500 is on track. GT500 my have a slight advantage on power tracks (VIR); but the weight will always cause it to burden some sort of a penalty. I would choose the zl1 1le every time between ADM, MSRP and the increased cost of consumables. I think all of these cars are amazing and I'm sure the GT500 is a pleasure to drive on and off the track; the zle 1le just has a better value.
Posted this before, but for reference here is my 1:58; hot lap starts at 3:50. Excuse the claim - this has been a 3 year project to break 2-min at VIR with 100s of hours in the sim and pouring over data. This was my 4th visit to VIR in real life with only one other visit in the ZL1 1LE previous to this attempt.