It's not a lot, on it's own...but look at it this way...
The A10 ZL1 that went around the Nurburgring weighed 3944...the ZL1 1LE, weighs 3820. That's 124 lbs less than what they consider is their current superstar.
The last gen Z/28 weighed an identical 3820, stripped as it was, and without air conditioning...
What they learned in terms of sales was that people weren't thrilled with the idea of buying a stripped-to-nothing Camaro for $70k+...so they put it all back in this time around. And this car, with all it's equipment, supercharger, heavy eLSD, etc...weighs identical to the last Z/28, but holds more G's, creates more downforce (300 lbs with the wing, compared to 150 lbs with the Z/28 spoiler + gurney flap), and has effectively 150 more hp and 180 more ft/lb. Just...wow.
(I rambled a little, but I think the point was made).
ZL1 A10 - 3944
ZL1 M6 - 3883
ZL1 1LE - 3820
SS 1LE - 3747
SS M6 - 3685
Theoretically, if they put the thinner glass, DSSV, and 19" wheels/tires on a SS 1LE, we'd be looking at a 3687 lb car...or, just 133lb lighter than the ZL1 1LE is already. I think, for what we get, it's actually pretty impressive. But I'm also head over heels for this car.
Sure can...until the first one gets caught and their reputation FLIES out the window faster than their lap time. I think it's a case of implied pressure to be honest.
And, frankly, for a car development team - there's a helluva lot of pride mixed in there. These times aren't competitive...there's no money to be won, and I really don't think tenths of a second around the Nordschleife sells cars, directly. Most "anybodys" who walk into a dealership wouldn't know what that means.
BUT! My goodness, if you've spend the last year of your life tuning and calibrating a car...and it is capable (on its own) of putting down an impressive time, wouldn't you leave it alone? That's your impressive work in those numbers, unadulterated.
I might just be too optimistic.
For has two options with this car...either A, chase the demon...or B, chase the ZL1 1LE. I don't think they're going to make any headlines doing A...nor will B be very easy, because as you said - GM has historically, been better at developing chassis.
IF...they choose to chase the ZL1 1LE It's going to be extremely expensive...they have no choice, the ZL1 is already the same price as the GT350R.
What that car has going for it, the most...is those super lightweight CF wheels...that is a ridiculous amount of rolling resistance...GONE. And that helps the GT350R go fast in ways that I think few realize.
Once up in the revs, the engine performs admirably, and puts out good power.
But...here's why I lack faith Ford's track car will be able to cope with the ZL1 in a head-to-head on track:
MT Figure 8
ZL1: 23.1s @ .91g
GT350R: 23.3s @ .87g
Virginia International Raceway
SS 1LE: 2:54.8
GT350R: 2:51.8
'14 Z/28: 2:50.9
VIR is a fast course, and the SS 1LE doesn't have enough grunt to keep up, nor the r-compound tires the other two I listed benefit from. The ZL1 has mountains more grunt, and similar handling figures to the Gen Five Z/28.
Laguna Seca
SS 1LE: 1:37.78
GT350R: 1:36.11
And it's the only one of the 1LE offerings, to actually drop weight on the car they put it on...
Yes it could. I guess it just depends on how much we trust the integrity of one manufacturer over another...and if anybody gets caught.
There was a case, years ago, when one of the early GT-Rs was out on the track, and someone claimed they saw that car go 'round with racing slicks. But I think that was debunked.
I've heard the same, and GM has been putting out 'Ring times since the C6 Z06...so it's not as though this is a new practice. Some manufacturers put out a time...others do not.
Most definitely.