[kramard]

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.

[viurniel]

Great post and driving, would be nice to also see Randy on the ZLE at VIR.

Ain't it crazy that the GT500 Carbon times are feasible on a car that costs $35K less?!

[TheRealJA105]

Awesome driving! We need Randy to just do the head to head comparison we all want. Lot's of people around the web, myself included, have been referencing your lap for a comparative time to the GT500 times.

[Firecaptain]

What's the weight difference at each corner with those CF wheels?

[Badmojo]

Originally Posted by Firecaptain

What's the weight difference at each corner with those CF wheels?

I don't have the link, but the factory GT500 wheels/tires (non-cf) were around 65 lbs each (very heavy.)



I think the CF is 20-30 lbs savings per corner.

[Checkmate1]

We need Kramar to attack VIR with a vengence and take no prisoners. Perhaps a 1:55 is possible?

[Stephen12ZL1]

the new Michelin Cup 2 compound is specified as "track connect" and is likely much better than the previous Cup 2s. How much better...who knows.

[philpacs]

On this short course the 1LE took the win. Camaro 36:11 vs Shelby 36:27.

This was from a dig and the Camaro bogged on the start but it's a win for what it's worth. A single track doesn't mean much but after a few we'll see how they compare.

[Bow Tie Fanatic]

I also think with an A10 you would have shaved at least .5 off your lap maybe more.

[kramard]

Originally Posted by Bow Tie Fanatic

I also think with an A10 you would have shaved at least .5 off your lap maybe more.

I do think so as well. My guess has been that the auto is worth .5 - .75 (you get a mph or so bump in top speed every shift; so +1 - 2 MPH on the front straight and maybe even 3 - 4mph back-straight). I don't think the manual is really costing me anywhere else. Hard to say tho.

[JPC]

Originally Posted by Firecaptain

What's the weight difference at each corner with those CF wheels?

the CF GT350R rims are about $6k EACH
so the larger CF GT500 rims are going to be EVEN more expensive

Just the the poster instead,
who's going to track a 4000lb car with $25k+ rims

[GA1LE]

Originally Posted by Stephen12ZL1

the new Michelin Cup 2 compound is specified as "track connect" and is likely much better than the previous Cup 2s. How much better...who knows.

Track Connect is an app and sensor combo that tells the user about tire performance and gives suggestions to maximize performance. The tread compound is the same as the standard Cup 2.

https://www.tirerack.com/content/tir...k-connect.html

[SliChillax]

The GT500 with the full track and carbon package should only be compared to the A10 ZL1 1LE not the manual.

[Stephen12ZL1]

Originally Posted by GA1LE

Track Connect is an app and sensor combo that tells the user about tire performance and gives suggestions to maximize performance. The tread compound is the same as the standard Cup 2.

https://www.tirerack.com/content/tir...k-connect.html

wow...that is pretty cool with the sensor. I do believe newer Cup 2s have a "better" compound than the same tires from a year or two ago. I have no data to back up that statement. The "R" variant is obviously more track appropriate but is available only in limited sizes.