11-21-2017, 01:04 PM | #1 |
Drives: 2019 CLA 450 Mercedes Join Date: May 2016
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 1,107
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ZL1 Road Trip Question?
I am considering an upgrade to a ZL1 when my current lease runs out. This happens to coincide with the refresh, so it would seem like a reasonable thing to consider. I had been looking at more mundane cars (Audi S4 / S5 | MB 43AMG) but was given the go ahead by The Boss to consider the ZL1 with the A10 transmission as my only concession.
The question is rather simple: How is the ZL1 as a road trip car? I have found my SS to be very good as travel car, including a 4,100+ mile round trip in 2016 to South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. This year I drove it to CamoroFest and tracked it at NCM Raceway. Those are my baselines and I am hoping that some of the ZL1s that made the trip to Bowling Green may be able to offer some insight. P.S. It is about comfort. I don't care about the gas mileage.
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2021 C43 AMG Mercedes Coupe Metallic Cardinal Red 2014 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost (The Bus) |
11-21-2017, 01:16 PM | #2 |
Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE (2)79Z28 72RS 67SS 69Z Join Date: May 2009
Location: Arizona
Posts: 422
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Its smaller ... Handles better ... Improved interior features. Added interior options I like cooled seats, heated steering wheel, PDR, programmable seat positions, mirror drops when you back up - Just go for it! LOL
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11-21-2017, 01:44 PM | #3 |
Drives: 2017 ZL1 A10 Nightfall Gray Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Fort Lauderdale
Posts: 236
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I did a 600 mile round trip to North Florida and back to South Florida for work and loved every mile of it. For the highway, just put it in tour mode, turn up the radio and the miles just fly by. Need to pass someone; you'll be doing 120 before you realize it. Need to haul stuff; the trunk is huge. Need to bring a passenger; they will be comfortable in the front seat (dog in the back). Honestly, the A10 gas mileage at near legal highway speeds is pretty good with all things considered and the gas tank is big enough that you get decent range. I think it's a great road trip car, daily driver, track machine and it looks pretty aggressive / good while doing all of these things.
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11-21-2017, 03:01 PM | #4 |
Drives: A10 LT4 Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Deep South TX
Posts: 1,094
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I was very surprised how well the different suspension settings work...tour is a very comfortable ride when compared to track mode. To me the car is simply a joy to be in & my longest trip to San Antonio & back was only around 500-600 miles.
The recaros fit me well being 6ft / 190...understand I drive a 3/4 ton company truck about 400 miles a day & getting into the Z is an absolute treat to fall into after driving the tank. |
11-21-2017, 03:05 PM | #5 |
Drives: 2017 Summit White ZL1 M6 Join Date: May 2017
Location: B'ham AL
Posts: 189
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I flew from Destin Fl to Austin TX to buy my car. Left Austin at 7:00 pm arrived in Destin at 6:10 am. 750 mies strait. Felt not the least bit road weary.
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11-21-2017, 03:40 PM | #6 |
Drives: 2023 Black ZL1 Auto Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: FEMA Region 4
Posts: 2,935
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The ZL1 is going to be very similar to your 2016 SS, with a more sporty and deeper exhaust note, slightly firmer ride, better steering response, and more aggressive bolstering in the seats. I think you'll feel right at home, minus the standard transmission.
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11-21-2017, 03:49 PM | #7 | |
Drives: 2019 CLA 450 Mercedes Join Date: May 2016
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 1,107
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Quote:
A deeper exhaust note.. the NPP that I have barks pretty well when you are in sport or track modes, especially down the front straight at NOLA Motorsports. Sportier than that will be something to enjoy, scare the neighbors and be a fitting ending to a point by.
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2019 Lunar Blue Metallic Mercedes CLS 450
2021 C43 AMG Mercedes Coupe Metallic Cardinal Red 2014 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost (The Bus) |
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11-21-2017, 03:50 PM | #8 |
Drives: 2017 ZL1 A10 Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Pearland, TX
Posts: 465
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Only thing I would somewhat worry about is driving the ZL1 in the rain. The tires are really not that great in the rain. I got caught out in the rain 1 time and had to keep it under 60MPH. My normal cruising speed is right around 80-85MPH
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11-21-2017, 04:12 PM | #9 | |
Drives: 2019 CLA 450 Mercedes Join Date: May 2016
Location: South Louisiana
Posts: 1,107
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Quote:
If all goes according to plan, it will be daily driven just as my SS is today.
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2019 Lunar Blue Metallic Mercedes CLS 450
2021 C43 AMG Mercedes Coupe Metallic Cardinal Red 2014 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost (The Bus) |
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11-21-2017, 05:11 PM | #10 |
Drives: 2017 ZL1 silver A10 Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Loudon NH
Posts: 135
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Awesome, but heavy rain and over 60 = no bueno!! The ride in touring mode is like a earo luxury car firm but still forgiving.
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11-21-2017, 05:37 PM | #11 |
Drives: 2017 ZL1 10 Speed Auto Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: SE Massachusetts
Posts: 89
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Did 2200 mile round trip from Boston to Woodward Dream Cruise in August. Went via Pittsburgh, returned via Toronto. Was a total pleasure in every way. Not a single problem. A smile every mile. On a separate note, I have felt confident driving on local highways during rain - just drive responsibly.
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11-21-2017, 06:27 PM | #12 |
Drives: 2017 ZL1 A10 Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: McKinney TX
Posts: 334
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Did a hard running 1,600 mile trip a month ago. Actually a really good hwy car, especially on tour setting. I have heads, cam, headers running through stock muffler and not a hint of drone. Very comfortable seat too...
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11-21-2017, 07:08 PM | #13 |
Thank you Al Oppenheiser!
Drives: Red Hot A10 ZL1 Convertible Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Sarasota, FL
Posts: 4,985
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Yeah the stock Goodyears are not good in the wet. The MPSS on my Genesis sedan hold much better at speed in the rain. But they're only tires, so if you don't like what you get on the car, do a few burnouts and go get new ones!
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11-21-2017, 07:21 PM | #14 |
Drives: 2018 ZL1 in sweet hyper blue Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 61
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Echo most everything said here so far. I did an 800 mile loop to dig into the break-in mileage and found the ZL1 to be a great cruiser. For a car this capable it has an amazing ride in tour mode and is quiet inside. I hit light rain and had no problem. The problem I did have, and still do, is minding my speed. Car rides great and with twice the HP of my old 98 SS I'm still getting used to what happens when I breathe on the throttle. The HUD helps but it's says something about the car as a cruiser in that (in tour mode) there isn't much sense of speed. Look over to change the radio, check the rear view, reaquire traffic, and all of a sudden you're at 85 in a 65 zone. Here in NC that can get you in real trouble!
Anyway, go for the ZL1. You will not be sorry. Guaranteed!!! |
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