[TX18ZL1]

Hey! so my beautiful 2018 ZL1 is currently being evaluated to be totaled after an idiot on her cell phone t-boned me going 50 miles an hour - so I am going to be in the market and wanted to confirm or dismiss earlier reports that the actual performance of the 2023 model would be an upgrade from previous, claiming "blackwing" like features... and also, general options on why i would or would not select a particular year from 2018 forward. Thanks in advance!

[USAFS197]

If you're after certain aesthetic features, I can see choosing a 2019+ vehicle but, generally you're looking at very marginal technology updates that range from an updated infotainment system to a review camera for your mirror.

[TX18ZL1]

thanks for the reply! Yeah I was thinking 2019 newer, I would for sure like wireless apple car play - but overall concerned with performance. The one I am most interested in is a 2021 ZL1 1LE right now - still considering paying for the 1LE package or not. Pics of your AUDI?

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by TX18ZL1

thanks for the reply! Yeah I was thinking 2019 newer, I would for sure like wireless apple car play - but overall concerned with performance. The one I am most interested in is a 2021 ZL1 1LE right now - still considering paying for the 1LE package or not. Pics of your AUDI?

No performance differences since 2017.

[Vigilante375]

2017 to current year model ZL1's all perform the same.
2018 to current year model ZL1 1LE's all perform the same.

There are not performance upgrades for a certain year model compared to another yar model.

There are no Blackwing like features in any ZL1, per say.

[ZLE dude]

What everyone else said.... plus for 2019+ = no homelink (built in garage door openers), round style tail lights (I like my 2018 tails), red seat belts are an option (not standard on 1LE's anymore), rear view camera comes standard, automatic transmission was an option for 1LE's, and a slightly better infotainment system, but no actual performance differences

[David Gordon]

Hopefully oil pump issue has been addressed as well as other common failures.

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by David Gordon

Hopefully oil pump issue has been addressed as well as other common failures.

That was addressed in 2019.

[ZLRob]

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

That was addressed in 2019.

Still a thing apparently. There are 2019's and up out there still damaging their pumps.

[arpad_m]

Originally Posted by ZLRob

Still a thing apparently. There are 2019's and up out there still damaging their pumps.

Katech stated in another thread here that they purchased every iteration of the factory oil pump, and while newer ones are better, even the latest version still broke under high stress.

Even though Katech is a competitor selling their own oil pump, their results do make sense, given that these gm pumps are revisions of the same fundamental design.

[Z OH 6]

Originally Posted by ZLRob

Still a thing apparently. There are 2019's and up out there still damaging their pumps.

Nope, there's a difference between a random failure and a widespread failure. If you beat the Hell out of a car any part can fail and typically will. Too many 2017 and 2018's failing without beating the Hell out of them, that's the difference. If your intentions is to beat the Hell out of your car, by all means replace with stronger aftermarket parts and that's not limited to an oil pump, that goes for all parts.

[jjgi5150]

TX18ZL1,

My ‘22 ZLE has a few important (to me) upgrades over my ‘18 ZLE. I’ll list them below.

1. Much better oil pressure than the ‘18. Consistently higher and more stable across all the RPM ranges.
2. Improved engine management ECU settings. Smoother off-idle transition, running leaner with no over-rich black soot exhaust tips, plus a noticeable gas mileage increase.
3. Lost the home link but a real improvement with the wireless Bluetooth for Apple Car Play.
4. Lost the pre-loaded GPS, now deferring to the super shitty On-Star “pay for it” GPS, which I do not enroll in. instead I’m using the Apple Car Play GPS mapping for free.
5. Same GREAT TR6060 manual trans and suspension system.
6. My Cali sold ‘22 has the copper free brake system and I find no negatives with that over the ‘18’s brakes.
7. Overall power performance seems to be the same, perhaps a bit better in the ‘22 since the ECU improvements.

My ZLE is a street driven car. I do not track it, but still enjoy the tight suspension and great power delivery it offers for weekend trips to the mountains.

In my opinion, with my ‘22 anyway, there are subtle but good improvements. I no longer stress about taking a drive up the mountains and out of nowhere having an oil pump failure.

I’m very happy with my ‘22 and feel lucky to have found it. I was contemplating getting a new C8 Z06, but ridiculous Chevy price gouging and limited availability destroyed that thought. I’ll be keeping this ZLE as my final street performance car.

Take care,

JJ

[USAFS197]

Originally Posted by TX18ZL1

Pics of your AUDI?

I don't want to derail this thread with pictures of that car but, if you're satisfied with the responses you have here without any further need of explanation, then we can take this thread in that direction if you'd like. Although fair warning, it's a pretty unsuspecting looking car. Some people are starting to wise up to them and others still think nothing of them when they see it on the road (which is quite rare). Most folks don't give it a second thought but, some realize what's going on and just want to see it run.

My area has a lot of high powered cars--at least in my opinion. Many 600-650whp MKV Supras, FBO ZL1's, Z06's, Hellcats, Redeyes, etc. I don't have too much trouble either walking away from or running away from most of those cars. But there's a few comfortably four-digit Mustangs in the area that I don't have enough steam for just yet; along with some modded 720S's. Sometime next year I'll opt for an aftermarket turbo and I'll reattack that proposition. However, there will always be someone faster.

[TX18ZL1]

Originally Posted by USAFS197

I don't want to derail this thread with pictures of that car but, if you're satisfied with the responses you have here without any further need of explanation, then we can take this thread in that direction if you'd like. Although fair warning, it's a pretty unsuspecting looking car. Some people are starting to wise up to them and others still think nothing of them when they see it on the road (which is quite rare). Most folks don't give it a second thought but, some realize what's going on and just want to see it run.

My area has a lot of high powered cars--at least in my opinion. Many 600-650whp MKV Supras, FBO ZL1's, Z06's, Hellcats, Redeyes, etc. I don't have too much trouble either walking away from or running away from most of those cars. But there's a few comfortably four-digit Mustangs in the area that I don't have enough steam for just yet; along with some modded 720S's. Sometime next year I'll opt for an aftermarket turbo and I'll reattack that proposition. However, there will always be someone faster.

That's cool - I was just curious - I don't have as much competition here near me - but I do get excited when I see someone who at least has a shot!