ZL1 beats new GT500
 

Down 80 HP and 300lbs more, superior handling triumphs. Won't lie, I'm fairly impressed.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 vs 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 - On Track - Automobile Magazine

Where's the Shelby boys now? :-p

out buying a shorter rear gear, I presume:icon17:

Trollolololol

For looks I think the GT500 looks better

Not what we're talking about here - just how 662 horsepower wasn't enough to beat a car that has 80 horsepower less, and 300 pounds more weight beat it.

O ya, I hear ya there. Just saying for looks, I'd pick the GT500. It is kinda sad that it lost. No going to lie there...

pretty wild

This might change with the redesigned and SRA free mustang in 2 years.

I wonder how the GT500 would compare with the same amount of tire the ZL1 runs. Never the less, kudos to GM for spending millions to be a little quicker than an ox cart. ;)

I'm sure it will, considering the next gen Mustang will probably be 1000 lbs lighter than the Camaro. :bowrofl:

So it will weight 4000lbs then? :stirthepot:
Congrats to GM on the victory, still waiting to see more track results and tests. These two will definitely be so fun comparisons on different tracks, both ring & straight line.

Lots of rumors the next-gen Camaro will be a radical change too (read, smaller and lighter). If it is, I MAY consider going back to ZE FATHERLAND that is GM.

I think GM knows that if they DON'T make the Camaro significantly lighter, it's game-over against the next-gen Moosestang.

Anything with less corners and the GT500 would win, I have no doubt. Moar corners, the ZL1 should emerge triumphant.

Gobs of power can be hard to argue against.

I can already picture the e-arguing with Steve and his next gen Mustang happening now......:rofl2:

:iagree:

Apparently the Dodge people are trying to put the Challenger on a diet so it can compete with the Mustang/Camaro as well.

Most likely.

Also, IBTL. It's only a matter of time.

:icon18::icon18::icon18:


Why? :rolleyes:

IBTL bitchez :p

With the whole industry going "greener." Some of the exotic lightweight materials is bound to become less expensive sooner or later. Just look at McLaren. The F1 was over 1 million dollars compared to the MP4-12C which cost a quarter of that. It took McLaren 3500 hours to piece together the F1's carbon fiber tub. The MP4-12C takes about 4 hours. If/when Ford and GM wake up and invest in this tech, I can only imagine how truly awesome these high powered engines will perform.

Because a lot of people on here get butthurt when people bring up these discussions. It ALWAYS happens.


On topic: Congrats to GM, each car has their pros and cons and IMO if someone can comfortably afford either of these cars then they shouldn't give a sh1t what anyone thinks.

First, YES...the ZL-1 beat the GT500 in this test however, consider the track layout. If you know anything about racing you'll quickly realize that there are "tight" and "open" tracks so the ZL-1 beating the GT500 on a tight track does not surprise me in the least. With the ZL-1 having the independent suspension I would expect it to beat out the GT500 in handling (tight or open track). Keep in mind, while the GT500 can handle and handle well, let's be honest, the car was designed for 1/4 and higher speed tracks. I would not take a GT500 and try to run tight tracks and given the ZL-1's suspension again...it would not surprise me to see it beat out the GT500 on a more open track however, I would expect the result to be pretty close.

Of course, from a roll, 0-60, 1/4, 1/8, or any other straight line race the GT500 will easily walk a ZL-1. Both are great cars so as a GT500 owner the competition is welcome. Keep in mind that the driver plays a major role as well. A lot of people see what some experienced drivers can do and reality hits when they go to a trackday and end up in the grass or run the 1/4 mile and find themselves slower than expected.

Ford has already established a relationship with DOW Chemical for the purpose of developing/producing light weight materials for future models. The goal is to make it cost-effective to use light weight carbon composites on mass-produced vehicles. Everything from a sub-compact to a minivan.

Was thinking about looking for a job there, but it's all the way in DE. Wouldn't be able to work on cool research stuff without a PhD though :(

I came into this topic expecting the gt500 to be down by at least 2 seconds. I love the fact that it's too much power for a racetrack and still laps a near identical time as a car who's skippad ratings are some of the highest production G's recorded. Long live the muscle car era.

I hope they do a review similar to the "budge supercar shootout" and have Randy Pobst run them the same way he did with the GT500, Z06, and GTR in this video:

GT-R vs Z06 vs GT500: 5-Figure Supercar Shootout! - YouTube

However, I would like to see the GTR replaced with the ZL-1. Let's be real here...the GTR is on its own level, that car is simply a MONSTER especially in 2013 having 550HP.

BTW...How are you liking your 2013? (off-topic: if you run into the 1st to 2nd gear grind issue, several people have found that either switching to the MGW shifter or removing the rubber boot cures the problem. )

Ever since my 350z years ago, I've learned not to shift 1-2 while the wheels are spinning. Ever since learning that little facet of information I've never had a problem with the 1-2 shift. I'd rather save my transmission than risk it for a .02 second better 1/4 time. But regardless I will research what you've told me. Thanks :)

I love that the fight is starting again. Only good things come from Competition!

I do the same thing, I actually find that NOT speed shifting leads to better times in these cars. On the street, I do not even bother with 1st since it simply bakes tires even if I baby it. I think maybe when I put the drag radials on it will help. I am envious of your traction control, how well does it work on the street? Have you come across any ZL-1's? in my area I have only seen on and that was at a dealership (black ZL-1 which looked pretty nice)

I hope the next Camaro gets not only lighters but smaller. The Camaro is a pretty big car. I know it needs the space for the engine etc but its also just looks big imo.

I still enjoy it in yellow though :yum:

Until this car I wasn't aware that this type of traction control even existed. Advancetrac even in first gear turns it into a freaking rocket. No power cutting felt at all.

Actually the LSX is a very tidy package. The bulk isnt due to that lol.

Like I said.

They are both great cars. I just find it impressive none the less that the Camaro even was able to pull it out - 80HP and 300 lbs is significant, regardless. GM did their handling homework, you have to give it to them.

I'd be so embarrassed if I was driving a GT500 right now. Oh my god, what a pedestrian and slow grocery getter it is.

If only they could soar with the Eagles, and have gotten a ZL-1 instead...

Or a Prius!


It will slow be interesting with the new Vette coming does some of that new stuff some to the Camaro

The motor will, for sure.

No kidding...first thing I'm doing when I get home is setting mine on fire! :bowrofl:

All kidding aside, I love my GT500 and I could have bought a GTR OR a ZL-1 since money was not an issue. I went with the GT500 because while it is not the fastest it is a lot of fun to drive and well...I've always loved mustangs so it was an easy choice. I like the ZL-1 but not enough to buy it and the GTR is simply a BEAST and overall out performs the GT500 and ZL-1 easily in ANY category but again...I'm not looking to race the car so the daily "fun" factor IMO was higher with the GT500 since it is a manual VS automatic. Problem I have with the GTR is it's too good and does too much for you. Again, when it comes to raw performance few cars can match the GTR so, I'll always hold the car in very high esteem and have zero issues accepting the fact that it can stomp a mudhole in every aspect. Hum...losing to a GTR...not thrilled but then again unless you're in a 911 turbo S or a bugatti...well...it's no surprise!

I fully agree with you but the ZL-1 being superior when it comes to handling does not surprise me, road course equalizes HP, same thing happened when I raced motorcycles...I was on a bone stock 05 R6 yet, I was easily beating guys on newer bikes with plenty of upgrades because when the road curves...skill becomes a bigger factor. Same goes with cars but not as much as a bike since rider counts for far more on a bike than in a car. Well, that and it takes bigger balls to go fast on a bike because if you make a mistake...the consequences are far greater (trust me I know lol) Even so, a person in a fast car who doesn't know the lines on a course or cannot figure out brake points and fast apex points will lose out to the guy in a slower car who can drive.

Unless they are in a GTR :tup: While the ZL-1 has the edge on a road course even with 80HP less, put a good driver in a GT500 and I'm sure the GT500 will end up ahead. Again, I would expect the ZL-1 to out handle a GT500, afterall it is no slouch by any means and what I said about a road course is true for a 1/4 mile...put a crappy driver in the GT500 and they'll lose against someone who can run through gears and knows how to launch a ZL-1.

IMO...between the ZL-1 and the GT500 I view them as being nearly identical unless you are racing from a roll where skill is far less required when it comes to going fast. Both great cars so I'd say buy the one you like because you really can't go wrong with either one.

just goes to show you if a car is tuned and Set up the 'Right' way, the possibilities are unlimited as to what it can accomplish ( to an extent)