Corvette Z06 C5 / C5-R
I didn't have a C5 in my garage, there was a C6 RM ZR1 that I've used a few times, so straight to the dealership for a new industrial sounding 'Machine Silver' car. The Z06 harks back to the principals of the classic C2 Z06, being built with a lighter engine and is more nimble than the heftier ZR1. Sadly this one lacks the beauty of its ancestor, being more than reminiscent of the nasty '80s C4 generation. It is beginning to redeem itself in the looks department, but still appears a bit bland perhaps.
After oil change I get 413 BHP, 1414 KG 509pp, and with the stock Sports Hard tyres it's to Trial Mountain. I'm actually pleasantly surprised: it handles better than I expected with sharp enough turn-in and good all-round control and stability. The only real caveat is that caution with the loud pedal is required (it goes without saying really).
Tank Slapper - couldn't hold it
It is fast, of course, and pulls easily to 150mph and beyond. As usual the road gearing could be improved but works ok on the track. On Indy I put it into 6th gear at 150mph and the revs drop below 4000. Maybe this is a an 'economical' cruising gear or something.
At the Indy Road course, things are a little different. Maybe the surface is a bit shiny, or it is the very flatness but grip on the infield section proves hard to come by. I always have a hard time here, remembering to go slow enough for the awkward corners, keeping the back end under control, and so on, especially with no TC or ABS and a DS3.
Squirm under braking
I have a C5-R in my garage, also not used, so after rebuilds we get 640 BHP/1139 KG/638pp. At Indy Road this is excellent: the Race Hard tyres more than compensate for the troublesome infield and the race car handling gives confidence. The level of control means it doesn't feel like 640 BHP, but you can still drift on the race tyres. I think this would work at Trial Mountain, but haven't had time.
Finally some grip
Times:
Z06 on SH:
Z06Trial Mountain 1:43.002
Indy Road 1:50.012
C5-R on RH:
Indy Road 1:32.773
Taking up the off-road challenge, I got a new car in the Blue with tacky stickers, did oil change and some weight reduction, custom suspension, gearing, diff' and spoilers. Didn't think any power mods would be very helpful!
With my usual guess setup, I went to Eiger K for the rally action. The first shock was the extreme turn-in - this accentuated the tendency for the back to break away, so I managed to tone it down a bit. The Vette proved to be very competent on the loose stuff with none of the expected understeer (quite the opposite).
Hold on tight!
Although the car was good enough at Eiger, I didn't find especially enjoyable. I was using DS3 and a lot of throttle modulation is required to keep the car in check. This inevitably lead to aching fingers - it would be easier with wheel I think.
Throttle control required
Z06 'Rallye' - 413 BHP, 1285KG, 525pp
Eiger 'K' 4:32.885
Convincingly beating the stock Quattro (it does have twice the HP) and not far from my tuned Quattro time.
A bit of a mixed bag for me this week. I don't think it is a fantastic-looking car, it is competent enough in stock form and I would say is a natural drifter. Take or leave I think for the stock car. Although hard work, my 'Z06 Rallye' performed well and I think there is definite potential to tune for a good tarmac setup. The highlight for me this week is the C5-R and I look forward to using it more.
