Ralph Gilles discusses Viper vs. ZR-1

[Fenixgoon]

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/srts-ralph-gilles-addresses-the-infamous-motor-trend-vip/

Great interview with him, IMO. Gives you some insight into the development of the Viper against the ZR-1.

And like he said, the Viper and the ZR-1 need each other. Competition has made both cars better 🙂


interesting test done by MotorTrend:
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/viper-ta-track-special-unveiled-to-avenge-loss-to-zr1/

^^so SRT tweaked the Viper's suspension and called it the TA (Time Attack) edition, which beat the ZR-1 by 0.08s around Laguna Seca. At the end, MT decided to put on racing slicks. Dropped the Viper TA's time by 3s! 😱

not that I will ever achieve Randy Pobst-level driving skills, but it goes to show just how big a difference tires can make in the hands of a professional driver.

 

[JulesMaximus]

What happened when the put racing slicks on the Vette?

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I really like Ralph Gilles. He seems like a really honest, passionate car guy. While I don't find the present slate of Chrysler cars appealing, he is the kind of guy who can help bring the brand back.

 

[drbrock]

I am a huge Viper Fan. However, I am not that impressed with the performance numbers. It barely beat the Zr1 time. I would expect their performance package would have the ZR1 beat by 1-2 seconds. I know it is not the ACR but it is not their touring car either.

It will be interesting how GM reacts to the new competition.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

It will be interesting how GM reacts to the new competition.

Its called the 2014 Corvette Stingray - We should see an all-new ZR1 within 2yrs.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Its called the 2014 Corvette Stingray - We should see an all-new ZR1 within 2yrs.

I'm more curious about the Z06

But to be perfectly honest, I would VERY happy with your base Vette...

 

[Fenixgoon]

I am a huge Viper Fan. However, I am not that impressed with the performance numbers. It barely beat the Zr1 time. I would expect their performance package would have the ZR1 beat by 1-2 seconds. I know it is not the ACR but it is not their touring car either.

It will be interesting how GM reacts to the new competition.

considering the old ACR set numerous track records, I would expect plenty can be done for the ACR on the new platform, given time.

The new Z06 and ZR-1s based on the 2014 vette are going to be incredible vehicles for sure :thumbsup:

 

[Dr. Detroit]

I'm more curious about the Z06

But to be perfectly honest, I would VERY happy with your base Vette...

With the Stingray losing weight - I don't see the 7.0L getting much of a change from 505HP. Suspension & brake & wide body tweeks - but 525-530HP is all I expect from whatever engine they put in it.

Can not wait to see a Velocity or Millenium yellow Stingray on the street.

 

[darkswordsman17]

I am a huge Viper Fan. However, I am not that impressed with the performance numbers. It barely beat the Zr1 time. I would expect their performance package would have the ZR1 beat by 1-2 seconds. I know it is not the ACR but it is not their touring car either.

It will be interesting how GM reacts to the new competition.

I believe the ZR1 has better tires and Dodge kept the tires the same on the Time Attack model so they could have gained some more by matching the tires but they'll likely wait until the ACR to do that.