Plus you have to be on social security to own one. Nothing personal intended. Its a fact the vette demographics are 50-65 yrs old, thats why the huge change with the C7, trying to hit the late 20's +.

 

Does it matter if the public can tell which model you have? You should feel good about which model you have and not worry about. Nothing wrong with the stealth mode....no advertising which model you have.

IF, and a big IF, I bought a vette, I would buy the top model, but you have to accept that it may not be all you want. Porsche makes a GTS & GTR's for just that....a special car...limited run.

 

It matters to the wife. I'm also big into - buying the top model. I recall the Z06 having quite a good feel on track. I really don't remember why I didn't prefer the ZR-1. I guess, perhaps the same reason people prefer a GT3 to a GT2?

One thing I really like about the GT-R, there is no base model, no shared chassis with other cars or models - just one (basic) trim level (with variations, premium, BE, Track Pack, Egoist, Gentlemen, VIP, etc...). Those different trims may include CF wing, different color trim on the interior, different wheels, etc..., but they are all practically the same, with the same standard features (still almost no cost options).

 

That would include the no cost big grin encased in your helmet while on track.

And there I was feeling bad about turning 66.

 

With all this talk about cost vs performance, im surprised there is not more noise about the Shelby gt500. I started shopping for a leftover Z06 recently as a stablemate to my GTS Cab, but I drove away with a brand new Shelby. 662 stock HP for around 60k is tough to beat. And as alluded to previously in this thread, it's a totally different experience From the Porsche, whereas the Z06 has some overlap. The handling of the Shelby doesn't match a 911 or Z06, but at 1.0g it's no slouch either. And the motor and transmission feel really, really nice. Brutish, beautiful, and no excuses. And no gas guzzler tax. That takes some pretty good engineering IMO. And while existing vette customers represent a certain demographic, and there are many stereotypes about them, I've yet to read about a Shelby stereotype or demographic.

 

Those are certainly valid points. But for a track car, I would pass.

I question the brakes being able to withstand 4000lbs at the speeds it carries for a track day, the solid rear axle is not great, and the seats and interior are not up to the same caliber. Outward visibilty, especially the right front is pretty poor too.

No doubt a fun car, and in the Top 20 around MRLS, but not as ideal as the others.

But wouldn't turn one down either!

 

I'm not sure what the C7's age demographic will ultimately be, but I've owned Corvettes continuously for the last 37 years (I'm 58)...and the C7 styling has me here looking at 997.2s. It's as though Chevrolet is saying to me "thanks for your support for all those years, but we no longer require your money." I know the C7 will be a step forward, but I just can't see buying a car that I have to look away from when I approach it.

And BTW, in case there's anyone left who doesn't know already, Jeremy Clarkson is an Olympic-caliber jackass. Just saying...

 

[QUOTE=Deuuuce;3855504]Those are certainly valid points. But for a track car, I would pass.

I question the brakes being able to withstand 4000lbs at the speeds it carries for a track day, the solid rear axle is not great, and the seats and interior are not up to the same caliber. Outward visibilty, especially the right front is pretty poor too.

No doubt a fun car, and in the Top 20 around MRLS, but not as ideal as the others.

But wouldn't turn one down either! [QUOTE]

With the svtpp and track pack, I'm optimistic the brakes will be good enough for some DE's. Also, I have to disagree about the seats. The optional leather Recaros are very nice and very comfortable. As for the interior it's true to an old American muscle car. No leather dash, no ventilated seats, no excuses.
Also, there are some intangibles when it comes to car shopping. When I drove the SS Camaro, not so impressed. When I drove the Z06 I loved the power, but it felt kind of insubstantial. But when I drove the Shelby, all I can say is I had a big smile, the seats were comfortable, the car was solid, the drivetrain felt superb, and I wanted it.

 

I love my Shelby, you nailed it, it is much different than the 911, but honestly it is in a good way. To me you can not beat the American V-8 Exhaust note, especially the Mustangs. Also the Raw Power in unreal.

Congrats!!!!!!! You will love it. If I had to get rid of my Shelby or 911 it would be a very hard choice, thankfully it is not something I have to do. I love owning both. I drive my 911 more because I actually consider my Shelby the Garage Queen nice weekend only car.

 

The Hamster loves muscle cars.

 

That is the 2007 Model, the new one is light years better.

 

If it wasn't for the reputation you sent me, I would have forgotten this. So lets see, as an automotive journalist, after hot lapping the C7 and reviewing a Cayman S PDK, my pick is the Cayman.

The C7 may bruise the shin easily with the dashboard design protruding into the doorway. The redundant, non-intuitive rev-match downshift buttons behind the steering whee, the Chevy parts-bin radio interface and tire scrubbing when u-turning all reminded me its a GM, as nice as it was.

The Cayman, despite the horsepower deficit, is definitely my pick and probably the best sportscar under $100k. Refinement, technology, packaging, efficiency, etc.

But hey, I'm not a real journalist so what do I know?

 

Sounds like some of the argument or debate can be identified as quantity (HP) VS quality and which one an individual prefers.
NO one car has it all IMO.

 

I just can't get past the terrible design and the meatheads who drive them...

 

Having owned both a C6 ZO6 and now a 997, I must say that the Porsche experience far outweighs that of the Corvette. With that said, the ZO6 smokes the 997... Pick your poison. To me the Corvette just always felt like it was missing that special "something".