The mighty 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition vs Godzilla, the 2013 Nissan GT-R Premium. Both of these cars are titans of speed. One is a technological powerhouse, the other a tried and true American sledgehammer. Neither of these cars is for the faint of heart and both will get you into serious trouble if you’re not careful. The big question though is… which is faster? Inside Line recently pitted these two road rockets against each other to find the answer to that exact question.

Source: InsideLine.com

It would’ve been so much easier if I was just into video games or something because there are times when being a car guy totally sucks. You see I don’t just like cars, I love them. In fact every aspect of my life revolves around them. I write about them, build them, race them, film them… hell, they encompass everything I do. Who knew that back in the day when I was playing with Matchbox and remote control cars that it would turn into an obsession that has taken over my life. The problem is this; I want everything, but the fatal combination of a writers salary and lack of space prevent this from happening. Sure being in the industry helps, as we get to drive press cars and go to different automotive related events, but still, that doesn’t change the fact that I jones for something different in the garage on a daily basis. Take this near perfect 1972 Ford Galaxie 500 that I spied recently on eBay. Folks, if I had the money this sucker would be in my garage tomorrow. Sure it’s big and cumbersome, but it’s a classic piece of American iron that I would love to use as a daily driver. Maybe it’s because it’s different, or maybe its because cars like this remind me of my childhood growing up in the 1970′s. Whatever the reason though, road yachts like this always get my blood pumping.

Understand that it’s not just vintage American stuff that excites me either. Take this old 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series 280 SEL for example. It was build in a time when a Mercedes-Benz was still built like a tank. Cars of this vintage not only drove great, but they have a timeless style that even now, 38 years later, still looks great. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll hit lotto, or perhaps be in a position to get that 40 car garage I’ve always dreamed about. Either way though, there are times when being a car guy is a drag, as there are just so many wonderful rides out there and so little time to experience them.

By now it’s no secret that Smoking Tire host and Car Show co-host Matt Farah has a pretty good life. Hell, he’s not only driven just about everything under the sun, but he’s been able to establish himself as one of the best automotive authorities around. About a month ago Matt had called me up and asked if I wanted to run the Mojave Mile with him in the Corvette ZR1 you are about to see, but unfortunately I was unable to make it. That however didn’t stop him from going out and running the wheels off of what is the baddest factory Vette’ ever built. Remember now, the Corvette ZR1 has 638 hp, 604 lb-ft of torque and a top end of 205 mph which makes it wickedly quick. If you want to see just how quick through, click through and watch Matt run through the gears as he tackles one of the coolest automotive events around.

Source: TheSmokingTire.com

There’s just something about getting your ass handed to you by a Honda Civic wagon that has to make you feel about 2-inches tall. I mean by now it’s no surprise that a well tuned import has the ability to put the hurt on just about anything, but that doesn’t mean we have to like it. This Corvette owner for instance must have been somewhat shocked when this cloud blue wagon blitzed him off the line, then made him really work to stay with him. Personally, I think it’s hilarious, but hey, I’m not the guy driving the Corvette.

Source: Streetfire.net

OK, here’s the deal. I’ve been researching and driving just about everything I can get my hands on in the hopes of finding a new daily driver/track car. It’s a tough thing I know, but as it’s really my only hobby, it’s a decision that is not to be taken lightly. The car will probably see anywhere from 10-12 track days per year with a nice 7-day stint running in the 2012 One Lap of America. What that means is that the car in question needs to be comfortable enough for my 6’4″ frame, large enough to carry a weeks worth of luggage and fast enough so that I can potentially keep up with majority of the people that run in the advanced group. Thus far I’ve narrowed it down to two cars; a 2008 or better Chevrolet Corvette or a slightly used BOSS 302 Mustang.

*Photo Credit: InsideLine

Both cars have their pro’s and con’s, however for whatever reason, I’m having a bitch of a time making a decision. On the one hand a base model Corvette equipped with an LS3 produces 436 hp and 428 lb.-ft of torque when equipped with the sport exhaust. It also gets 26 mph hwy, weighs in at 3,217 lbs., will sprint to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and top out at 190 mph.

*Photo Credit: AutoWeek

In comparison the 2012 Boss 302 Mustang puts out 440 hp and 380 lb.-ft, will hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and will hit maximum velocity at (electronically limited) 155 mph, plus it has usable back seats. It does however weight in a 3,621 lbs. and has a much higher price tag then a used Vette’. So, presented with the following facts, which car would you choose and why?

Thumbs Up: Unbeatable performance for the price.

Thumbs Down: The seats are as bad as everyone says.

Buy This Car If: You have a craving for speed and a modest bank account.

Corvettes, like Mazda Miatas, have gotten a bum rap over the years. While the Corvette may not have the whole “chick car” stigma to overcome, it’s still saddled with the image of being the world’s premier midlife crisis car. Take a look at the Corvettes you see around you on the road, and it’s easy to see how this stereotype came about.

That aside, the current C6 Corvette is a remarkably capable sports car, even in base trim. The least powerful engine, a 6.2-liter LS3 V-8, still puts out 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque. If that’s not enough to satisfy your need for speed, the Corvette Z06 offers up a 7.0-liter V-8 that cranks out 505 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Want more? Opt for the Corvette ZR1, and you’ll get 638 hp and 604 lb.-ft. of torque, which should be enough to satisfy anyone without a serious death wish.

Each Corvette has a slightly different focus and a radically different personality. The Z06 may be one of the the best track-day terrors, but it’s awfully hard to live with in the real world of bumper-to-bumper traffic, speed bumps and potholes. A base model Corvette is a better choice here, but if you develop a craving for track days, you’ll soon wish for a suspension better suited for the kind of speeds you’ll see on a race track.

Enter the Corvette Grand Sport, a model that serves to bridge the gap between the base Corvette and the Corvette Z06. Grand Sport models come with the same 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 as base models, but offer up a stiffer suspension that offers just enough compliance for (reasonable) comfort, with the benefit of improved handling for days at the track. Stiffer springs, stronger dampers, larger brakes (cross-drilled for ventilation), bigger stabilizer bars and unique wheels are all included in the Grand Sport package, as are a dry-sump oil system and a differential cooler on manual-transmission cars.

If you’re willing to spend a few more dollars, you can now build base model or GS model Corvettes with GM’s superb Magnetic Ride Control suspension, previously offered only on ZR1 and Z06 models. You can opt for a dual-stage exhaust, too, and trust me on this one – you’ll want to check that particular option box. The exhaust only adds 6 hp and 4 lb.-ft. of torque, but the sound it emits above 4,000 rpm is worth the price of admission.

The Grand Sport gets a few styling touches not found on base model cars, such as the two-slit gills on the front fenders and fender stripes, which come as part of the Grand Sport Heritage Package. Since the Grand Sport is wider (by nearly two inches) and lower (by 4/10 of an inch), it has a more dramatic stance than a base Corvette, too.

My press fleet tester just happened to be a Centennial Edition car, which comes with the carbon flash metallic paint, satin black wheels, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, red accent stitching and commemorative Centennial Edition badging. Since the best part of the package is the upgraded suspension, which is available as a $1,695 option, I’d have a hard time justifying the Centennial package’s $4,950 price of admission, but there’s no denying that Centennial Edition cars will (eventually) be worth more money to collectors.

The Grand Sport is a low car, so you don’t climb behind the wheel as much as fall into it. The main weak point that I found during my tenure with the car was the seats; while mine came with the upgraded Sport Seats (which feature an inflatable lumbar support and inflatable bolsters), they’re still out of place in a car that starts above the $50,000 price point. They’re simply not comfortable, the seat backs feel flimsy and the seat cushion offers no lateral support for spirited driving. For ventilated seats, they don’t breathe particularly well, either, so let’s hope that GM addresses these weak points on the C7 Corvette. The seats wouldn’t be enough to make me cross the Corvette off my shopping list, but I’d seriously consider investing in decent quality aftermarket seating.

Some have complained about the Corvette’s plastic dash, but I personally don’t see anything wrong with it. The Corvette is a price-point driven car, and I’d rather see GM sink money into the driveline and suspension than into making an interior to compete with Porsche and Audi. Maybe that’s a politically correct way of saying that I’ve seen better interiors, but then again I’ve seen worse, too.

The Corvette’s instrumentation works well, and I’ll admit to being a fan of the optional heads-up display. On the track, at speed, it’s a lot easier to glance through the windshield at your engine speed, vehicle speed and coolant temp than it is to scan the gauges. For normal street driving, the car’s over-sized tachometer and speedometer are easy to see, and it’s nice to drive a car that still includes a coolant temperature gauge, an oil pressure gauge, a volt meter and a fuel gauge.

The Grand Sport’s 6.2-liter V-8 cranks out the aforementioned 430 horsepower, which is enough to propel the 3,311 pound Grand Sport from 0 to 60 in under 4.5 seconds. On the track, the Corvette doesn’t begin to run out of steam until you top 6,000 rpm, and the sound from the two-stage exhaust is magical above 4,000 rpm. The six-speed manual lacks precision compared to other cars, but remember that you’re working with long linkages and a transaxle, not a conventionally located transmission. Spend enough time behind the wheel, and you’ll soon master the art of coaxing the car into the desired gear. While no one buys a Corvette for it’s fuel economy, it isn’t bad if you drive the car in a more sedate manner. The manual transmission still includes a skip-shift feature that encourages 1-4 upshifts to save fuel, and sixth gear is particularly tall for highway cruising. The EPA says to expect 16 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, and I was able to achieve 17.3 mpg in city driving.

Since the Grand Sport has the same ride height as the Z06, around-town driving must be done with consideration to speed bumps and steep driveways. In fact, even my own all-but-perfectly-flat driveway was enough to brush the car’s air dam; if your house has a steep driveway, be sure the Corvette will clear it before signing the paperwork to buy one. Around town, the Corvette has a Dr. Jeckyll / Mr. Hyde personality: shift below 4,000 rpm, and the neighbors won’t even know you’re driving a Corvette. On the other hand, punch up the “Competition Mode” from the stability control system and wind the car out to redline in each gear, and you’ll be racking up tickets and insurance points faster than the Detroit Lions’ Ndomukong Suh racks up penalties and fines.

On the track, the Corvette Grand Sport really comes into its element. Handling is utterly predictable, grip is impressive and acceleration is sufficient enough to make the car entertaining. Even with the stability control in normal mode, the car permits just a hint of tail-out cornering, which makes it fun for passengers without being too intimidating. The Corvette is built like a tank, too: I ran the car for two continuous hours in the morning and two continuous hours in the afternoon at this year’s Rides n’ Smiles event, and never experienced a single issue with coolant temperature, brakes or tires. I did, however, win over dozens of new Corvette fans, all of whom were impressed by the car’s ability and handling. I’d include myself in that list, too.

GM supplied the 2012 Corvette Grand Sport for my evaluation. The base price of my press fleet tester was $56,900, including a destination charge of $975. Options on the car included the $5,995 3LT Preferred Equipment Package (sport seats with memory, luggage shade & parcel net, heated seats, tilt & telescoping steering column, DVD navigation system, Bose audio system, universal home remote, Bluetooth phone integration, heads-up display), the $4,950 Centennial Edition Package (carbon flash metallic paint, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, satin black wheels, commemorative badging, satin black exterior graphics, red accent stitching), the $1,195 Dual-Mode Exhaust, the $750 Transparent Roof Panel, the $295 Pedal Covers and the $100 Battery Protection Package for a total sticker price of $70,185.00.

Here’s the scenario: a C5 Corvette throws down against a C6 Corvette at a traffic light in The Woodlands, Texas. What happens next is pure stupidity, since drag racing into a corner when you haven’t mastered the basics of car control isn’t likely to end well. The video’s been making the rounds, so our apologies if you’ve already seen the Thanksgiving eve crash.

Source: Autoblog

I’ll be honest here, I’ve never been a huge fan of autocross. Maybe it’s because my cars are simply too big, or maybe it’s because I just like running on wide open tracks. Whatever the case though, I’ve seen more carnage happen while people blast through the cones then I’ve ever seen on a road course. Take this Corvette driver for example. Throughout his entire run he’s running smooth and solid, feeding on the gas when necessary and braking at the appropriate markers. Then, just when we think all is well and his run is almost over, he gooses the throttle and sends his ride sideways into a large curb – not good. In fact the car hits with such force that it literally flips up on two wheels. So for those of you who think that running an autocross is safer then road course work, think again. Click through for the video.

Source: Youtube.com

The 2012 Chevy C6 Corvette. Image: GM Corp.

In 2014, Chevy replaces the C6 Corvette with the C7 Corvette, and internet rumors have hinted that the new car will sport a mid-engine, rear-drive V-6 powertrain. Next, it was that the new Corvette would swap the current 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 for a 5.5-liter V-8, at least on base models. Then came word that the car would get a visibility-hampering split rear window, in homage to the 1963 to 1967 Corvettes.

Now comes word from GM Inside News that none of the above rumors are correct. According to GMI (who’s usually right on the money about these things), the next Corvette gets “European” styling influences, but no substantial changes to shape, size or powertrain layout. Engine size remains at 6.2-liters, although the new Corvette will benefit from GM’s Generation V LS3 engine, which could make more horsepower and yield better fuel efficiency than the current fourth-generation LS3.

The big changes allegedly come on the inside, and GM is going to great lengths to improve the quality of the Corvette’s interior. Look for improvements in switchgear, materials and components, including a highly revised infotainment display with a secondary display between the tachometer and speedometer.

The 2014 Corvette is set to launch in mid-year 2013, which means we still have over 18 months to wait. Don’t expect the rumors, speculation and innuendo about the C7 Corvette to die off anytime soon.

Left alone the 1960 Chevrolet Corvette is one of the most attractive cars ever created. It’s America’s favorite sports car and in its day, was quite a sight to behold on the open road. Time and technology however have passed it by and unfortunately for the old Vette’s from 1953-1962, so have most people. There is one company out there though who decided to go full-tilt with the old dog and by gosh if they didn’t create one of the baddest Corvettes on the planet Earth. Recently Matt Farah got a hold of the 3G Corvette that was lovingly crafted by the boys over at Art Morrison. It took 3200 man hours to build, has an entirely new chassis and perfect 50 / 50 front to rear weight distribution. Combine that with a rancorous V8 that pumps out 538 hp and you’ve got a car that is simply outstanding. Click through for the video and watch as Mr. Matt giggles his way through a tire smoking test drive.

Source: TheSmokingTire.com