CarSPIN Forums

Auto Talk => The Fast Lane => Topic started by: Colin on June 06, 2009, 10:08:04 PM

Title: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Colin on June 06, 2009, 10:08:04 PM
Decided to splash out and spend the extra (lots of) dosh beyond corporate policy to get one of the special Hertz Corvette ZHZ cars.

Find out what I thought of it, by clicking through here: http://www.themotor.net/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=71&func=view&catid=13&id=5435
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: GoCougs on June 06, 2009, 10:19:00 PM
Wow - you wrote that? That's really good. What was the rental cost, BTW?

It's probably one of the most compromised-engineered vehicles on the road; there's simply no way to get 430hp, 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph at just $45k without making significant cuts just about everywhere else.

The ride and chassis issues have all to do with those throw-back leaf springs. Ugh.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: cawimmer430 on June 07, 2009, 04:45:09 AM
Holy shit!  :rockon:

Colin has some serious connections!  :thumbsup:


I'm reading that later, but the pictures look nice. You need a DSLR damn it!!!  :lockedup:


(http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r139/colinrear/Test%20Cars%204/Picture044.jpg)
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: ChrisV on June 09, 2009, 08:20:59 AM
Quote from: GoCougs on June 06, 2009, 10:19:00 PM

The ride and chassis issues have all to do with those throw-back leaf springs. Ugh.

I'm gonna say it one more time: you have no goddamn clue about this and are an utter moron for even thinking it.

Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: S204STi on June 09, 2009, 09:33:21 AM
Linky no worky.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: GoCougs on June 09, 2009, 09:42:59 AM
Quote from: ChrisV on June 09, 2009, 08:20:59 AM
I'm gonna say it one more time: you have no goddamn clue about this and are an utter moron for even thinking it.

Sure I have a clue, and I've mentioned it myriad times; functional-wise, it's one dynamic structural member performing three disparate jobs (left spring, right spring, anti-roll bar) simultaneously and development-wise it's inherent variable rate and wheel travel issues, and tuning difficulty.

Only with expensive and complicated technology (i.e., ZR1's second-generation magnetic particle shocks) have GM engineers come close to combining the performance and livability of a high-performance coil suspension one would expect in a high-end sports car. My bet is that, should it ever come to be, the C7 will have coils.

If you have objective opinions to the contrary, try bucking up. Calling names simply makes you look like you can't technically challenge what has been written.




Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: SVT666 on June 09, 2009, 09:44:25 AM
Quote from: ChrisV on June 09, 2009, 08:20:59 AM
I'm gonna say it one more time: you have no goddamn clue about this and are an utter moron for even thinking it.
It's just like his hate-on for pushrod engines.  The Chevy LSX and Chrysler Hemi, IMO, have proven that pushrods are every bit as capable as OHC.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Colin on June 09, 2009, 11:10:11 AM
Quote from: R-inge on June 09, 2009, 09:33:21 AM
Linky no worky.
It seems that we are cursed with the most unreliable ISP known to man........ the servers is down again (that's the third time in 10 days!)......... I will let you know when it is revived again.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: S204STi on June 09, 2009, 12:18:13 PM
Quote from: Colin on June 09, 2009, 11:10:11 AM
It seems that we are cursed with the most unreliable ISP known to man........ the servers is down again (that's the third time in 10 days!)......... I will let you know when it is revived again.

Thank you!

Quote from: HEMI666 on June 09, 2009, 09:44:25 AM
It's just like his hate-on for pushrod engines.  The Chevy LSX and Chrysler Hemi, IMO, have proven that pushrods are every bit as capable as OHC.

Just because something works effectively doesn't mean that it's necessarily the best design.  ;)
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: 280Z Turbo on June 09, 2009, 12:33:55 PM
Quote from: R-inge on June 09, 2009, 12:18:13 PM

Just because something works effectively doesn't mean that it's necessarily the best design.  ;)


There is no "best".
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Laconian on June 09, 2009, 12:36:55 PM
OHC versus OHV now has its own thread. Let Colin have his Vette thread back! :lol:

http://www.carspin.net/forums/index.php?topic=18890
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: SVT666 on June 09, 2009, 01:16:22 PM
I really want a Vette.  The current car has really grabbed me in a way I never thought something from GM ever would.  I love it.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: sportyaccordy on June 09, 2009, 02:30:16 PM
I'm honestly surprised. I thought the new C6 was the Vette that finally got everything right. Maybe it's just beat cause it's a rental?
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: ifcar on June 09, 2009, 03:23:52 PM
Quote from: sportyaccordy on June 09, 2009, 02:30:16 PM
I'm honestly surprised. I thought the new C6 was the Vette that finally got everything right. Maybe it's just beat cause it's a rental?

The C6 isn't a new design anymore.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Sigma Projects on June 09, 2009, 03:42:14 PM
I can't get the link to work :huh:

As for the leaf springs, I thought basically right now it doesn't act like a sway bar because of the two center mounts that don't allow for much transfer of flex from one side to the other. I mean the corvette does have a separate sway bar in addition to the leaf spring.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on June 09, 2009, 03:54:59 PM
I see that Ayn Rand knows nothing about the pure genius of transverse leaf springs.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: S204STi on June 09, 2009, 04:00:17 PM
Quote from: 280Z Turbo on June 09, 2009, 12:33:55 PM
There is no "best".

Good point.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Eye of the Tiger on June 09, 2009, 04:08:29 PM
Quote from: R-inge on June 09, 2009, 04:00:17 PM
Good point.

WRONG.

Everybody stop your stupid arguments, because everything being discussed here is crap.

Leaf springs? LOLOL.

Coil springs? Eh... may still be useful...

(http://www.anglinmail.com/Photo%20Gallery/house20.jpg)





And now I present to you, some very old news, but nonetheless, it is the BEST
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHNT2Ivad_U
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: TBR on June 09, 2009, 04:32:22 PM
Quote from: ifcar on June 09, 2009, 03:23:52 PM
The C6 isn't a new design anymore.

He's probably talking about the mild refreshing it got for 2009.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Sigma Projects on June 09, 2009, 04:59:45 PM
i've been waiting for that damn system to come out on cars already... I remember it first showed up... man I creamed my pants when I first saw it.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: S204STi on June 09, 2009, 05:16:54 PM
How much does it cost per day to rent of of these things?
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Gotta-Qik-C7 on June 09, 2009, 10:38:13 PM
Quote from: HEMI666 on June 09, 2009, 01:16:22 PM
I really want a Vette.  The current car has really grabbed me in a way I never thought something from GM ever would.  I love it.
I have a thing for them too.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: TBR on June 09, 2009, 10:53:19 PM
I must admit I have really warmed up to it as well. I have never considered myself a Corvette person, but the C6.5 has changed me.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: SVT666 on June 09, 2009, 11:36:25 PM
Quote from: TBR on June 09, 2009, 10:53:19 PM
I must admit I have really warmed up to it as well. I have never considered myself a Corvette person, but the C6.5 has changed me.
Yeah.  I love the Vettes from 1958-1967, but beyond that, I'm no Corvette guy.  However the current Vette is just too damn hot not to love.  Not a big fan of the ZR1 bodywork though.

Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Sigma Projects on June 10, 2009, 05:04:06 AM
i just really wish one day the top trim Vette will be in spirit a C6R version. Outrageous looking and just have a balls to the wall strung out 7.0 N/A motor
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Colin on June 11, 2009, 09:24:39 PM
Quote from: R-inge on June 09, 2009, 05:16:54 PM
How much does it cost per day to rent of of these things?
You really need to play around with all the various CDPs etc that you can find....... I ended up paying ?100 a day, effectively, but got unlimited mileage. All the other deals I have found limit you to 100 miles a day then charge you per extra mile you drive. Hertz suggested an American Express CDP gave a substantally better rate than the IBM one (I do have an Am Ex card - that was the pre-req for using it!)..... usually, the IBM rate is about as good as you can ever find.

Often, it is cheaper to reserve something else and then on the day go to the counter ask if they will do you an upgrade deal to a Corvette. Of course, if they have none, you will be out of luck. If they have plenty, you might be able to pay something like $50 or 75 a day on top of the lesser car you reserved. I did that when I got the Shelby GT-H a couple of years ago.

Hertz have some ZHZ convertibles too. They only have them at certain airports - I've seen them at LAX, SFO, LAS, ORD, MCO. At Denver this evening all they seemed to have were a ton of Chrysler Aspen and Ford Explorer. I rejected the Explorer that was waiting for me, and managed to get a G37 instead, which should do me nicely for the next few days in the Rocky Moutains (this trip is pure vacation!).
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: the Teuton on June 11, 2009, 09:42:19 PM
General question:

Coming from Europe to the US all the time, you get to see how we drive, how much we pay to drive, what we drive, and our general outlook towards transportation.  Due to less restrictions and lower costs to operation a car, is coming to the US for a vacation with a cool car really even more of a vacation because of it?
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: sportyaccordy on June 12, 2009, 07:18:20 AM
Quote from: HEMI666 on June 09, 2009, 11:36:25 PM
Yeah.  I love the Vettes from 1958-1967, but beyond that, I'm no Corvette guy.  However the current Vette is just too damn hot not to love.  Not a big fan of the ZR1 bodywork though.


I would rock with a C4, C5, C6... they're all great
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Colin on June 12, 2009, 07:44:45 AM
Quote from: the Teuton on June 11, 2009, 09:42:19 PM
General question:

Coming from Europe to the US all the time, you get to see how we drive, how much we pay to drive, what we drive, and our general outlook towards transportation.  Due to less restrictions and lower costs to operation a car, is coming to the US for a vacation with a cool car really even more of a vacation because of it?
Not really............. to be honest, this vacation is all around the stunning scenery of the great national parks in the Mid-West. In the next 2 weeks, I hope to visit the following: Rocky Mtn, Colorado National Monument, Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, Zion, Monument Valley, lake Powell (not necessarily in that order!), alng with a trip up Pikes Peak. I visited this area about 10 years ago, and am overdue a return visit. Shame the forecast for at least the first few days is pretty poor. Certainly a variety of rental cars (I am doing a couple of internal flights to avoid having to return where I started) will also be good to experience. You can never try too many different cars! I got a G37 last night, and am looking forward to trying that out today!

There are plenty of great places to vacation in Europe, too......... last hols were a week in the Netherlands in early April (when I got lucky with perfect weather), and I have a week in Croatia lined up for later in the summer.   Europe is expensive for me at present, because of the collapse in the value of the pound against the Euro, though it has recovered from its nadir at the turn of the year, and it has regained 20 cents of the 60 it lost against the US dollar at the same time.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: RomanChariot on June 12, 2009, 07:59:24 AM
Quote from: Colin on June 12, 2009, 07:44:45 AM
Not really............. to be honest, this vacation is all around the stunning scenery of the great national parks in the Mid-West. In the next 2 weeks, I hope to visit the following: Rocky Mtn, Colorado National Monument, Arches, Bryce, Canyonlands, Zion, Monument Valley, lake Powell (not necessarily in that order!), alng with a trip up Pikes Peak. I visited this area about 10 years ago, and am overdue a return visit. Shame the forecast for at least the first few days is pretty poor. Certainly a variety of rental cars (I am doing a couple of internal flights to avoid having to return where I started) will also be good to experience. You can never try too many different cars! I got a G37 last night, and am looking forward to trying that out today!

There are plenty of great places to vacation in Europe, too......... last hols were a week in the Netherlands in early April (when I got lucky with perfect weather), and I have a week in Croatia lined up for later in the summer.   Europe is expensive for me at present, because of the collapse in the value of the pound against the Euro, though it has recovered from its nadir at the turn of the year, and it has regained 20 cents of the 60 it lost against the US dollar at the same time.

Arches, Bryce, Zion's Canyon, Canyonlands, and Lake Powell should all be beautiful right now.  We have been having a lot of rain and thunderstorms in northern Utah but you should see almost perfect weather in the southern end of the state.  It sounds like you have a busy schedule but you might consider Goblin Valley.  It has some unique formations and you could hike Little Wildhorse Canyon which is right next to it if you would be interested in going through a slot canyon.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Colin on June 12, 2009, 09:03:09 PM
Thanks... will look into that.

I hope you are right about the weather. It's been awful in the Boulder/Estes Park area today, and it looks pretty grim for the next several days wherever I am planning to be.......... and this is the sort of vacation that relies on good weather. Otherwise, it will be a holiday just of motor museums (I went to one in Longmont, CO, today as respite from the torrential rain!).
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Raza on June 12, 2009, 09:09:53 PM
Quote from: HEMI666 on June 09, 2009, 01:16:22 PM
I really want a Vette.  The current car has really grabbed me in a way I never thought something from GM ever would.  I love it.

(http://www.zorly.com/images_corvette/09-06-08/ZR-1%201990-1995%20wikipedia.jpg)

That's the one I want.  In white.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: SVT666 on June 12, 2009, 10:36:49 PM
Quote from: Raza  on June 12, 2009, 09:09:53 PM
That's the one I want.  In white.
You mean, like this?

(http://px6.streetfire.net/0001/86/36/1016863_600.jpg)
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: SVT666 on June 12, 2009, 10:40:26 PM
This is the one I want:

(http://justboystoys.com/Corvette/07AO-C6ForSale-001.JPG)
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Raza on June 12, 2009, 11:35:01 PM
Quote from: HEMI666 on June 12, 2009, 10:36:49 PM
You mean, like this?

(http://px6.streetfire.net/0001/86/36/1016863_600.jpg)

Yep.  Looks like the full size version of the ZR-1 I have sitting on my desk in the study.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: sportyaccordy on June 13, 2009, 09:15:22 AM
There is something relentlessly 80s about the C4 that I find appealing
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: CALL_911 on June 13, 2009, 10:25:52 AM
Quote from: HEMI666 on June 12, 2009, 10:40:26 PM
This is the one I want:

(http://justboystoys.com/Corvette/07AO-C6ForSale-001.JPG)

I want a black one with those rims, except in gunmetal; sorta darkened. That would be hawt. :wub:
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Raza on June 13, 2009, 10:33:04 AM
Quote from: CALL_911 on June 13, 2009, 10:25:52 AM
I want a black one with those rims, except in gunmetal; sorta darkened. That would be hawt. :wub:

I put black wheels on my ZR1 in GT4. 
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Gotta-Qik-C7 on June 13, 2009, 10:47:49 AM
Quote from: sportyaccordy on June 13, 2009, 09:15:22 AM
There is something relentlessly 80s about the C4 that I find appealing
Especially the early models (84-88?) with the Star Wars dash!
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Gotta-Qik-C7 on June 13, 2009, 10:52:20 AM
Quote from: CALL_911 on June 13, 2009, 10:25:52 AM
I want a black one with those rims, except in gunmetal; sorta darkened. That would be hawt. :wub:
I remember those gunmetal rims being an option in '05. I'm not sure if they're still availible.

I just checked and they are still a $395 option.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: 68_427 on June 13, 2009, 12:02:44 PM
I'm pretty sure it's called competition gray.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: TBR on June 13, 2009, 12:12:46 PM
Quote from: CALL_911 on June 13, 2009, 10:25:52 AM
I want a black one with those rims, except in gunmetal; sorta darkened. That would be hawt. :wub:

That's exactly what Lebowski has actually.


I'll take one of these:
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i18/tleschuck/DSC02712.jpg)
Cyber Gray with Dark Titanium Leather

Of course, the problem with that is that MSRP equipped as I would want is $63,000 which just so happens to be the MSRP of a SLK55.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: S204STi on June 13, 2009, 03:41:50 PM
Quote from: Colin on June 12, 2009, 09:03:09 PM
Thanks... will look into that.

I hope you are right about the weather. It's been awful in the Boulder/Estes Park area today, and it looks pretty grim for the next several days wherever I am planning to be.......... and this is the sort of vacation that relies on good weather. Otherwise, it will be a holiday just of motor museums (I went to one in Longmont, CO, today as respite from the torrential rain!).

Yeah sorry about that.  Last summer would have been perfect.  We had a streak of 90+ weather for 90 days last summer, but this year for some reason has been unusually wet.  Apparently it has to do with some cold air mass that's just parked over Canada and the Midwest, forcing the jet stream down over us.  Or something.  I don't get it.  But generally, the sooner you get on the road and reach your destination, the better.  Our weather tends to develop throughout the day, starting off fairly decent in the morning and getting worse in the afternoon, usually.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: S204STi on June 13, 2009, 03:42:28 PM
Quote from: HEMI666 on June 12, 2009, 10:40:26 PM
This is the one I want:

(http://justboystoys.com/Corvette/07AO-C6ForSale-001.JPG)

:praise:
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Gotta-Qik-C7 on June 13, 2009, 05:18:31 PM
Quote from: 68_427 on June 13, 2009, 12:02:44 PM
I'm pretty sure it's called competition gray.
Yep!
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: 68_427 on June 14, 2009, 04:06:31 PM
I actually completely sure it was, but didn't want to sound like a dickhole.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: CALL_911 on June 14, 2009, 05:12:23 PM
Quote from: 68_427 on June 14, 2009, 04:06:31 PM
I actually completely sure it was, but didn't want to sound like a dickhole.

Well you did it anyway. :lol:
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: 68_427 on June 14, 2009, 07:23:53 PM
Yeah.  XD
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Onslaught on June 15, 2009, 05:12:56 AM
Quote from: Raza  link=topic=18868.msg1082426#msg1082426 date=1244862593


That's the one I want.  In white.
You really want to be "Face" from the A-Team don't you?
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: Raza on June 15, 2009, 07:29:43 AM
Quote from: Onslaught on June 15, 2009, 05:12:56 AM
You really want to be "Face" from the A-Team don't you?

Kind of, yeah.

But it's mostly because I have a white ZR-1 1:18 model, and have had it for years.  So I've become accustomed to seeing the C4 in white.  I think C4, and I think of it in white.
Title: Re: *** Test Report on the Corvette ZHZ ***
Post by: nickdrinkwater on June 21, 2009, 12:43:48 PM
Quote from: HEMI666 on June 12, 2009, 10:40:26 PM
This is the one I want:

(http://justboystoys.com/Corvette/07AO-C6ForSale-001.JPG)

That's the best colour for me.  Tho I prefer the convertible.