We would like to know about those improvements, but the truth is that the ZR1 has much better brakes and suspension, so let's hear from RalphUN4GTBL said:Ralph Gilles has made mention to improvements to the Viper since this test.
..and wants a re-test lol
A FULLY loaded Viper GTS could eclipse 160k at MSRP (Premium Stereo, Laguna Leather, Stryker Red Tinted Pearl (a nearly 15k option by itself), Interior CF styling group, External CF styling group, CF aero group, plus gas tax and destination charge)JRS200x said:Around like $125 fully loaded as I recall
I think you just answered your own question. The Viper was carrying more speed into the corner, so it needed braking earlier to help Pobst to feel "comfortable" apexing the corner. Which resulted in the brakes getting hotter than they needed to be etc.kdaviper said:On another note, It seemed like Pobst was braking in the Viper earlier than the Corvette, although there was only a 1 or 2 foot difference in 60-0 stopping distance between the ZR1 and the GTS. The data they showed demonstrated that the cars entered the corners at almost exactly the same speed, and the Viper had a little advantage in acceleration through the straights.
Don't forgot they said the Viper's shifter felt better and more precise. Both Pobst and the fat guy said that.JRS200x said:They did not destroy it. They actually liked the car just had a few dislikes. They loved the power, said it had great turn in etc etc. Probst was actually more praising than I figured he would be.
They did say the ZR1 had better brakes with less fade.. which it does. It has carbon ceramic brakes...
They did say the ZR1 has a broader availability of torque... I really don't know here, but my guess is it does it the Viper peaks at 5000rpm.
They did say the ZR1 feels like it has more grip... Well it does have Cup tires on it, so my guess is it does, put them on the Viper and you have a new story.
They did say the ZR1 rides softer and is more comfortable... my guess is it does, the suspension on the ZR1 is world class and amazing.
They said the Viper was flatter through corners and had less nose dive than the ZR1... Which is a good thing.
They just said it was harder to drive at the limit basically, which it always has been and what people were afraid it was going to lose. So Viper fans should be ecstatic and further they DID say that they were told the seats and sound deadening were not finalized. They didn't have to mention that at all.
Overall I thought it was actually laid out more fairly in the video than it was in the article. I still think the ZR1 was a ringer, but whatever...
The stopping distance may have been about the same cold, but once fade sets in, stopping distances increases and driver confidence goes down. MotorTrend are not the only ones to have noticed some brake-fade on the new Viper. I've read about it in more than one review.kdaviper said:What puzzles me about this review is the brake fade they felt (although this was subjectively determined, as they provided no data to back up their claims). The Gen IV with stoptech two-piece rotors never had any problems with brake fade in any of the reviews I've read (likely the vast majority of them). Also, why wouldn't they send a car with the aero package when the ZR-1 has it's optional aero, and why don't they have a hose connecting the brake cooling ducts to the front brakes?
Agreed. The important question that remains to be answered is: who was the marketing person that sent out this viper optioned out this way (I.e. not optimized or track) to a MT showdown with the ZR1? IIRC Gilles said that the Viper will have no marketing except for Magazines and web promotion: MT (unfortunately) is a top tier car enthustiast magazine, and this was not a good way to start...AutoTechnician said:The stopping distance may have been about the same cold, but once fade sets in, stopping distances increases and driver confidence goes down. MotorTrend are not the only ones to have noticed some brake-fade on the new Viper. I've read about it in more than one review.
The Viper is using 14" steel rotors with 4-piston two-piece calipers. The ZR1 has ~15" Carbon-Ceramic rotors with 6-piston single-piece calipers. The brakes are just not going to be able to compete.
