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InsideLine.com Compares 2012 Corvette Z06 Centennial vs 2013 Nissan GT-R Premium

InsideLine.com Compares 2012 Corvette Z06 Centennial vs 2013 Nissan GT-R Premium

America’s best vs. Japan’s best – the rear-wheel-drive, manually shifted, 505-hp 2012 Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition against Nissan’s high-tech, twin-turbo, 545-hp 2013 Nissan GT-R Premium.

That’s what the folks at Edmund’s insideline.com carried to the battlefield recently, with the same results as World War II this time around. Score one for the good ol’ USA.

The Centennial Edition Z06 left the folks at insideline.com literally “wanting” the Corvette, thanks to its massive 7.0-liter engine, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, Performance Traction Management, and hold on to your rear ends, improved seats that actually rated higher than the Nissan’s. Then there was the sound coming from the Corvette’s two-mode muffler system that the testers called “one of the most sonorous delights you’ll ever hear from a driver seat,” compared to the GT-R, “which sounds about as good as your wife’s Hoover.”

Not that the Nissan was a slouch, though.

For 2013, Nissan has made many improvements, including a 15hp increase courtesy of increased intake efficiency and larger ducting for the intercoolers.

You’ve got to pay for such performance, however. Once known for its value compared to other supercars, the Nissan GT-R listed for $97,820 and with its only option – Super Silver paint – went out the door at a cool $100,820. The Z06 started out as a relative bargain at only $76,500, but by the time some $25,260 in options was checked off, the final total was a whopping $101,760.

But once drivers got behind the wheel, these cars lived up to that money, proving to be “spectacular” on track and twisty back roads. Online.com says they’re better than they’ve ever been, but the Z06 is the more fun vehicle. The Corvette “not only rules the track, it makes driving to the grocery store exciting.” The Nissan, meanwhile, earned the respect of the testers, “but it only really becomes thrilling when being pushed at eight-tenths or higher, a realm we rarely find ourselves in.”

So there you have it, folks, another win for America and the Corvette Z06. See more details at InsideLine.com

Source:
InsideLine.com

Related:
Burnout Super Test: Corvette Z06 Centennial versus Caddy CTS-V Coupe
[VIDEO] 2012 Corvette Z06 Centennial Edition Competes for Motor Trend’s Best Driver’s Car
[VIDEO] Corvette Z06 vs GT500 vs GT-R: Motor Trend’s 5-Figure Supercar Shootout

 


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Retro Futuristic 1959 Corvette

How often do we get the opportunity to have help in imagining a Corvette of the future?  Well, certainly, we have reported much speculation on the C7, and we are still hungry for pictures of the real deal.  But what if we specifically took a Corvette of the past, and imagined it into the future?

Recently, Amir Iliaifar posted on DigitalTrends.com that: "Former design studio manager at General Motors do Brasil, Nelson Barros, who has had more than 30 years of experience in the auto industry, recently did exactly that, and sent CarBodyDesign some very interesting design sketches.  Barros, who worked for GM from 1969 to 2006, created a series of futuristic concept interpretations based on classic cars from the 20th century.

"Using his talent and experience, Barros has given us a glimpse into the future with his concept drawings." The cars Barros chose to revisit were the 1959 Corvette, the Jaguar XK120,  the 1950 Studebaker Commander, and the 1973 Ford Maverick.  An interesting mix of selections, to say the least.

Amir continues: "Rarely is the future left untouched by the past. This is especially so when it comes to automobiles where brands, makes, and models often carry with them strong former influences and features.  It would appear Barros echoes this sentiment.  Each design for his future concepts relies heavily on the original models, while injecting a futuristic twist."  The Studebaker retains the iconic bullet nose grille for which it is known.  The Jaguar features the original’s classic slim grille and stacked “V” shaped lights.  The Ford Maverick includes the muscular front end, and imposing yellow and black paint job.  Of course, the 1959 Corvette is remembered for its red and white livery and tapered chassis.

"We have to admit we are impressed with Barros’ work. The only model we are admittedly not crazy about is the Ford Maverick ( as it resembles too closely a modern Chevy Camaro).  With the one exception, it’s nice to see retirement hasn’t diminished Barro’s talent one bit.  While it would be nice to hold out for a real modern recreation of the classic Studebaker, the odds are that it’ll probably never happen."

Very interesting,of course, but really, the return of Studebaker?