DropTopGal GrandSport Challenge

[DropTopGal]

Fellow Vette drivers, I call upon thee to provide insight to a brewing car showdown.

Here's the background story: (sort of long winded, but I have a thing about details)

Preface: It's after 4am and I am writing this with 3 shots of Patron getting to my head - felling a bit tipsy. Unless out clubbing, I don't drink but tonight was different.

This weekend was my hubby's "on" weekend. He's responsible for admitted patients (ICU, CCU, medical floors, and detox units) at several major medical facilities. Also board certified in emergency medicine, if the other docs in the ER need help while he is "in house" - he responds to assist. Early evening: one of the nurses text me on my hubby's phone saying not to worry, he's really busy and in the mix of few serious cases. Since the nurse sent the text, I knew it must be a life / death situation he was dealing with. I later found out that there was a terrible mufti-car accident (2 family packed SUVs) among the mess. Not everyone survived and those who did required immediate treatment by several medical specialists. After hours on a Sunday, most specialists are not in the hospital but my husband's professional standing and personal connections facilitated several of his colleagues to quickly respond to the call. BTW, these docs are top notch and whistle while they work - witty jokes & challenges to one another while maintain the up-most seriousness. They can anticipate one anther's' needs without being asked and have very positive patient outcomes.

In the past, hubby being in the mix of things usually would only take a few hours. To put him at ease upon his return at home after an evening like this, I established a lil' routine -- I'd prepare him a nice healthy meal and greet him wearing something very sexy, tiny, see-through, with 6" heels for that "added touch". Good wife, huh? ;-)

1am rolled around - still not home. So I dozed off in bed, still dressed very sexy for his eventual return. Then at about 2am, I was awoken with several men in my bedroom, all of whom were in high gear - wired on adrenalin. At first I was startled and a bit shy by what I was wearing. K-amino satin robe across the room, I was sort of stuck there. The guys were several of the specialists who came in to work on the case (trauma surgeon, general surgeon, plastic surgeon (who happens to be mine), ER / trauma doc, anesthesiologist, intervention radiologist, orthopedic surgeon, and a psychiatrist -- oh, and of course my hubby - internal & emergency med). My bedroom is rather large with a king bed and has three sitting areas, 55" flat screen tv, sound system, super computer and lap top.... so all of the docs reclined back and planted themselves. I mustered the confidence to get up and broke out the shot glasses (per their request) and the Patron and rum was flowing.

To get their minds off the seriousness of what they just went through, the conversation turned towards cars. Among them, they had some impressive rides (new 911 Carrera S, Audi R8 V8, Aston Martin Vantage, Maserati Gran Touring S, BMW 335i (tuned), MB S500, BMW 640i, and a new Range Rover. Other than the 335i with a tune, the other cars are stock. In the spirit of fun, they were bashing on my/our "plastic" Grand Sport. As the Patron was flowing, so was their challenges and (friendly) ridicule. Not to leave my hubby standing alone to defend our American muscle Vette - there I was, in my bedroom, surrounded by all these docs, still wearing a sexy little see-through outfit, heels and all - sternly engaged in witty debate with top docs on how great the Vette is. Of course, each thought their own ride was supreme, but no one messes with me when it comes to my kids, purses, shoes, clothing, jewelry, and certainly not my Vette!!

The debate (all with good nature and witty jokes, not angry) really got serious. Can you just imagine all of these doctors, each in their prime and at the top of their game, jabs at one another, even making wagers on who would be victorious. BTW... the wagers got a bit silly - wanted lap dances and stuff like that - not money. They are now deriving a plan on when and where to meet - safely of course. It seems that they are going to time the run at 4am on a highway where there would be no traffic, very limited exits / on ramps, has some sweeping curves, and would be about 5 miles long.

So here I am, tipsy, wide awake, scantily dressed... so figured I'd share this with my Vette friends on DC and perhaps you guys can offer some insight on how you think my GransSport will stand against the named cars above. Check my signature so you see my mods. BTW, my GS is now at 40k miles (broken in just right and running great) and has new (over-sized) Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

Did I let my mouth runneth over and take on a challenge where my GS will be embarrassed? Oh, I should add...my hubby would drive the GS -- he wasn't always a doctor and is well versed in tactical car driving by his past government training.

So what are your thoughts, can the Grand Sport hold its own and come home victorious?

DTG

[Texdentist]

I can't help you with the car question. But you had me at Patron.

[Supersayin1]

Just my 2 cents, If the car is driven well the chances are fairly good. The Maserati should be no problem due to the over 4000LBS of weight that thing has. The 911 will probably be the biggest challenge of the group. The 2 are very close in performance, but I would give the nudge to the vette, but just ever so slightly. The R8 might be a challenge but again the vette is a little seems to be a bit quicker. The aston Martin has some extra heft to it thus slowing it down so that one shouldn't be too much of a problem for the mighty GS. In my opinion the BMW's and MB should be considered non contenders. In all honesty if this is a 5 mile run that has a lot of straights in it. This race could be come more about which driver has the least amount of fear and not about which car is fastest. Either way it should be a blast and the vette shoudl hold its own with that particular grouping.

[PNHNDLE96CE]

I would think your GS with stated mods and the 5 mile run will make them rethink their views on the wonders of "plastic".

[rickv]

Not taking the drivers into consideration, if your vette is putting 445 to the ground you should be confident.

[mbwalker]

Don't have much gas in the tank...that will save a 100 lbs!

[PredatorC6]

The Audi R8 is badass. That's what I'd put my money on.

5 miles is a long, long way for any street race!

[rickv]

Originally Posted by PredatorC6

The Audi R8 is badass. That's what I'd put my money on.

5 miles is a long, long way for any street race!

If it was the V10 I'd agree, but the vette can handle the v8 car. At most it puts out 420 at the flywheel, and it tips the scales at 3600 pounds. She's putting down 445 at the wheels, and is lighter to boot.

If hubby has the stones he'll be fine.

[DropTopGal]

Thanks for the feedback guys. This has turned into a rather fun "tit for tat" between the Docs - still going on today. Showdown TBA.

I'd have to say the 911 is the main threat but it is not a turbo, so I think we'd edge him out.

My hubby drove an R8 (V8 model) a few years ago and while it handles very good, there is no room for driver shift error and it's not as fast as my Vette. At about 140, the R8 felt nearing its peek while my Vette in the 150s still feels like there is more to go (per hubby).

We knew that about the gas tank - keep it 1/4 full for the run, AC off, exhaust in open mode, windows up... everything will help.

BTW - hubby has the "stones" He's been up in the high 150s, besides, as if I would be married to one who didn't have "stones".

[rickv]

Originally Posted by DropTopGal

Thanks for the feedback guys. This has turned into a rather fun "tit for tat" between the Docs - still going on today. Showdown TBA.

I'd have to say the 911 is the main threat but it is not a turbo, so I think we'd edge him out.

My hubby drove an R8 (V8 model) a few years ago and while it handles very good, there is no room for driver shift error and it's not as fast as my Vette. At about 140, the R8 felt nearing its peek while my Vette in the 150s still feels like there is more to go (per hubby).

We knew that about the gas tank - keep it 1/4 full for the run, AC off, exhaust in open mode, windows up... everything will help.

BTW - hubby has the "stones" He's been up in the high 150s, besides, as if I would be married to one who didn't have "stones".

I would suggest a co-pilot though. Something the others won't think of more and likely. An extra set of eyes so he doesn't have to worry about where the competition is always helps. The extra person will also help balance the car.

[PredatorC6]

Originally Posted by rickv

If it was the V10 I'd agree, but the vette can handle the v8 car. At most it puts out 420 at the flywheel, and it tips the scales at 3600 pounds. She's putting down 445 at the wheels, and is lighter to boot.

If hubby has the stones he'll be fine.

The R8 can go 5 miles @ WOT.

Can the Corvette? I don't think it will unless it's a fordged motor.

Just be careful, whatever they do.

[RTGordon]

The Carrera S is only listed at 400hp, so you should be fine. Two of them are cows and you have more power than the other two top contenders. I say GS, R8, 911, with the others bringing up the rear.
I think you have a solid shot at showing them all your tail lights.
Wait, I mean rear... no, back end...

Bah!

[DropTopGal]

Update: Lap dance by choice, not by loss!

--On Thursday night, my hubby did a few runs alone to find the best driving mode and be familiar with the road at high speed. He found that S mode, letting the GS auto shift, and keeping it in normal driving (not track or competition) allowed for the best driving. Also, going full gas at the start made the (newer) tires spin, so he learned to go about half gas to get the wheels rolling then floor it. Practice runs he let off at 158, 162, then 160 over the 4.3 mile run. Sweeping 90' turn that was over about 1/6 mile pulled 0.4g and did it easily at 100+mph without feeling any loss. The JOC Stg 1 and the over-sized Michelin Pilot Sports really shines.

Last night was the showdown.

New 911 Carrera S, 2011 Audi R8 (V8), 2012 BMW 640i, 2010 Aston Martin Vantage, and 2010 MB S500 AMG all showed up to "play" with the GS.

Only the 911, R8, GS competed.

Two runs each, same road, opposite directions, one driver, no passenger (for safety), each car had about 1/4 tank of gas and fully warmed up.

Group One Winner: Grand Sport!!

--The R8 had the initial lead on the 911 and GS from a dead stop but very soon after, the 911 and GS caught right up. The 4 wheel drive of the R8 must help it at first. Once the GS shifted into 2nd gear, it began to pull away from the others and come 3rd gear, the GS overtook both the 911 and R8 and just kept going a few car lengths ahead and stayed there until the end. The R8 and 911 were almost neck to neck, within a car length, the entire time. Top speed for the GS was held at 168 and the sweeping turn at about 120. My hubby said that the GS felt like it could do more if needed and felt very much in control.

--The neat thing about it was driving home afterwards, all the cars that ran so fast drove so "normal". Of course, the GS wanted to shift more aggressively after being driven hard. Oh, and my hubby thinks there is a very slight exhaust leak on one of the sides of the LG long tube pipe clamps (whatever that means).

Note: This was done safely on a highway where essential no travel is done at the early morning hours and we assured that there were no others on the road. Need to be safe & responsible when doing something like this.

[rickv]

Originally Posted by DropTopGal

Update: Lap dance by choice, not by loss!

--On Thursday night, my hubby did a few runs alone to find the best driving mode and be familiar with the road at high speed. He found that S mode, letting the GS auto shift, and keeping it in normal driving (not track or competition) allowed for the best driving. Also, going full gas at the start made the (newer) tires spin, so he learned to go about half gas to get the wheels rolling then floor it. Practice runs he let off at 158, 162, then 160 over the 4.3 mile run. Sweeping 90' turn that was over about 1/6 mile pulled 0.4g and did it easily at 100+mph without feeling any loss. The JOC Stg 1 and the over-sized Michelin Pilot Sports really shines.

Last night was the showdown.

New 911 Carrera S, 2011 Audi R8 (V8), 2012 BMW 640i, 2010 Aston Martin Vantage, and 2010 MB S500 AMG all showed up to "play" with the GS.

Only the 911, R8, GS competed.

Two runs each, same road, opposite directions, one driver, no passenger (for safety), each car had about 1/4 tank of gas and fully warmed up.

Group One Winner: Grand Sport!!

--The R8 had the initial lead on the 911 and GS from a dead stop but very soon after, the 911 and GS caught right up. The 4 wheel drive of the R8 must help it at first. Once the GS shifted into 2nd gear, it began to pull away from the others and come 3rd gear, the GS overtook both the 911 and R8 and just kept going a few car lengths ahead and stayed there until the end. The R8 and 911 were almost neck to neck, within a car length, the entire time. Top speed for the GS was held at 168 and the sweeping turn at about 120. My hubby said that the GS felt like it could do more if needed and felt very much in control.

--The neat thing about it was driving home afterwards, all the cars that ran so fast drove so "normal". Of course, the GS wanted to shift more aggressively after being driven hard. Oh, and my hubby thinks there is a very slight exhaust leak on one of the sides of the LG long tube pipe clamps (whatever that means).

Note: This was done safely on a highway where essential no travel is done at the early morning hours and we assured that there were no others on the road. Need to be safe & responsible when doing something like this.

Awesome, long live the american sports car!!!

[GeorgeZNJ]

Great write up, good for you and hubby.Any video? you or the cars.