Lightning Lap 2015 - Car and Driver

[Marshall Placid]

From the October Issue:




Lightning Lap 2015: Results, Historical Lap Times, and More ? Feature ? Car and Driver

More on the different levels of cars, and synopsis:

Lightning Lap 2015 ? Feature ? Car and Driver

Enjoy.

[turbos86]

I'm surprised to see the new MX-5 is 2 seconds slower than 2013 BRZ's time after all the recent comparison between the two and all the ND's hype.

[AstulzerRZD]

Originally Posted by turbos86

I'm surprised to see the new MX-5 is 2 seconds slower than 2013 BRZ's time after all the recent comparison between the two and all the ND's hype.

After all, the ND is down on power. Some things like character and driver engagement can't be measured by numbers

"Yet when the car is leaned over and the tires are loaded, the Miata behaves like a perfect rear-drive pet, vectoring precisely with the throttle. Keep your foot in the right pedal to swing wide in a turn, or lift to tuck the nose and cinch your line tighter. The rear tires slide with a controlled and predictable attitude when they do break free, and they’re easily brought back into line with quick, tactile steering. Nestled in the hammocklike seat, the driver rolls and rotates in harmony with the car.

While the modern Miata still wants for straight-line speed, its cornering velocities match those of its LL1 peers. So don’t call it slow. The Miata sits at the top of the leader board when it comes to fun, and no car is better at teaching you how to drive than this one."

[bcuzracecarz]

I know this might not have anything to do with this article in particular but I hate how "pro-murica" car and driver, and motortrend are for the most part. Quite annoying I find when reading the articles, I know American cars aren't really designed for Euro cities (size etc.) but the European mags usually are a lot less bias I find.

Also surprised the s3 was over a second faster than the golf considering same platform

[meme405]

I'll say it before timpo can.

NO GTR!???

EDIT: nvm i saw the historical. 249.5, faster than the Porsche.

[ilvtofu]

Originally Posted by bcuzracecarz

I know American cars aren't really designed for Euro cities (size etc.) but the European mags usually are a lot less bias I find.

What does that even mean? Different segments have different sized cars an S-class is bigger than a Chrysler 200 and would be a bigger pain in the ass to drive through a tight European street, so what?

You must watch a lot of Top Gear and think you know about cars/the auto industry.

[GS8]

Originally Posted by bcuzracecarz

I know this might not have anything to do with this article in particular but I hate how "pro-murica" car and driver, and motortrend are for the most part. Quite annoying I find when reading the articles, I know American cars aren't really designed for Euro cities (size etc.) but the European mags usually are a lot less bias I find.

I think what a lot of people forget is the sharp turnaround the Big Three did post 2008. Still not quite there, but when you think about what they are making 10 years ago and what they make now, it's clearly night and day.

So I do think it's unfair to say they have an American bias when the cars themselves are actually getting better with each new generation.

The other thing that was puts the American cars in the spotlight is the value for dollar. Most of the core buyers would still choose to save 10- 40,000 dollars if some of the interior quality was skimped on or if the brakes weren't as grabby.

[westopher]

New corvettes are fucking bonkers.
I'm not in love with the way they look, but man they are an impressive car. I guess downforce isn't always pretty.

[SpeedStars]

Im surprised how well the 2015 Mustang GT did. Wonder if it was the track pack? Looks like the track favours cars with high top speeds as well

[punkwax]

Surprised at GTI vs Golf R #s.. but I guess that AWD tranny does add some weight.