Norcal
June 21st 2010, 17:04
Holy Crap! The full Euro Alpina set up is a revelation.
Part of my fathers day included a 3 hr. canyon carving trip. My son in his Lotus, and me in the Z8. This is the first time since the conversion that I have been able to really put it through the paces. The grip was immense, and the confidence was all there. The front was very stable in every kind of turn (this is a beautifully nasty, tight road). Understeer was never a problem. Just plain crazy good. The Lotus wasn't too hard to hang with... perhaps I was pushing it harder, using about all she had, getting into ABS once or twice, stability once or twice, and traction control ALOT!
Which brings me to my next observation. I seemed to be getting TC much more often... I mean alot... almost every turn, and many times just on the straits. This doesn't seem to make sense, given I have more rubber on the road now, and far lighter wheels that should keep the tires in contact better.
Possible explanations:
1) Having driven a GT3 for the past 3 years, my expectations have changed, and I push the Z8 harder, revealing it's limits.
2) The better suspension and front end grip promote faster cornering overall, therefore making it easier to dance on the edge
3) The new Pirelli tires are less surefooted (I know people who said this) but that doesn't make sense because the front end is awesome
4) The MUCH lighter wheels "spool" faster, ie: more, quicker, torque transfer... I think this may be it
E: All of the above?
Either way, the car feels awesome, and what better way to celebrate fathers day, than some serious driving with your son. He has quite the skills... he has learned well... I am proud.
Part of my fathers day included a 3 hr. canyon carving trip. My son in his Lotus, and me in the Z8. This is the first time since the conversion that I have been able to really put it through the paces. The grip was immense, and the confidence was all there. The front was very stable in every kind of turn (this is a beautifully nasty, tight road). Understeer was never a problem. Just plain crazy good. The Lotus wasn't too hard to hang with... perhaps I was pushing it harder, using about all she had, getting into ABS once or twice, stability once or twice, and traction control ALOT!
Which brings me to my next observation. I seemed to be getting TC much more often... I mean alot... almost every turn, and many times just on the straits. This doesn't seem to make sense, given I have more rubber on the road now, and far lighter wheels that should keep the tires in contact better.
Possible explanations:
1) Having driven a GT3 for the past 3 years, my expectations have changed, and I push the Z8 harder, revealing it's limits.
2) The better suspension and front end grip promote faster cornering overall, therefore making it easier to dance on the edge
3) The new Pirelli tires are less surefooted (I know people who said this) but that doesn't make sense because the front end is awesome
4) The MUCH lighter wheels "spool" faster, ie: more, quicker, torque transfer... I think this may be it
E: All of the above?
Either way, the car feels awesome, and what better way to celebrate fathers day, than some serious driving with your son. He has quite the skills... he has learned well... I am proud.