With a pair of professional drivers, the outcome would not be the same, but video from a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driver shows it is indeed possible to keep up with a 2017 Ford GT, according to video from Ford Authority.
The drivers took to Mid-Ohio to both shake down their new toys—the video description states it was the first time both had been to the track in their cars. In the process, the 2017 Ford GT has a difficult time shaking the 2017 Camaro ZL1 from its rear. However, we highly doubt the GT driver was pushing the car to its limits—wrecking a $450,000 car isn’t the best situation.
Although the 2017 Camaro ZL1 technically makes more horsepower than the Ford GT—650 hp to the GT’s 647 hp—the GT is lighter and more aerodynamic. In proper conditions, the GT would be no match. But, when the power comes on at the straightaways, the ZL1 continues to hold its own in the video.
Kudos to both drivers for taking their new toys to the track. As mentioned, it’s not a proper matchup, but it’s an entertaining game of cat and mouse nonetheless. Check it out above.
Comments
True, the drivers aren’t pros and occasionally other cars get in the way. However, the Camaro has reached a point where it has little to apologize for in comparison to ridiculously priced exotics. Particularly in the ZL1 1LE configuration.
I cannot believe that these two cars are even attempted to be compared, even in the straights the ford gt pulls hard on the camaro for example at 3:20 in the video. Who know how these drivers are even pushing the vehicles. I wouldn’t push my new 450k car all too hard. I can say camaros have come a long way, and the new ZL1 1LE configuration is the first to impress me.
The new Camaro has come along way. I love my Mustangs but that video was very impressive. The handleing an speed off the corners was incredible.
The rear of the GT reminds me of the pigs in the Angry Birds game. Run piggy run!
Truly one of the best race videos I’ve ever seen. I could watch the Camaro chase down that pure race car all day and listen to that evil exhaust note forever, it’s like beautiful music. It’s a great time to be a car guy/girl.
I’d certainly take the ZL1 (and pocket the massive ($400.000) difference any day! Listen to that V8 sing 🙂
Well this track is a true equalizer for many cars too. It is a tight twisting track that can take a much better car from running away.
This is the track were a privateer 64 Lemans nearly beat one of Penske’s dominate Trans Am Camaro’s in the late 60’s.
While I am sure a pair of pro’s would have had more of a gap the 40 still would not have gone away and hid.
The Camaro is not really a bad car either with the lap it did in Germany. If you have not seen that lap watch it. The driver there was just amazing to watch him work. He got everything out of that car.
Note I have laps at Mid Ohio and know it well. It is a blast to drive and both drivers here did a good job.
The off camber at the key hole can bite you as will the drop to thunder valley and the carousel.
Then there is the end of the back stretch into Madness then into the esses. It is enough that puts an Indy car with an Andretti at the wheel lifting the left front tire off the ground.
Scott, it’s not a 40, Ford let the “GT40” copyright expire and it was snatched up by a GT40 club that was paying attention!
Also,
Kendric
There is no indication that the Camaro was a ZL1-1LE!
Sean, did you leave something out?
Get in the Ring Ford and leave the weed in Mexico!
http://jalopnik.com/yo-whats-up-with-ford-and-all-this-weed-1797320559
The GT was not running all out in the the corners and breaked early and often in corners. Not something required in track mode in the GT. The Camaro was full throttle in the straight aways and could not stay close to the GT. From the tire squeals, the Camaro was also over driving the corners just to stay close. It appeared to me the GT driver was simply getting us to driving his car on a road course. These are two totally different class of cars when it comes to racing with the racing version of the GT runing less HP and more weight in the GTLM class then the street GT due to sanctions. Do the math.
I’m confident the GT Ford was just toying with that piece of ****
I think the GT is a fine vehicle and I respect the Shelby Mustangs. But I think Chevrolet is doing a great job in the “Pony” and performance car wars between the big 3. I have a 2015 ZL1 and when I take it out for track days it performs great and I regularly beat other stock cars and even a few modified cars. So I think the new ZL1 (and the 1LE when it comes out) can outperform the competition. To be fair, I’ve owned and raced 5 Mustangs (66, 85, 88, 94, & 01) always thought they handled pretty good when mildly modified (since all of my cars are and have been daily driven when not at a track). If I was suddenly a billionaire, I wouldn’t buy a GT or any other exotic. I would probably buy a ZL1 for my daily driver and a Z06 or ZR1 and a Viper ACR for my weekend toys. I’d take the money saved and have Hennessey or Lingenfelter tune them to eat exotics and still have a lot of cash left over. Just my humble opinion.
The camaro is a very good car, but if the gt can win le mons against the best cars in the world with less horse power, it’s not realistic to think that it would have trouble with a camaro.
D.J.
Even suggesting that the ZL1 is “hunting” the GT is laughable.
Thanks KD Bond. I needed some reassurance.
Honestly, I couldn’t afford the price tag of either, $450,000 is wayyyyy to much for me, and $63,000 is still too pricey! I guess my issue with it is I can remember a time when cars were affordable for more people.
Why why why? They are not even in the same league. Why do you people insist on comparing apples to oranges, grapes, lemons, bananas. This is silly! To amauture drivers, two cars, that’s it, my mini van would fair the same?
Driver not pushing it. Must be street tires? My 1990 showroom stick Camaro runs faster times at MO
This is not a Camaro ZL1 1Le and the Ford GT runs a 2:43 at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) vs Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE (2:45:7). Do some upgrades on the 1LE and this is no longer hunting the Ford GT its destroying it for next to nothing. This is no comparison. You don’t always get what you pay for.