CHICAGO -- All that touting of the 200-mph-plus 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 by General Motors is apparently giving the automaker's legal department nightmares. So now GM wants each owner to attend a driving school.
GM says the limited-edition ZR1 will be the fastest car it has ever offered when it goes on sale this fall. The hand-built engine will have more than 620 hp along with a 0 to 60 performance of around 3.3 seconds.
Said Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper: "We don't think we can mandate it, but it's something that we certainly want to offer when they buy the vehicle, to get that training."
Location: Queens, New York Life begins at 183 mph....
If buying a ZR1 comes with a free track day from GM, that would be great, as long as you don't have to sign some waiver saying that, by taking this course, you're bound to any warranty exemptions etc.
I dont see how this warrants the title "driving training confirmed"
They want to offer training....ok.
You're Right; I wanted to say being encouraged; but hit submit before I proof read my title....... Not sure how to change title of post; getting old sucks!!!!!!
Done
Last edited by LV Vette; 02-18-2008 at 01:54 AM.
Reason: Changed title
You're Right; I wanted to say being encouraged; but hit submit before I proof read my title....... Not sure how to change title of post; getting old sucks!!!!!!
I feel your pain brutha Maybe GM can work a deal with Spring Mountain or one of the other driving schools for a discounted session. After buying a ZR1 I wouldn't be able to pay full price for the class. Probably couldn't afford to put gas in it either.. Sure will look good in the garage though.
Some need driver training. I bet they get tired of seeing people pull 13 second times in a ZO6 at the drag track. If they could only pull a best of 13 second in the quarter in a ZR1 Chevrolet should just take the car back.
Looks as if the ZR-1 school is in Phoenix at Bob Bonderant. The C6R-S school will be at Spring Mountain with Ron Fellows as the instructor. I've also herd Ron Fellow's name in conjunction with the ZR-1 school.
Looks as if the ZR-1 school is in Phoenix at Bob Bonderant. The C6R-S school will be at Spring Mountain with Ron Fellows as the instructor. I've also herd Ron Fellow's name in conjunction with the ZR-1 school.
Great news. I hope they set up events on the east coast as well (Pocono would make a great place)
Mercedes schedules the "AMG Challenge" trying to hit several locations.
Looks as if the ZR-1 school is in Phoenix at Bob Bonderant. The C6R-S school will be at Spring Mountain with Ron Fellows as the instructor. I've also herd Ron Fellow's name in conjunction with the ZR-1 school.
The Bonderant school is excellent. Any driver will learn new tips and techniques in their classes.
I took the Z06 Corvette day in 2007 and it was outstanding. I had taken the 3 day High Performance Driving class about 10 years ago and thought it was excellent.
Highly recommended to anyone who wants to improve their driving and handling skills.
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big wallet don't mean you can drive....driver training is smart move for gm. and fun as hell!!! i did three days at spring mountain and lets just say it was most fun you can have clothed
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2004 Excusion 6.0 Powerstroke built in Kentucky
A driving school would be a excellent idea! I think it is a excellent idea for not only the ZR1 but for the Z06 and C6. All of the Corvettes have enough power to get most, everyday drivers, in trouble. I think Corvette buyers in Europe get a driving class with the purchase of a C6? I think I read that some place? Even a one day car control clinic can be a very humbling experience. It would help save lives.
BMW offers a part of their "M Experience" driving classes with the purchase of some of their M cars. It is offered with the purchase of a M5.
Delivering a high powered car like the ZR1 to the "Average Joe" with no experience is like handing a 10 year old a loaded UZI.
If required then the argument should be what about teens and senior citizens? Shouldn't they pass a driving school before they buy a car?
I'd so vote for that in a second.
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Why not everyone? There are more cars with bad drivers than ever. Shouldn't GM stop selling cars to people that don't meet their driving instruction?
If only GM had the balls to do this, we'd have some better drivers on the road. :-)
Quote:
One small step for the nanny, one giant leap for the nanny state!
I think you're going a wee bit overboard with that argument.
Simply put, the driving "standards" in this country are a joke. Any program that encourages, or even requires people to learn how to DRIVE (vs. just ride in their car, which is what most drivers do...) is a good thing, in my opinion.
I think this is a great idea. It's too bad it'll take a $100K car for GM to encourage or require driver training. No reason why the same can't apply to a $20K Cobalt!
If it's a choice I have no problem with a driving school. I think it's a good choice.
If required then the arguement should be what about teens and senior citizens? Shouldn't they pass a driving school before they buy a car?
Why not everyone? There are more cars with bad drivers than ever. Shouldn't GM stop selling cars to people that don't meet their driving instruction?
How about tuners? Shouldn't they be requiring the modified cars to be driven by experienced drivers?
Or maybe the states should set and enforce the standards.
One small step for the nanny, one giant leap for the nanny state!
I think that about sums it up nicely. Driving school mandated for everyone. We can build another industry on an unfunded Government Mandate. Look what it's done already with the IRS, ADA and a myriad of others.
If only GM had the balls to do this, we'd have some better drivers on the road. :-)
I think you're going a wee bit overboard with that argument.
Simply put, the driving "standards" in this country are a joke. Any program that encourages, or even requires people to learn how to DRIVE (vs. just ride in their car, which is what most drivers do...) is a good thing, in my opinion.
I think this is a great idea. It's too bad it'll take a $100K car for GM to encourage or require driver training. No reason why the same can't apply to a $20K Cobalt!
Looks as if the ZR-1 school is in Phoenix at Bob Bonderant. The C6R-S school will be at Spring Mountain with Ron Fellows as the instructor. I've also herd Ron Fellow's name in conjunction with the ZR-1 school.
As the Official High Performance Driving School of General Motors you will be able to take the training at our location, as well as some other options I believe. There should be something official released soon but I haven't heard. That new ZR-1 is going to be MEAN!!!
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Cameron Corbin Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving www.bondurant.com / 800-842-RACE(7223)
Firebird Raceway, Phoenix, AZ
"Official High Performance Driving School of Chevrolet"