Repair-It

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a ... ical-data/

09 ZR1 #40 at 2:51.8
12 ZR1 #34 at 2:50.7

Now it is worth pointing out that a 2017 Camaro ZL1 is #31 at 2:50.1.

I could make a case for the ZL1 over the C6 ZR1. Then again look at this: 2017 Corvette Grand Sport #22 at 2:47.1. That thing is dialed in. And it runs the LT1 so I'd think consumable cost would be lower if we're looking at practical things (less weight, fewer tire replacements, better fuel economy, longer brake life, no supercharger).

Anyway, prices on the ZL1 are similar, with the cheapest in the $45k range.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... stRecord=0

For a similar price, and caveat that I have driven neither, I'd still pick the ZR1 for the unicorn factor. There is way more choice in the used ZL1 market however, so it would be much easier to buy one. Of course, I don't like easy...

Guess what? C7 Grand Sport is in the same price category, too.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... stRecord=0

The Grand Sport would be the more practical choice of the C6 ZR1 at least from a Corvette standpoint. I still just like that ZR1.

Grand Sport stuff:
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/chevrol ... st-review/
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a2 ... liability/

Fastest sub-$100k car around the M/T figure 8. 60-0 in 90 feet. 1.11G. It's legit. 12.3 @ 118 after 40k miles. So the slowest of the trio, yet fastest VIR lap time (by a lot, too). Again you could make the case that the ZL1 provides the best middle ground between the C6 ZR1 and C7 Grand Sport because what it gives up in the all out hp/weight of the ZR1, it gains in chassis and is still considerably faster in a straight line than the Grand Sport. Hey, these 3 cars alone prove that for $45-$50k you can get some serious machines.

From the C&D long term test:

FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 27 mpg
Highway range: 490 miles
Unscheduled oil additions: 0 qt

That is all solid stuff. You aren't going to average 20 with the ZR1 or ZL1. Same for the highway mpg. The 0 extra quarts is also pretty impressive. Other manufacturers, take note...

I also just realized that the Grand Sport ships with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, same as I have on my CTS-V. These are NOT full kill track tires.

C&D after 12 months with their Grand Sport:

The ride quality is particularly impressive. The Grand Sport’s chassis feels sophisticated, and it is both more supple and better isolated than cars costing far more. The Corvette Grand Sport is one of the best values on the market today, sports car or not.

Despite the bent wheels, the Grand Sport made a 180-degree turn from the 2014 long-termer with regard to reliability. It suffered not a single unscheduled stop, failure to crank, or Uber request required to bail us out. We didn't even have to add a single quart of oil. It was a sterling test of reliability—and, evidently, our proficiency at finding potholes.

Getting better with age might be the C7's mantra. This generation started with the subtly sweet Stingray, dropped the hammer with the Z06, then polished that offering with the Grand Sport, before unleashing the roaring 755-hp ZR1. And our respect only grew during this second chance at living with a Corvette.

11 month check-in:

The Grand Sport’s everyday usability and the glorious power of its LT1 V-8 continue to impress. Driving it back to back with far pricier choices in the high-performance sports-car realm reveals that the chassis in General Motors’ marquee sports car delivers better isolation while maintaining a lustworthy suppleness in its steering and handling.

They even put snow tires on it and drove it in the winter. The more I read the more I like. It's a daily-able balanced machine that gets decent fuel economy, rides nicely and turns in ridiculous track performance on non-race tires. And because it's not ludicrously fast (12.3 @ 118 is no slouch though), you actually stand a chance of exploiting the performance envelope on the street. From a coupe standpoint, I challenge anyone to find something better overall for upper $40k range.

The trouble for me is, we are pretty much entering V3 territory. And for my tastes, I don't know if I could turn down one of those bad boys...even though it is #62 with a 2:56.8.