Commute, Toy or Destroy – Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 Turbo
We are back with this week’s installment of AutoGuide’s newest, interactive weekly feature ‘Commute, Toy or Destroy’.
Once again, we present to you, our loyal, dedicated (and incredibly good looking) readers, a choice of three vehicles. We are asking you to decide which one you would make your daily driver, which one would be used to run circles around the competition at local track days, and which one should be stuffed into the outside wall at the Nürburgring karussell… on purpose!
Remember, that commuter car you must live with every day, all year round. The toy would be only available to you for occasional use on weekends or race meets, and the final car would be the one you’d hope your competition would show up in at the track.
This week we select three performance monsters from three different continents. First, from North America is the Corvette ZR1; the car that proved the ‘Vette can hang with anybody. Next, from Asia is a technological wizard, the Nissan GT-R; a true bang-for-the-buck master. Finally, representing Europe is the icon of icons amongst sports cars, the Porsche 911 Turbo. So what are your choices going to be?
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The Corvette has always been a performance bargain, taking on the best from the world for a fraction of the price. But in 2009 Chevrolet created the ultimate Corvette, the ZR1. With a supercharged 6.2L, 638 hp engine and adjustable magnetic suspension, the 3333 lb. Corvette was finally at the performance level of many European exotics.
Nissan GT-R
Nicknamed Godzilla by its fans, the GT-R is a no compromises performance machine. Featuring a 545 hp 3.8 L turbocharged V6, torque vectoring all-wheel drive and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, this Nissan is built with all the right performance bits. But the real secret to the GT-R’s success is the software that controls all of this impressive hardware to produce blindingly quick lap times.
Porsche 911 Turbo
Ever since the 930, Porsche has been adding boost to its flat-6 engine enhancing the already impressive performance of this rear-engine legend. Now cranking 520 hp out of the 3.8L Flat-6, the all-wheel drive 911 still forces all other sports car to consistently raise their game. New for 2014 it now boasts a 0-60 time of just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph.
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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Commute: ZR-1. Reliable, low TCO, better than average ride quality for an exotic. Toy: GT-R. Mind-bending performance, technical sophistication, and race-ready, right from the factory. Destroy: Can't believe I'd say this, but the 911 Turbo, being a German exotic is going to be the least reliable and most expensive to maintain. Put another way, I'd be willing to dance with her, but she wouldn't make for a great long-term marriage. Just too needy.
Toy = All, nothing more.