25.09.2008
Ever wondered how a performance icon of the past would fair against its modern successor? We have, and for rather longer than is healthy, which is why we’re introducing a regular series of shoot-outs around Silverstone’s awesome GP circuit.
Taking the format of our new-look in-car telemetry laps we’ll give you each protagonist’s vital statistics before taking you for a flat-out ride around Silverstone’s challenging 3.2-mile lap. With two in-car camera views, external shots, lap data and corner-by-corner commentary (plus a written comparison and images in First Look) it’ll be the next best thing to being in the passenger seat with us.
The first to pair to square-up to one another are true heavyweight heroes: Vauxhall’s gruntmungous VXR8 saloon –now powered by the latest generation 6.2-litre LS3 V8- and its legendary ancestor, the mighty twin-turbocharged Lotus Carlton.
Given the Carlton is the best part of 20 years old the result should be a foregone conclusion, but there’s so little to choose between them on paper we’re really not sure which will prevail. That’s why we’d like you to have a guess yourselves, in our latest DR Club members’ competition.
Simply click on the LINK for the question and details of how to enter. It’s well worth doing, as the winner will be riding shotgun in a future Silverstone shoot-out. Good luck.
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45 Comments
Richard - DR
September 26, 2008We should have said in the main story, but if any of you have similar pairings you’d like to see lapped at Silverstone let us know.
They don’t all have to be old v new like the Lotus Carlton v VXR8, they could be contemporary cars with the same engine (like the Scirocco v Golf GTI). They don’t even have to be pairings: assuming we can secure enough time at Silverstone (and find willing owners!) we could do a whole family of cars, say the M3 from E30 through to E92, or RS 911s from 2.7 to 997 GT3. It would certainly be a great way to chart progress.
Anyway, have a think, let us know what you’d like to see and we’ll do our best to make them happen.
Richard - DR
September 26, 2008We should have said in the main story, but if any of you have similar pairings you’d like to see lapped at Silverstone let us know.
They don’t all have to be old v new like the Lotus Carlton v VXR8, they could be contemporary cars with the same engine (like the Scirocco v Golf GTI). They don’t even have to be pairings: assuming we can secure enough time at Silverstone (and find willing owners!) we could do a whole family of cars, say the M3 from E30 through to E92, or RS 911s from 2.7 to 997 GT3. It would certainly be a great way to chart progress.
Anyway, have a think, let us know what you’d like to see and we’ll do our best to make them happen.
Richard - DR
September 26, 2008We should have said in the main story, but if any of you have similar pairings you’d like to see lapped at Silverstone let us know.
They don’t all have to be old v new like the Lotus Carlton v VXR8, they could be contemporary cars with the same engine (like the Scirocco v Golf GTI). They don’t even have to be pairings: assuming we can secure enough time at Silverstone (and find willing owners!) we could do a whole family of cars, say the M3 from E30 through to E92, or RS 911s from 2.7 to 997 GT3. It would certainly be a great way to chart progress.
Anyway, have a think, let us know what you’d like to see and we’ll do our best to make them happen.
Steve Lang
September 26, 2008Personal curiosity this one. The new JDM Civic Type R is supposed to be as quick around the Honda test circuit as the NSX. Wonder what the comparison round Silverstone will be?
Steve Lang
September 26, 2008Personal curiosity this one. The new JDM Civic Type R is supposed to be as quick around the Honda test circuit as the NSX. Wonder what the comparison round Silverstone will be?
Steve Lang
September 26, 2008Personal curiosity this one. The new JDM Civic Type R is supposed to be as quick around the Honda test circuit as the NSX. Wonder what the comparison round Silverstone will be?
Robbie
September 26, 2008I’d like to see Panda 100HP vs. SportKA vs. Twingo GT. Mainly because they’re the three cars I could buy next, although I think the Panda is my best option.
Robbie
September 26, 2008I’d like to see Panda 100HP vs. SportKA vs. Twingo GT. Mainly because they’re the three cars I could buy next, although I think the Panda is my best option.
Robbie
September 26, 2008I’d like to see Panda 100HP vs. SportKA vs. Twingo GT. Mainly because they’re the three cars I could buy next, although I think the Panda is my best option.
Danny
September 26, 2008robbie, don’t write off the sport KA, they are going very cheap and are a great drive.
Danny
September 26, 2008robbie, don’t write off the sport KA, they are going very cheap and are a great drive.
Danny
September 26, 2008robbie, don’t write off the sport KA, they are going very cheap and are a great drive.
Richard - DR
September 27, 2008I reckon the JDM CTR would have the NSX no problem (standard, not NSX-R I hasten to add!)
If you take a look at the Civic’s corner speeds through Copse, Stowe and Bridge in the DR TV telemetry laps you’ll see it gives even a 997 GT2 a good run for its money. What a great car!
Richard - DR
September 27, 2008I reckon the JDM CTR would have the NSX no problem (standard, not NSX-R I hasten to add!)
If you take a look at the Civic’s corner speeds through Copse, Stowe and Bridge in the DR TV telemetry laps you’ll see it gives even a 997 GT2 a good run for its money. What a great car!
Richard - DR
September 27, 2008I reckon the JDM CTR would have the NSX no problem (standard, not NSX-R I hasten to add!)
If you take a look at the Civic’s corner speeds through Copse, Stowe and Bridge in the DR TV telemetry laps you’ll see it gives even a 997 GT2 a good run for its money. What a great car!
Pedro Sousa
September 29, 2008On a ‘Old’ vs ‘New’ basis:
Clio Williams vs Twingo RS (cup)
Yaris T-Sport(1.5) vs Yaris T-Sport(1.8) (I believe it’s called t-spirit in the UK)
Clio V6 vs Clio RS (cup – 2008)
Pedro Sousa
September 29, 2008On a ‘Old’ vs ‘New’ basis:
Clio Williams vs Twingo RS (cup)
Yaris T-Sport(1.5) vs Yaris T-Sport(1.8) (I believe it’s called t-spirit in the UK)
Clio V6 vs Clio RS (cup – 2008)
Pedro Sousa
September 29, 2008On a ‘Old’ vs ‘New’ basis:
Clio Williams vs Twingo RS (cup)
Yaris T-Sport(1.5) vs Yaris T-Sport(1.8) (I believe it’s called t-spirit in the UK)
Clio V6 vs Clio RS (cup – 2008)
Charles Martin - Bassett
September 30, 2008It would be nice to see a new Subaru Impreza WRX STI pitted against one of the classic versions to see how the hatchback compares to the saloon version.
Charles Martin - Bassett
September 30, 2008It would be nice to see a new Subaru Impreza WRX STI pitted against one of the classic versions to see how the hatchback compares to the saloon version.
Charles Martin - Bassett
September 30, 2008It would be nice to see a new Subaru Impreza WRX STI pitted against one of the classic versions to see how the hatchback compares to the saloon version.
Ed Fiasco
October 1, 2008I’d be interested in a skyline shootout, although pitting anything against the r35 may be a little pointless, but it would certainally be interesting to see how the r32, 33,and 34 compare in a contolled environment. Would be good to see the r35 against the R34 nismo 400r or one of the reputable tuning companies efforts.
alan
October 1, 2008how about the new 997 vs 993 or even 964 ?
or just to indulge you, how about F40 vs enzo !!
alan
October 1, 2008how about the new 997 vs 993 or even 964 ?
or just to indulge you, how about F40 vs enzo !!
alan
October 1, 2008how about the new 997 vs 993 or even 964 ?
or just to indulge you, how about F40 vs enzo !!
Richard - DR
October 1, 2008They all sound good. We’re due to do the Lotus Carlton v VXR8 laps this afternoon. If it rains the Carlton is going to be a monster!
Richard - DR
October 1, 2008They all sound good. We’re due to do the Lotus Carlton v VXR8 laps this afternoon. If it rains the Carlton is going to be a monster!
Richard - DR
October 1, 2008They all sound good. We’re due to do the Lotus Carlton v VXR8 laps this afternoon. If it rains the Carlton is going to be a monster!
Richard - DR
October 5, 2008Hmm, it did rain. Then it dried a bit. Then it rained a bit more. Then it dried a little. Then our video camera broke. Then we ran out of time!
Then we went back the next day and begged for some track time. Got the Carlton and VXR8 back to Silverstone, completed some laps and fell in love with the old LC. The lap times are interesting…
See preview vid on DR TV for a taste of what’s to come next week.
Richard - DR
October 5, 2008Hmm, it did rain. Then it dried a bit. Then it rained a bit more. Then it dried a little. Then our video camera broke. Then we ran out of time!
Then we went back the next day and begged for some track time. Got the Carlton and VXR8 back to Silverstone, completed some laps and fell in love with the old LC. The lap times are interesting…
See preview vid on DR TV for a taste of what’s to come next week.
Richard - DR
October 5, 2008Hmm, it did rain. Then it dried a bit. Then it rained a bit more. Then it dried a little. Then our video camera broke. Then we ran out of time!
Then we went back the next day and begged for some track time. Got the Carlton and VXR8 back to Silverstone, completed some laps and fell in love with the old LC. The lap times are interesting…
See preview vid on DR TV for a taste of what’s to come next week.
Pedro Sousa
October 6, 2008I believe there is more to talk about feel instead of lap times!
Pedro Sousa
October 6, 2008I believe there is more to talk about feel instead of lap times!
Pedro Sousa
October 6, 2008I believe there is more to talk about feel instead of lap times!
Steve (DR)
October 7, 2008We fully agree with you Pedro. One thing we would like to discover in these shoot-outs is exactly how much is being lost (or gained) as manufacturers introduce more technology to the cars we drive. Our gut feel is that we’ve lost out in the evolution towards electric power assisted steering, ESP and ABS, but have we? It will be interesting to find out.
Steve (DR)
October 7, 2008We fully agree with you Pedro. One thing we would like to discover in these shoot-outs is exactly how much is being lost (or gained) as manufacturers introduce more technology to the cars we drive. Our gut feel is that we’ve lost out in the evolution towards electric power assisted steering, ESP and ABS, but have we? It will be interesting to find out.
Steve (DR)
October 7, 2008We fully agree with you Pedro. One thing we would like to discover in these shoot-outs is exactly how much is being lost (or gained) as manufacturers introduce more technology to the cars we drive. Our gut feel is that we’ve lost out in the evolution towards electric power assisted steering, ESP and ABS, but have we? It will be interesting to find out.
Adam Davis
October 9, 2008In light of Richard’s comment on charting progress and Steve’s on how much tech innovation has played it’s part, it would be great to see the development of all wheel drive being used as a performance tool, perhaps focussing on rally bred stuff. You could start with an Ur-Quattro and progress through the Integrale. Before you get to the Impreza/Lancer generation, throw in, say, a Celica GT-Four and Escort Cossie to bridge the gap, then a selection of Impreza/Lancer up to the latest versions. All assuming availability of course!
Adam Davis
October 9, 2008In light of Richard’s comment on charting progress and Steve’s on how much tech innovation has played it’s part, it would be great to see the development of all wheel drive being used as a performance tool, perhaps focussing on rally bred stuff. You could start with an Ur-Quattro and progress through the Integrale. Before you get to the Impreza/Lancer generation, throw in, say, a Celica GT-Four and Escort Cossie to bridge the gap, then a selection of Impreza/Lancer up to the latest versions. All assuming availability of course!
Adam Davis
October 9, 2008In light of Richard’s comment on charting progress and Steve’s on how much tech innovation has played it’s part, it would be great to see the development of all wheel drive being used as a performance tool, perhaps focussing on rally bred stuff. You could start with an Ur-Quattro and progress through the Integrale. Before you get to the Impreza/Lancer generation, throw in, say, a Celica GT-Four and Escort Cossie to bridge the gap, then a selection of Impreza/Lancer up to the latest versions. All assuming availability of course!
Richard - DR
October 9, 2008We’ll try to get more of the subjective feel of each car across in the in-car commentary to provide shades of grey to supplement the black and white of the lap time. We’ll also do our best to get a written piece up in First Look to go with the DR TV ‘Feud’ footage. Forgive me for not getting the Carlton and VXR8 copy up yet, but things have been mighty busy over the last week or so. Not that I expect any sympathy, obviously
Richard - DR
October 9, 2008We’ll try to get more of the subjective feel of each car across in the in-car commentary to provide shades of grey to supplement the black and white of the lap time. We’ll also do our best to get a written piece up in First Look to go with the DR TV ‘Feud’ footage. Forgive me for not getting the Carlton and VXR8 copy up yet, but things have been mighty busy over the last week or so. Not that I expect any sympathy, obviously
Richard - DR
October 9, 2008We’ll try to get more of the subjective feel of each car across in the in-car commentary to provide shades of grey to supplement the black and white of the lap time. We’ll also do our best to get a written piece up in First Look to go with the DR TV ‘Feud’ footage. Forgive me for not getting the Carlton and VXR8 copy up yet, but things have been mighty busy over the last week or so. Not that I expect any sympathy, obviously
Dave Knott
October 16, 2008Dickie, Monkey, Jethro – what about keeping a table of all the lap times on the website? That way we can easily compare and contrast each car’s performance without having to watch loads of individual telemetry laps…. (apologies if it is somewhere on the wensite – I haven’t spotted it yet!)
Re: pairings – I’d love to see the following:
1. Clio Trophy vs Clio 197
2. Elise R vs VX Turbo
3. JDM CTR vs M3
4. BMW 135i vs 350Z
5. MR2 vs Elise S
6. BMW 330d vs 330i
7. JDM CTR vs Megane R26 230
I reckon anyone of those shoot outs would be great to watch.
Keep up the great work with DR!
Dave Knott
October 16, 2008Dickie, Monkey, Jethro – what about keeping a table of all the lap times on the website? That way we can easily compare and contrast each car’s performance without having to watch loads of individual telemetry laps…. (apologies if it is somewhere on the wensite – I haven’t spotted it yet!)
Re: pairings – I’d love to see the following:
1. Clio Trophy vs Clio 197
2. Elise R vs VX Turbo
3. JDM CTR vs M3
4. BMW 135i vs 350Z
5. MR2 vs Elise S
6. BMW 330d vs 330i
7. JDM CTR vs Megane R26 230
I reckon anyone of those shoot outs would be great to watch.
Keep up the great work with DR!