[8cam]

Standing next to it, with the Z ahead, it was shocking just how large it looked. The Z looked like a Miata...a very wide Miata.

The sound is otherworldly, fantastic. That flat-crank V8 sounds like a crazed animal, especially off-throttle with all the spits and pops (sport mode is awesome). It really does sound like a much bigger version of my 308's V8. I only drove it for about 15 minutes, and it's still in the break-in period so I didn't go much over 5k rpm, but even then it's just astounding. The turn-in is super-responsive and will grab quickly if you're not careful. The clutch is a little strange, with resistance in the first inch, and then it's like tissue paper, very light, with a pinpoint engagement. Nothing like the progressive clutch in the Corvette. Oh and the brakes are RIGHT NOW.

Honestly I loved it, and if I was new car shopping in the $60-70k range, this would be a strong contender. Absolutely amazing car. It was a fun afternoon.

I will say it's also amazing how well the ZR-1 compares, being 26 years old. It's clearly a bit slower in all respects, but the steering turn-in and feel is pretty similar. The seat/steering wheel/pedal relationship is surprisingly similar, and those Recaro seats feel almost exactly like the 90 sport seats.

The real kicker will be when he brings it to the next autocross and we can compare notes. I fully expect him to be a lot quicker, but it'll be fun to run after him.