The ZR-1 Corvette LT5 engine is DOHC design and was jointly developed by Lotus & Chevrolet in the late 80's. The Northstar engine is the direct result of the LT5 design. The ZR-1 Corvette set the 24 hr speed record (among others) covering 4,221 miles at an avg speed of 175.885 mph. It should be noted that this feat was accomplished with an engine taken at random from the mfg plant at mercury Marine, with no modifications whatsoever.

Everything stated about DOHC engines in this thread is true, but there should be no doubt as to the reliability of the LT5 DOHC engine. The 24 hr record stood for 50 yrs before the ZR-1 Corvette captured it and it continued on to also take the 5,000 mile record away from Mercedes, averaging 174 mph. It still holds those records today as the fastest production automobile.

 

Dear Iowavette,

I would also like to compliment you on you're synopsis regarding Cadillac's, I truly believe since I've owned many new Cadillac's the one main concern of the American public has to do with the fact cadillac's continually go up price wise yet their overall features stay the same.


Example, I own a 2003 SLS, and a 2004 STS although their was a 15,000 dollar difference in the price of the cars their identical. I believe with the prices of automobiles, the immediate consumer wants more for their money not the same.

I've always loved Cadillac's, but to be honest the vehicals being produced today are no longer worth their price tags. The reason for my response, is due to the fact Gm,and ford follow the same pattern higher prices yet sub standard features.

Thanks,
Tony

 

Sadly, this annua price hike occurs in just about every brand, so unless you want to drive a base model car built in korea, there isnt much of a choice...[:@]

 

Dear Patrick,

I understand you're pricing synopsis, but when the price of the car goes up yet the quality stays the same you're better off driving a korean car.

Cadillac's average price has gone up 20% per year yet their warranty has stayed the same. Other models prices have increased, yet the warranty has extended for greater coverage. it's a mattter of brand name and stature, or price and warranty.

I've owned new Cadillacs since 1993, with no disrespect to anyone it's time for a change. My new car will be a Mercedes Benz S500, I'll let you know which one is better.( But I'm sure we both can already answer that question)

Take care,
Tony

 

One of my girlfriends just bought a Mercedes. Don't ask me the model, they all look the same. The exterior fit and finish are good, nice paint. The interior was pretty standard stuff and in fact was hard to differentiate from her prior Camry. She herself is complaining because the Camry had more power plug in locations. This gal is a technodweeb with the company at which we both work and relies on a blackberry and cell. I don't plug in all that stuff in my SRX since On-Star supersedes the need. I do plug in a detector and a portable XM stereo player. Tried to get her in an STS but she instead test drove a CTS. Where women get the urge to drive small cars is beyond me. She is a yuppie dink, but hoped she'd give the acquisition more thought this time around. Peer pressure is a major factor with her husband a dentist and their running buddies a pack of attorneys. As I've said in the past, it takes a strong sense of self to carry off a Cadillac and many Americans are losing that with the constant negative bombardment from the main-stream media. A lot of people are subject to the lemming factor even if they don't recognize it in themselves.

As for Cadillac pricing, all the other luxury brands play catch up with Cadillac technology. Let's talk about head up display, the night vision since dropped for lack of interest, and magnetic ride control. Tony, if I wasn't such a glass half full individual, I'd think you were a troll. My bet is your ride is a used rice grinder, probably an Infiniti if not a Honda or Acura. Find your own site. My husband is our 'minister of finance.' He's been able to find me incredible deals off the internet. It does involve relatively significant drives to pick up the cars but it's more than worth it.

On another note, the local dealer, Edwards Archer, just got an XLR-V in that they're hiding in a back shop along with the owner's other toys. You should see this thing! My better half has been after me to consolidate [Avalanche, Z06, SRX]. This vehicle is almost motivation to do so. If I hadn't just gotten a shocking window replacement estimate, I might follow through. I'm going to drive it this weekend. Amazing since the major dealer, Huber, across the river won't allow drives in a standard XLR. Don't get me wrong, Huber's my favorite but it's privately owned and value their cars dear. Haven't been able to close a Corvette or Cadillac deal there yet.