Took a little trip to the city of Le Mans by the Sarthe River in France last night.
I finally got to drive a 2010 Camaro SS. So I fired this Black beast up and headed out. First thing I notice is how quiet it is. I'm allowed a couple practice laps, having never driven this course before. Luckily they have heard of my great driving skills threw the years. So there was no problem getting the ok. So, after donning my helmet, I set out in this pure stock SS.
Getting up to speed I feel the power of this beast. I do mean beast. First thing I notice is the under steer going into the first couple of turns. Giving it a little power it would kick the rear out some. So I'm feeling a little more comfortable I start kicking the speed up some heading for the Mulsanne Straight. But it showing it's weight going into the turns
For me, because of my well known skill, the Mulsanne Straight is devoid of the turn outs. I have a full top speed straight ahead of me.
As I make the long right hander on to the the straight I jump on the LS3 and let her go.
Shifting out of forth, at 156 mph, to fifth the LS motor is still pulling hard. Now the weight is helping the vehicle remain stable down the straight. I hit a dip at 163 mph and the car stays planted. Just before the slight dog leg I hit 174 mph. Then I shift into sixth and the Camaro doesn't have the power to maintain that speed in that gear, so I down shift to fifth just as I get to the dog leg. Things get a little hairy but it gets thru the right hand dog leg OK at 170 mph.
Finishing up the lap, I run a 4:358. Not bad for my first full speed run at Le Mans.
I ran one more lap and was able to improve my time to 4:284 and a top speed of 176.
They did allow me to drive an assortment of High Performance Vehicles that night. I took notes if you want to hear about a Z06, R8 V10, GT 40, Ford GT, S281E, Shelby GT500...etc.
Le Mans 8.44 mile course
