2017 Lightning Laps Results and Historical Data

[TrickSTer]

These results have me concerned:

Note the first and last entries (I've left the entries in between in, just FYI)

These are the best lap times wrung out of each car on Virginia International Raceways 4.1 mile lap, by all of Car & Drivers staff

171 LL1 Honda Civic Si (2017) 3:14.6 #11 (2017)

172 LL1 Volkswagen GTI (2015) 3:14.6 #9 (2015)
173 LL2 Audi S5 (2008) 3:14.6 #3 (2009)
174 LL1 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 (2010) 3:14.8 #4 (2010)
175 LL2 Honda S2000 CR (2008) 3:15.0 #3 (2009)
176 LL1 Mini Cooper Hardtop JCW (2015) 3:15.4 #9 (2015)
177 LL1 Subaru WRX (2015) 3:15.5 #8 (2014)
178 LL1 Ford Mustang EcoBoost (2015) 3:15.6 #9 (2015)
179 LL1 Pontiac Solstice GXP (2007) 3:15.7 #2 (2008)
180 LL2 Mini Clubman John Cooper Works (2017) 3:16.0 #11 (2017)
181 LL1 Mazdaspeed 3 (2007) 3:16.0 #2 (2008)
182 LL1 Mazdaspeed 3 (2010) 3:16.2 #4 (2010)
183 LL2 Dodge Challenger SRT8 (2008) 3:16.3 #3 (2009)
184 LL1 Subaru Impreza WRX sedan (2011) 3:16.5 #5 (2011)
185 LL1 Subaru Impreza WRX hatchback (2009) 3:16.6 #4 (2010)
186 LL2 Lotus Elise SC (2008) 3:16.6 #3 (2009)
187 LL2 Mazda RX-8 R3 (2010) 3:16.7 #5 (2011)
188 LL1 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth (2017) 3:16.9 #11 (2017)
189 LL1 Mini Cooper JCW (2009) 3:17.1 #4 (2010)
190 Electric Car Tesla Model S P85D (2015) 3:17.4 #10 (2016)
191 SUV Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 (2012) 3:17.4 #6 (2012)
192 LL2 Infiniti G37S (2008) 3:17.5 #3 (2009)
193 LL1 Ford Focus ST (2014) 3:17.6 #8 (2014)
194 Cop Car Dodge Charger Pursuit (2013) 3:17.8 #7 (2013)
195 LL2 Dodge Charger SRT8 (2006) 3:18.2 #1 (2007)
196 LL2 Mini Cooper Coupe JCW (2012) 3:18.4 #6 (2012)
197 LL1 Subaru BRZ (2013) 3:18.6 #7 (2013)
198 LL2 Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2008) 3:19.0 #3 (2009)
199 LL1 Mazda RX-8 (2006) 3:19.0 #1 (2007)
200 LL1 Volkswagen GTI (2015) 3:19.3 #8 (2014)
201 LL1 Volkswagen GTI (2010) 3:19.3 #4 (2010)
202 LL1 Subaru BRZ Performance Package (2017) 3:19.7 #11 (2017)

203 LL1 Ford Fiesta ST (2014) 3:20.4 #8 (2014)

Si Coupe weighs 2889 lb; 205 hp 192 tq

I'm rather surprised it beat the FiST (I know, it actually competes against the FoST)

 

[Truth in Ruin]

The Si yields an LSD. Take that LSD off the Si, and put it in the FiST= FiST curbstomps the Si.

 

[M-Sport fan]

I gave up on anything that rag (and most of the other ones as well) has (have) to say a LONG time ago!!

 

[TrickSTer]

I gave up on anything that rag (and most of the other ones as well) has (have) to say a LONG time ago!!

Haha! Are you sure you're not thinking of MotorTrend?

 

[Joker328]

The FiST is cheaper than every single one of those cars. You get what you pay for in this world. As Truth in Ruin mentioned, the Si (and many of the other cars) have LSDs, which make a big difference on track. And the 2017 Si is a brand new generation. The FiST is starting to show its age. Honestly, if I were buying today and didn't need/want a hatchback, I would definitely be looking closely at the Si.

 

[Steve@Tasca]

While I dislike that magazine overall I really do like the Lightning Lap, it's by far the most accurate way to compare these cars, one course, similar weather conditions and stock car on stock tires.

-Steve

 

[M-Sport fan]

While I dislike that magazine overall I really do like the Lightning Lap, it's by far the most accurate way to compare these cars, one course, similar weather conditions and stock car on stock tires.

-Steve

Yes, but it does NOT eliminate 'driver bias'.

 

[M-Sport fan]

Haha! Are you sure you're not thinking of MotorTrend?

I view them ALL in that same disdainful vein, with possibly Grassroots Motorsports the least biased, although they ARE still biased towards the Far East import nameplates as well.

 

[Burritoman]

I saw that as well, not only does the Si have a Limited-slip, it also has a much bigger tire-235/40R18. I agree with Joker, if I didn't have my Fiesta I'd definitely be looking at a new Si. One of my friends has a base Civic and for the money it is a great car to drive everyday.

 

[Truth in Ruin]

I saw that as well, not only does the Si have a Limited-slip, it also has a much bigger tire-235/40R18. I agree with Joker, if I didn't have my Fiesta I'd definitely be looking at a new Si. One of my friends has a base Civic and for the money it is a great car to drive everyday.

^^^ This. I'd also like to add that it has a 4.10+ gear ratio.

 

[ZREXER]

How did the Si beat an S2000 around the track?

 

[Nightcrew13]

While I dislike that magazine overall I really do like the Lightning Lap, it's by far the most accurate way to compare these cars, one course, similar weather conditions and stock car on stock tires.

-Steve

Makes me wonder which "stock" tires the Fist was wearing?

 

[lytheum]

The fist is much like the brz. More about fun to drive than putting numbers own on paper. No LSD and the torsion beam are gonna hinder performance.

Also look at all the other cars the new SI beat. It's pretty impressive.

 

[bustervic]

At least when you sit in the Civic you don't have to look at the outside of it.

 

[M-Sport fan]

At least when you sit in the Civic you don't have to look at the outside of it.

^^^

 

[Steve@Tasca]

Makes me wonder which "stock" tires the Fist was wearing?

According to the magazine only tires offered as factory options are allowed.

-Steve

 

[Steve@Tasca]

Yes, but it does NOT eliminate 'driver bias'.

While there is no 100% foolproof way to test cars on a perfectly level playing field I can't think of any other that does a better job in doing so. Can you?

Even if you put the same driver in each car you'll have variations in track and air temps throughout the course of the day that will change things. Can't really get a much better set of test results.

-Steve

 

[juliog]

Can't compare results of different years. Weather and time of day play a huge factor. Also the cars are driven by journalists, not pro drivers. So take results with a grain of salt..