Driving in the USA

cymatty

cymatty

cymatty

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I am going to las vegas in May and on the final day I am hiring one of these from Hertz.

2r77e6f.jpg


Now does anyone know which year it is likely to be.

Also any hints and tips for driving in the USA.

Thanks. :)
 
driving in the US consists of cruising slowly in a straight line.
you can usually turn right on red unless otherwise stated, and you can overtake on the left or the right.

thats about it really :p
 
It'll most likely be a new one, a ZHZ if it's from Hertz (their 'special' edition)

corvette.jpg


Their website will tell you...

Ah, I see you're looking at the 'fun' range.....It'll be a 2007/8/9 C6 Convertible most likely, they did start making them in 2005 but I'd be surprised if it was that old, the one for hire :)

Compared to the fifth generation, the "C6" gets an overhaul of the suspension geometry, all new bodywork with exposed headlamps (for the first time since 1962), a larger passenger compartment, a larger 6.0 L (364 cu in; 5967 cc) engine, and a much higher level of refinement.[1] Overall, it is 5.1 inches (13 cm) shorter than the C5, but its wheelbase has increased by 1.2 inches (3 cm). It is also one inch (2.5 cm) narrower. The 6.0 L LS2 V8 produces 400 hp (298 kW) at 6000 rpm and 400 lb·ft (542 N·m) of torque at 4400 rpm.

With an automatic transmission, the Corvette achieves 15/25 mpg (city/highway); the manual-transmission model gets 16/26 mpg.[2] The Corvette's manual transmission is fitted with Computer Aided Gear Shifting (CAGS), obligating the driver to shift from 1st directly to 4th when operating at lower RPMs. This boosts the EPA's derived fuel economy thus allowing the buyer to avoid paying the "gas guzzler" tax.

For the 2008 model, the Corvette receives a new engine, the LS3. With displacement increased to 6.2 liters (376 cu in; 6162 cc)[3] , power is increased to 430 hp (321 kW) and 424 lb·ft (575 N·m) of torque, or 436 hp (325 kW) and 428 lb·ft (580 N·m) with the optional vacuum actuated valve exhaust.[4] The previous Tremec T56 transmission on manual Corvettes was replaced with a new version, the TR6060, in model year 2008.[5] Manual Corvettes have improved shift linkage; the automatic model is set up for quicker shifts, and (according to Chevrolet) goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, faster than any other production automatic Corvette.[6] According to automotive review website New Car Test Drive, the Corvette's 0 to 60 time is actually 4.2 seconds, faster than both the Porsche 911 Carrera and the Jaguar XK8.[7] The steering has also been tightened up for much improved feel. The wheels were also updated to a new five-spoke design.[6]
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I've done a fair bit of driving in the US. What would you like to know? ;)

mjt said:
you can usually turn right on red unless otherwise stated, and you can overtake on the left or the right.
Click to expand...
Yep. Stop at light, verify the intersection will be clear, turn right. If you can't there'll be a sign near the light that says NO RIGHT ON RED or similar.

You can technically overtake from either side, but only a jerk does it from the outside lane. Pass in the fast lane on the left please.
 
Lashout_UK said:
It'll most likely be a new one, a ZHZ if it's from Hertz (their 'special' edition)


Their website will tell you...

Ah, I see you're looking at the 'fun' range.....It'll be a 2007/8/9 C6 Convertible most likely, they did start making them in 2005 but I'd be surprised if it was that old, the one for hire :)
Click to expand...

Was looking at the special edition one but the only difference is that it is a hard top and has a different exhaust that adds 6bhp. However it is twice as much to rent.

So depending upon what yr it is will depend on the power output which i think varies quite a lot. Hope I get lucky.

BillytheImpaler said:
I've done a fair bit of driving in the US. What would you like to know? ;)

Yep. Stop at light, verify the intersection will be clear, turn right. If you can't there'll be a sign near the light that says NO RIGHT ON RED or similar.
Click to expand...

Just the basics really like the above turn right on red, and any other differences between driving in the UK and the USA, apart from it being on the other side of the road.
 
Being a rental it'll likely have an automatic transmission. If you've never used one you should know how to use that first so that you don't look like a ninny at the rental lot. :p

Be sure you know how to get from the airport to your hotel, as getting lost as your first order of business would suck.

EDIT: This might be of interest to you: http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/british/driving.htm
 
BillytheImpaler said:
Being a rental it'll likely have an automatic transmission. If you've never used one you should know how to use that first so that you don't look like a ninny at the rental lot. :p

Be sure you know how to get from the airport to your hotel, as getting lost as your first order of business would suck.

EDIT: This might be of interest to you: http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/british/driving.htm
Click to expand...

Cheers for that very useful, will need to learn how to drive an auto as I have never done it before, dont want to look a tool at the lot. :)
 
A brief synopsis: Press down on brake using your right foot as usual. Your left foot is not invited to this party, stash it somewhere else. Start the car. Shift it from P (park) to D (Drive). Slowly lift up on the brake and the car will start to creep forward at a little less than idle speed. If you want to go slower than that ride the brake a little. If you want to go faster use the accelerator, obviously. When stopping brake smoothly as usual until you stop. Don't need to do anything with the accelerator.

Be sure not to have a moment where your left foot reaches for the clutch in a panic stop, only to hit the extra-wide brake pedal and upset the car in an already taxing situation. Being that it's a Corvette it'd be a quick way to get rear-ended.
 
BillytheImpaler said:
Be sure not to have a moment where your left foot reaches for the clutch in a panic stop, only to hit the extra-wide brake pedal and upset the car in an already taxing situation. Being that it's a Corvette it'd be a quick way to get rear-ended.
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Cheers for that seems simple enough (famous last words)

I cant wait to cruise the strip in it and get it valet parked. Oh dear I am really sad aint I.:o
 
If for whatever reason the car stalls you will not be able to engage the starter while in gear. You have to be in either Park or Neutral. When in Park you have to be stopped because a sprag engages to stop the car from rolling away. Most trannies will let you shift into Neutral while in motion but be safe. Pull over and stop before distracting yourself with restarting the engine. Be careful not to accidentally engage Reverse while moving forward. That would be expensive.
 
driving in the states is a piece of ****, don't worry (i did about 8k over there last year).

Ohio has great motorway services btw Billy :D
 
cymatty, won't make that much difference as the 2005-2007 models (barring higher performance ones like the Z06 & ZR1, obviously) all have the LS2 6.0 V8 with 400hp and 400lb.ft.

Only the 2008/9 models are slightly higher-powered, with their 6.2 litre LS3s, at ~430hp and ~430lb.ft :)
 
Lashout_UK said:
cymatty, won't make that much difference as the 2005-2007 models (barring higher performance ones like the Z06 & ZR1, obviously) all have the LS2 6.0 V8 with 400hp and 400lb.ft.

Only the 2008/9 models are slightly higher-powered, with their 6.2 litre LS3s, at 430hp and 424lb.ft :)
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Cheers sounds good :cool:
 
Oh just go find a set of lights, ditch the TC, lock it in first, stand on the brakes, floor it and sit there for as long as you desire in a cloud of smoke :D

You know ya wanna....

Or make a fast exit, lock in 1st (get ready to shift mind), foot on brakes, build the revs up a bit then release the brake and away you go!

Be wary of turning the TC off though, if you're not messing around somewhere "safe", as they will light up through the gears with ease - and hard! Easy to end up facing the other way :D




:D

Don't be afraid to drive the auto like a manual. That's why it's still got a stick :D
 
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with a UK driving license you will be like the stig compared to the average american. Dont overtake a school bus if it stops. I was told never to do this. Don't pay any attention to the traffic lights telling you when you can get on the interstate. Nobody in illinois did anyway.
 
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