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We just did a 0-60 mph comparison test of the Bolt with 16" X 6.5" Cruze OEM mags, with the Bridgestone Potenza RE71 205/45 series tires mounted, versus the oem stock wheels and tires. These rims weigh about 19-20 pounds, so may be several pounds lighter than OEM ones.
The results, after several runs averaged, was that we cut the time by better than 0.25 seconds. which is excellent. I figure the difference in times is more important than the actual time obtained, as conditions and cars always differ. We ran the car to an indicated 65 mph for the Potenzas, to make up for the 8% lower gearing. Times were taken with an Accusplit timer, which only those who raced in the '60s would be familiar with. Look it up on Google.
We turned off traction control for both sets of runs, to be consistent, but left stability control on. Interestingly, even the OEM tires only chirped a small amount, due to the clean dry concrete highway we tested on, (from a stop light, so no laws were broken, or even stretched) And even with the lower gearing, the Potenzas had more grip than needed, as there was absolutely no trace of wheel chirp.
So, Mr. Tavel, thanks for doing a superb job on the Bolt suspension and handling. We are quite pleased.
On the handling issue, we added a prototype 3/4" hollow tube sway bar to the back suspension, and will be evaluating that at an autocross Sunday. I will try to add a comment here by afternoon. (California time) Preliminary skid pad tests indicate a larger one would probably be better, and the materials are ordered to make the next version.
The results, after several runs averaged, was that we cut the time by better than 0.25 seconds. which is excellent. I figure the difference in times is more important than the actual time obtained, as conditions and cars always differ. We ran the car to an indicated 65 mph for the Potenzas, to make up for the 8% lower gearing. Times were taken with an Accusplit timer, which only those who raced in the '60s would be familiar with. Look it up on Google.
We turned off traction control for both sets of runs, to be consistent, but left stability control on. Interestingly, even the OEM tires only chirped a small amount, due to the clean dry concrete highway we tested on, (from a stop light, so no laws were broken, or even stretched) And even with the lower gearing, the Potenzas had more grip than needed, as there was absolutely no trace of wheel chirp.
So, Mr. Tavel, thanks for doing a superb job on the Bolt suspension and handling. We are quite pleased.
On the handling issue, we added a prototype 3/4" hollow tube sway bar to the back suspension, and will be evaluating that at an autocross Sunday. I will try to add a comment here by afternoon. (California time) Preliminary skid pad tests indicate a larger one would probably be better, and the materials are ordered to make the next version.
