Picked up my Mag Red, Z51, 6-speed beauty at the Museum two weeks ago today. Drove it home: took 2 and 1/2 days. Averaged 72.6 mph and 25.5 mpg. This was about the same speed as last time, but got 0.7 mpg less in the C6. Probably has to do with the lower gearing on the Z51. Car seems to run about 2200 in 6th at 90, compared to 1900 in my C5.

Anybody who hasn't done the NCM delivery: it's a MUST DO! The car comes out better than those shipped to dealers, because the build sheet carries a Museum Delivery designation (a big M) and the factory knows that any problems will be brought back to them.

Car ran super. Drove it nice the first 500 miles: varied speed, nothing over 65, no cruise, etc. After than, it was just normal driving: 80 - 95. Took it up to about 125 once (in the Texas panhandle). A radar detector is a must for that trip. Mine went off at least 12 times - mostly in Arkansas and New Mexico. I think those states use traffic enforcement revenue as a primary substitute for taxes.

The car rides so much smoother than my C5, even though it's a Z51 and my old ones were standard suspension. Still quite a bit of wind buffet with the roof panel off though. HUD is great, though the G meter makes you want to see how high you can get it in corners: not a good thing.

The electric door handles take a bit of getting used to. The car doesn't unlock until you touch the handle, and then it takes a second. The easiest thing it to just tap it twice. You also have to remember to put the trans in Reverse when you shut off the engine or the accessory mode remains on and will drain your battery. The folks at the NCM said they ran several batteries down before they learned. I always check the "off light" on the switch, because I used to leave the car in 1st.

For the most part, it feels much like a C5 - only BETTER at almost everything. The shifter is much better: not only is it a shorter throw, but the pattern is tighter. I installed a Ripper on my last C5, but I may not bother this time.

Sure has a lot more torque in 6th gear. At 70, you can pretty much pass at will, as long as you're on reasonably flat land. The first two gears are almost too low for daily driving, but man does it pull away from a light.

BIGGEST PROBLEM? It's way too quiet. I hope somebody gets a good system for it soon.

Hope that gets some of you early delivery guys to salivating. I know I am . . . every time I open the garage.

Did your C6 use any oil in those 2,500 miles?

I know Corsa is working to get a C6 exhaust to market ASAP!

Thanks LoyalSince72 for that nice report. It's the honest
real-life information that I like to hear. The reverse
information will be helpful to many people but not necessarily
passed on to the new owners. I'm sure the Museum tries to
inform the R8C people in their presentation now that they
have learned the hard way.