Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray?
05-13-2002, 10:18 AM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray?
Carmakers in a Horsepower War
When is 500 hp not enough? How about now?
by Paul A. Eisenstein
“You can never have too much horsepower,” or so goes an old maxim among automotive journalists—one that the auto industry has apparently taken to heart.
When the new Dodge Viper hits showrooms later this year, it will break a barrier both real and psychological, churning out an amazing 500 horsepower, as well as 500 lb-ft of torque. Those are numbers that even the most exotic and expensive supercars could only dream of reaching until a few years ago.
Yet a study conducted by TheCarConnection.com, with the assistance of AutoPacific Inc., suggests that within the next two to three years, as many as 20 vehicles will reach or exceed the watershed 500-hp mark. Heading the list is the long-planned Bugatti Veyron, which will actually more than double the bogey, with the sleek supercar expected to deliver an unreal 1001 horsepower when it finally comes to market in the next year or so.
But what’s perhaps most amazing about this new horsepower race is the fact that it is not limited to roadsters and supercars, points out AutoPacific’s Nick Twork. “With the rare exception of such cars as the Porsche Carrera GT, these aren’t race cars put on the street,” he notes. “And only a few of these are traditional, high-performance sports cars. A lot of these are sedans” that start out with an emphasis on luxury and then add plenty of muscle, he says.
That’s particularly noteworthy because, unlike the supercars of the past, most of the coming class of 500, as it were, should prove unexpectedly easy to drive.
A paltry 400
Why 500? The snide comment would be that 400 hp is too commonplace. But motorists do seem to be asking for more, especially in the U.S., the world’s largest luxury and performance market.
There’s another, more subtle factor playing into this horsepower race. Anyone studying the list of entrants into this exclusive group will notice it is overwhelmingly dominated by German, or German-owned marques.
“There’s an ego war in Germany,” declares AutoPacific’s Twork. Nowhere is that more apparent than VW. The automaker went on a buying spree under the guidance of its recently retired CEO, Ferdinand Piech. The grandson of Ferry Porsche, Piech acquired Lamborghini and Bentley, and revived the once-grand Bugatti brand. But even the core VW brand may make an entrance into the 500-hp club if Piech’s successor, Bernd Pischetsrieder, goes ahead with plans to build the W-12 supercar shown at last October’s Tokyo Motor Show.
Whatever the reason behind this modern-day horsepower race, there’s plenty of new technology available to deliver the muscle, from advanced superchargers to VW’s unusual W-12 engine design.
Then there’s technology such as displacement-on-demand, under development at General Motors and elsewhere, which could yield what was once considered impossible: more power and better fuel economy. Set for debut in 2004, DoD temporarily disables some of the engine’s cylinders while cruising, when power demands are minimal. Stomp on the gas, though, and they snap back into operation. For a mainstream manufacturer, such as GM, this could prove critical, since the automaker has an almost knee-jerk resistance to building any cars that qualify as gas guzzlers under U.S. law.
Coming at warp speed?
Here’s an alphabetical list of the vehicles that seem likely or certain to deliver at least 500 horsepower:
Audi’s upcoming RS6 will come close, but it will take the next-generation model, currently planned for ’06, to break the 500-hp wall. And the S6 may get there as well.
Bentley is about to undergo a massive re-make under the guidance of its new parent, VW. The turbocharged Arnage T comes close, with 450 hp, and the next-generation car, due in 2005, will all but certainly get some added muscle. But the one to watch will be the all-new Bentley GT Coupe, which will be previewed at the upcoming Paris Motor Show and hit the street a year later. Expect at least 500 hp for the “base” model, likely to come in somewhere north of $150,000.
BMW should top the mark with two upcoming models, including the next-generation M5, due in the 2005 model-year, and an all-new M6 coupe set to follow a year later. It appears they will be powered by a road-ready version of the V-10s used on the Formula One circuit.
The Bugatti Veyron, tentatively due to market late next year, promises to deliver 1001 horsepower. Hand-built at a cost of nearly $1 million each, its likely no more than 50 would be built each year.
Will Cadillac enter the fray? The GM division plans to launch a performance series next year with the introduction of the 400-horsepower CTSi. The XLR roadster will come close to, but probably not top, the 500-hp bogey. The division’s most likely candidate would be the Cien supercar, shown at the Detroit auto show last January. Using Displacement-on-Demand, supercharging and other technology, the prototype makes 750 hp. Insiders say Cien is close to winning a production go-ahead, but a final decision is still months away.
The 2003 Dodge Viper’s redesigned V-10 gets an extra 50 ponies, putting it at an even 500. And with the new roadster even lighter than the original, it’s going to be, without question, the fastest car at a relatively affordable price.
Ferrari’s new 575M easily makes it into this exclusive niche, with 515 horses under its sculpted hood. But all eyes are on the exotic Formula One-inspired F60, which was given a sneak preview at, of all places, a Tokyo art gallery last month. The automaker hints of numbers closer to 650 hp. A full reveal is likely in Paris this coming September.
Cross-town rival Lamborghini currently holds the horsepower edge with the V-12-powered Murcielago. But will Lambo be content with only 575 hp once Ferrari’s F60 hits the street? Don’t count on it. You can expect a new car priced well below the Murc’s starting $230,000, however. And at least 500 hp would be a safe bet, as well.
Maybach, the reborn luxury marque from DaimlerChrysler, has crafted an all-new, 12-cylinder powertrain in keeping with its price tag, which will average in excess of $300,000. Custom-built for each individual customer, Maybach’s short and long-wheelbase models are likely to deliver a minimum of 550 hp.
Then there’s Mercedes-Benz, which is actively emphasizing performance, especially with the expanding line-up from its “tuner” division, AMG. The new E-Class E55 will approach but not cross the 500-horsepower bridge. But that’s gotten the automaker to think twice about the AMG version of its new roadster, the SL55. Originally rated 476 hp, Mercedes is retuning the sports car to ensure it remains the brand’s performance leader, which may put it over 500. With a Mercedes version of the Maybach engine, the S60 AMG should break the barrier, too, as will the SLR supercar due to market sometime next year, likely as a 2004 model.
Porsche may make some of the fastest cars in the world, but it’s falling behind in the horsepower race. The top-line GT2 offers buyers a respectable 456 horsepower and 0-60 times of under four seconds. But it’s likely going to take the debut of the Carrera GT, essentially a track-ready road car, to put Porsche over the top.
Wrapping up the list is a nameplate not normally associated with high-performance, but like its former British sibling, Rolls-Royce is undergoing a massive makeover at the hands of its own new owner, BMW. The precise launch dates for the next-generation RR1 sedan and RR2 coupe remain fluid, though the target appears to be sometime during the 2000 model-year. Expect both models to at least offer a 500-hp engine option.
Notable absences
As long as this list is already, it could grow even longer as other makers vie for bragging rights. Notably absent is Ford Motor Co., the members of its high-line Premier Automotive Group, in particular. Ford’s GT40 is a limited-production, road-ready version of the legendary race car that dominated the European circuit three decades ago. It is expected to deliver something in the mid-400-hp range, but might the automaker feel pressure to bump that up a bit?
Aston Martin’s aging Vantage delivers a respectable 420 hp, while the new Vanquish V-12 pumps out 460. Could this British brand find the makings of another 40 hp? After all, can James Bond afford to drive something that might not keep up with his his-class foes?
Then there’s Jaguar. The automaker has traditionally lagged in the muscle market, but the introduction of the new S-Type R suggests it isn’t happy being an also-ran. Neither the next-generation XJ sedan, nor the supercharged XJR are likely to hit 500, but to keep the replacement XK sports car competitive, Jaguar may have to play the numbers game.
:chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy
Also missing from the list is Chevrolet’s Corvette. Traditionally the American iron to beat, the Z06 version is certainly no slouch, storming from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. But it no longer has horsepower bragging rights. That could change with the next-generation C6 now under development. Sources suggest the Z06 version of the C6 might push past 500. :confused:
:chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy
Even the “people’s car” could be heading for the horsepower stratosphere. As noted earlier, Volkswagen is giving serious thought to producing the W-12 supercar. And then there’s the $70,000 Phaeton, due to market in Europe this year and the U.S. in 2003. Right now, its version of the W-12 should produce somewhere in the 450-hp range, but considering the automaker’s recent moves, it may feel the need for some additional speed and horsepower.
Considering that only a few years ago, 300 horsepower was considered a serious performance target, will this horse race settle down at 500? There are technical reasons why it may be hard to go much further, though fuel costs and environmental concerns might be bigger obstacles, at least for some manufacturers. But the way things are going, it seems likely that the industry is going to keep pushing the numbers as far as they can go.
When is 500 hp not enough? How about now?
by Paul A. Eisenstein
“You can never have too much horsepower,” or so goes an old maxim among automotive journalists—one that the auto industry has apparently taken to heart.
When the new Dodge Viper hits showrooms later this year, it will break a barrier both real and psychological, churning out an amazing 500 horsepower, as well as 500 lb-ft of torque. Those are numbers that even the most exotic and expensive supercars could only dream of reaching until a few years ago.
Yet a study conducted by TheCarConnection.com, with the assistance of AutoPacific Inc., suggests that within the next two to three years, as many as 20 vehicles will reach or exceed the watershed 500-hp mark. Heading the list is the long-planned Bugatti Veyron, which will actually more than double the bogey, with the sleek supercar expected to deliver an unreal 1001 horsepower when it finally comes to market in the next year or so.
But what’s perhaps most amazing about this new horsepower race is the fact that it is not limited to roadsters and supercars, points out AutoPacific’s Nick Twork. “With the rare exception of such cars as the Porsche Carrera GT, these aren’t race cars put on the street,” he notes. “And only a few of these are traditional, high-performance sports cars. A lot of these are sedans” that start out with an emphasis on luxury and then add plenty of muscle, he says.
That’s particularly noteworthy because, unlike the supercars of the past, most of the coming class of 500, as it were, should prove unexpectedly easy to drive.
A paltry 400
Why 500? The snide comment would be that 400 hp is too commonplace. But motorists do seem to be asking for more, especially in the U.S., the world’s largest luxury and performance market.
There’s another, more subtle factor playing into this horsepower race. Anyone studying the list of entrants into this exclusive group will notice it is overwhelmingly dominated by German, or German-owned marques.
“There’s an ego war in Germany,” declares AutoPacific’s Twork. Nowhere is that more apparent than VW. The automaker went on a buying spree under the guidance of its recently retired CEO, Ferdinand Piech. The grandson of Ferry Porsche, Piech acquired Lamborghini and Bentley, and revived the once-grand Bugatti brand. But even the core VW brand may make an entrance into the 500-hp club if Piech’s successor, Bernd Pischetsrieder, goes ahead with plans to build the W-12 supercar shown at last October’s Tokyo Motor Show.
Whatever the reason behind this modern-day horsepower race, there’s plenty of new technology available to deliver the muscle, from advanced superchargers to VW’s unusual W-12 engine design.
Then there’s technology such as displacement-on-demand, under development at General Motors and elsewhere, which could yield what was once considered impossible: more power and better fuel economy. Set for debut in 2004, DoD temporarily disables some of the engine’s cylinders while cruising, when power demands are minimal. Stomp on the gas, though, and they snap back into operation. For a mainstream manufacturer, such as GM, this could prove critical, since the automaker has an almost knee-jerk resistance to building any cars that qualify as gas guzzlers under U.S. law.
Coming at warp speed?
Here’s an alphabetical list of the vehicles that seem likely or certain to deliver at least 500 horsepower:
Audi’s upcoming RS6 will come close, but it will take the next-generation model, currently planned for ’06, to break the 500-hp wall. And the S6 may get there as well.
Bentley is about to undergo a massive re-make under the guidance of its new parent, VW. The turbocharged Arnage T comes close, with 450 hp, and the next-generation car, due in 2005, will all but certainly get some added muscle. But the one to watch will be the all-new Bentley GT Coupe, which will be previewed at the upcoming Paris Motor Show and hit the street a year later. Expect at least 500 hp for the “base” model, likely to come in somewhere north of $150,000.
BMW should top the mark with two upcoming models, including the next-generation M5, due in the 2005 model-year, and an all-new M6 coupe set to follow a year later. It appears they will be powered by a road-ready version of the V-10s used on the Formula One circuit.
The Bugatti Veyron, tentatively due to market late next year, promises to deliver 1001 horsepower. Hand-built at a cost of nearly $1 million each, its likely no more than 50 would be built each year.
Will Cadillac enter the fray? The GM division plans to launch a performance series next year with the introduction of the 400-horsepower CTSi. The XLR roadster will come close to, but probably not top, the 500-hp bogey. The division’s most likely candidate would be the Cien supercar, shown at the Detroit auto show last January. Using Displacement-on-Demand, supercharging and other technology, the prototype makes 750 hp. Insiders say Cien is close to winning a production go-ahead, but a final decision is still months away.
The 2003 Dodge Viper’s redesigned V-10 gets an extra 50 ponies, putting it at an even 500. And with the new roadster even lighter than the original, it’s going to be, without question, the fastest car at a relatively affordable price.
Ferrari’s new 575M easily makes it into this exclusive niche, with 515 horses under its sculpted hood. But all eyes are on the exotic Formula One-inspired F60, which was given a sneak preview at, of all places, a Tokyo art gallery last month. The automaker hints of numbers closer to 650 hp. A full reveal is likely in Paris this coming September.
Cross-town rival Lamborghini currently holds the horsepower edge with the V-12-powered Murcielago. But will Lambo be content with only 575 hp once Ferrari’s F60 hits the street? Don’t count on it. You can expect a new car priced well below the Murc’s starting $230,000, however. And at least 500 hp would be a safe bet, as well.
Maybach, the reborn luxury marque from DaimlerChrysler, has crafted an all-new, 12-cylinder powertrain in keeping with its price tag, which will average in excess of $300,000. Custom-built for each individual customer, Maybach’s short and long-wheelbase models are likely to deliver a minimum of 550 hp.
Then there’s Mercedes-Benz, which is actively emphasizing performance, especially with the expanding line-up from its “tuner” division, AMG. The new E-Class E55 will approach but not cross the 500-horsepower bridge. But that’s gotten the automaker to think twice about the AMG version of its new roadster, the SL55. Originally rated 476 hp, Mercedes is retuning the sports car to ensure it remains the brand’s performance leader, which may put it over 500. With a Mercedes version of the Maybach engine, the S60 AMG should break the barrier, too, as will the SLR supercar due to market sometime next year, likely as a 2004 model.
Porsche may make some of the fastest cars in the world, but it’s falling behind in the horsepower race. The top-line GT2 offers buyers a respectable 456 horsepower and 0-60 times of under four seconds. But it’s likely going to take the debut of the Carrera GT, essentially a track-ready road car, to put Porsche over the top.
Wrapping up the list is a nameplate not normally associated with high-performance, but like its former British sibling, Rolls-Royce is undergoing a massive makeover at the hands of its own new owner, BMW. The precise launch dates for the next-generation RR1 sedan and RR2 coupe remain fluid, though the target appears to be sometime during the 2000 model-year. Expect both models to at least offer a 500-hp engine option.
Notable absences
As long as this list is already, it could grow even longer as other makers vie for bragging rights. Notably absent is Ford Motor Co., the members of its high-line Premier Automotive Group, in particular. Ford’s GT40 is a limited-production, road-ready version of the legendary race car that dominated the European circuit three decades ago. It is expected to deliver something in the mid-400-hp range, but might the automaker feel pressure to bump that up a bit?
Aston Martin’s aging Vantage delivers a respectable 420 hp, while the new Vanquish V-12 pumps out 460. Could this British brand find the makings of another 40 hp? After all, can James Bond afford to drive something that might not keep up with his his-class foes?
Then there’s Jaguar. The automaker has traditionally lagged in the muscle market, but the introduction of the new S-Type R suggests it isn’t happy being an also-ran. Neither the next-generation XJ sedan, nor the supercharged XJR are likely to hit 500, but to keep the replacement XK sports car competitive, Jaguar may have to play the numbers game.
:chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy
Also missing from the list is Chevrolet’s Corvette. Traditionally the American iron to beat, the Z06 version is certainly no slouch, storming from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. But it no longer has horsepower bragging rights. That could change with the next-generation C6 now under development. Sources suggest the Z06 version of the C6 might push past 500. :confused:
:chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy :chevy
Even the “people’s car” could be heading for the horsepower stratosphere. As noted earlier, Volkswagen is giving serious thought to producing the W-12 supercar. And then there’s the $70,000 Phaeton, due to market in Europe this year and the U.S. in 2003. Right now, its version of the W-12 should produce somewhere in the 450-hp range, but considering the automaker’s recent moves, it may feel the need for some additional speed and horsepower.
Considering that only a few years ago, 300 horsepower was considered a serious performance target, will this horse race settle down at 500? There are technical reasons why it may be hard to go much further, though fuel costs and environmental concerns might be bigger obstacles, at least for some manufacturers. But the way things are going, it seems likely that the industry is going to keep pushing the numbers as far as they can go.
05-13-2002, 10:28 AM
#2
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Here's the best looking car GM has designed to date
Quite A Cien
By Warren Clarke
Cadillac turns 100 next year. That's quite a milestone, and the manufacturer has, quite understandably, planned a bit more than just candles and a chocolate cake to mark this momentous event. In celebration of gray old age and survival, the company has given itself what is, in fact, a very special gift (let's all join in the chorus: "Happy Birthday to Me"). That gift is the Cien concept, a mid-engined two-seat sports car that Cadillac describes as "a befitting icon to usher in the brand's 100th anniversary."
As the Evoq concept illustrated not so long ago, Cadillac's latest design philosophy is about cooking up future-world rides built on sharp lines and sleek silhouettes. The Cien is perhaps the most attractive of the vehicles borne from this philosophy; its sheetmetal evokes classic sports car glamour and potency — reinterpreted, of course, for the new millennium. The vehicle's lines are geometric and angular; Cadillac says that its design was inspired by modern-day Stealth airplanes, and the car does, in fact, share that craft's low-slung, high-tech grace. In front, trapezoidal air inlets meld to create an imposing-looking grille with Cadillac's centrally mounted badge providing visual confirmation of the car's bloodlines; slanted, vertical headlamps give the car's front fascia an aggressive tilt. The Cien's profile gets its edge thanks to dual retractable air inlets, scissor-style doors and a striking fender line. In rear, the vehicle boasts an adjustable rear spoiler and vertical taillights that call to mind the Eldorado.
The future-forward look of the car's sheetmetal is also reflected in its interior. Aluminum and carbon-fiber accents are teamed with lush materials, melding edgy technical starkness with luxury. The cockpit features a full complement of telematics, including Night Vision (which helps drivers see beyond the car's headlamp's via thermal imaging), OnStar, StabiliTrak and Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist. A system called Communiport fuses the vehicle's audio, computing, navigation and wireless communication via hands-free voice activation. LCD panel screens reflect data from the Cien's navigation system and rearview cameras. And sound is pumped into the car's cabin via state-of-the-art headrest speakers.
The Cien delivers on its visual promise of power with a 7.5-liter V12 that kicks out 750 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque (despite its testosterone-packed grunt, the all-aluminum engine still manages to meet the fuel economy standards of a V8). The concept engine — dubbed a Northstar XV12 — offers a number of nifty breakthrough features. General Motor's Displacement on Demand technology maximizes fuel efficiency by occasionally allowing the car to run on six cylinders. A combined starter generator allows for faster, more muted starts. And a direct-injection gasoline combustion system amps up power, sharpens fuel efficiency and cuts down emissions. The car is governed by a semi-automatic tranny with racing-style electronic paddle shifting crafted to handle its high-torque engine.
GM has stated that of all Cadillac's recently unveiled concepts, the Cien is the least likely to become a production driver. That's too bad. But, looking on the bright side, the Cien does prove that Cadillac is capable of crafting a winner — one worthy of lust and adoration.
By Warren Clarke
Cadillac turns 100 next year. That's quite a milestone, and the manufacturer has, quite understandably, planned a bit more than just candles and a chocolate cake to mark this momentous event. In celebration of gray old age and survival, the company has given itself what is, in fact, a very special gift (let's all join in the chorus: "Happy Birthday to Me"). That gift is the Cien concept, a mid-engined two-seat sports car that Cadillac describes as "a befitting icon to usher in the brand's 100th anniversary."
As the Evoq concept illustrated not so long ago, Cadillac's latest design philosophy is about cooking up future-world rides built on sharp lines and sleek silhouettes. The Cien is perhaps the most attractive of the vehicles borne from this philosophy; its sheetmetal evokes classic sports car glamour and potency — reinterpreted, of course, for the new millennium. The vehicle's lines are geometric and angular; Cadillac says that its design was inspired by modern-day Stealth airplanes, and the car does, in fact, share that craft's low-slung, high-tech grace. In front, trapezoidal air inlets meld to create an imposing-looking grille with Cadillac's centrally mounted badge providing visual confirmation of the car's bloodlines; slanted, vertical headlamps give the car's front fascia an aggressive tilt. The Cien's profile gets its edge thanks to dual retractable air inlets, scissor-style doors and a striking fender line. In rear, the vehicle boasts an adjustable rear spoiler and vertical taillights that call to mind the Eldorado.
The future-forward look of the car's sheetmetal is also reflected in its interior. Aluminum and carbon-fiber accents are teamed with lush materials, melding edgy technical starkness with luxury. The cockpit features a full complement of telematics, including Night Vision (which helps drivers see beyond the car's headlamp's via thermal imaging), OnStar, StabiliTrak and Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist. A system called Communiport fuses the vehicle's audio, computing, navigation and wireless communication via hands-free voice activation. LCD panel screens reflect data from the Cien's navigation system and rearview cameras. And sound is pumped into the car's cabin via state-of-the-art headrest speakers.
The Cien delivers on its visual promise of power with a 7.5-liter V12 that kicks out 750 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque (despite its testosterone-packed grunt, the all-aluminum engine still manages to meet the fuel economy standards of a V8). The concept engine — dubbed a Northstar XV12 — offers a number of nifty breakthrough features. General Motor's Displacement on Demand technology maximizes fuel efficiency by occasionally allowing the car to run on six cylinders. A combined starter generator allows for faster, more muted starts. And a direct-injection gasoline combustion system amps up power, sharpens fuel efficiency and cuts down emissions. The car is governed by a semi-automatic tranny with racing-style electronic paddle shifting crafted to handle its high-torque engine.
GM has stated that of all Cadillac's recently unveiled concepts, the Cien is the least likely to become a production driver. That's too bad. But, looking on the bright side, the Cien does prove that Cadillac is capable of crafting a winner — one worthy of lust and adoration.
05-13-2002, 07:17 PM
#3
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Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (MagicMtnDan)
All the reading is giving me a migrain :crazy:
Good info but I doubt that the C6 will make 500 but maybe, they do have reason to. :yesnod:
Good info but I doubt that the C6 will make 500 but maybe, they do have reason to. :yesnod:
05-14-2002, 04:18 PM
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Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (SBR)
well, i think HP is great, but would rather see a competitive 0-60 and quarter mile times mixed in with world class handling any day over just a fast 0-60 and quarter mile times. I drive my car daily so those first two are great but i am also concerned with handling in real world conditions.
05-15-2002, 01:48 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (MagicMtnDan)
Of course horsepower is a commonly-quoted and (mis)understood indicator of performance, but 500hp in a 6,000-lb car is very different from 500hp in a 3,000-lb car. The article has that gee-whiz did-you-know the-sky-is-falling rueful ignorance common to mainstream media. Its effect is to stir the anti-performance sentiments of the masses, i.e. startle the herd.
Oh my god, could it be that cars are stronger, faster, better than before?
In my neighborhood, nobody asks about horsepower. They all want to know "how fast'll she go?" (Question #2: "Could you put dubs on it?") Different people have different indicators for performance and prestige. And seldom do they have anything to do with how the car will stack up against the competition on the street or on the track.
I hope C6 *doesn't* have 500hp and still delivers lap times competitive with Viper. That to me indicates a better car.
.Jinx
[Modified by Jinx, 9:49 AM 5/15/2002]
Oh my god, could it be that cars are stronger, faster, better than before?
In my neighborhood, nobody asks about horsepower. They all want to know "how fast'll she go?" (Question #2: "Could you put dubs on it?") Different people have different indicators for performance and prestige. And seldom do they have anything to do with how the car will stack up against the competition on the street or on the track.
I hope C6 *doesn't* have 500hp and still delivers lap times competitive with Viper. That to me indicates a better car.
.Jinx
[Modified by Jinx, 9:49 AM 5/15/2002]
05-15-2002, 02:29 PM
#7
Team Owner
Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (Jinx)
NO THE C6 WILL NOT ENTER THE FRAY!!!!
Because if it does ... it will cost as much as those cars ... we are comparing 70k+ cars with a car that has been targeted at the mainstream ....
<<<<<<< IF anyone at GM reads this >>>>>>>>>
If you want to enter the 500HP+ line... do it with a Special Model .."Z06" .. not with the standard model....
There are many who would pay the extra 10K for the HP ... but many who wouldnt ... but like Jinx said ... many of the other cars are HEAVY ... and if the weight to HP ratios are close ... who cars ...
Because if it does ... it will cost as much as those cars ... we are comparing 70k+ cars with a car that has been targeted at the mainstream ....
<<<<<<< IF anyone at GM reads this >>>>>>>>>
If you want to enter the 500HP+ line... do it with a Special Model .."Z06" .. not with the standard model....
There are many who would pay the extra 10K for the HP ... but many who wouldnt ... but like Jinx said ... many of the other cars are HEAVY ... and if the weight to HP ratios are close ... who cars ...
05-15-2002, 09:31 PM
#9
Team Owner
Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (Reeves)
"Could you put dubs on it?"
:confused: What's a dub?
:confused: What's a dub?
05-15-2002, 10:32 PM
#10
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Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (NewVetteLover)
a "DUB" is a 20 inch rim ... its a slang term ...
05-15-2002, 10:36 PM
#11
Team Owner
Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (Reeves)
a "DUB" is a 20 inch rim ... its a slang term ...
I feel so old. :D
I feel so old. :D
Hey ... being old ... is not a bad thing ... :cool:
05-16-2002, 01:54 AM
#12
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Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (MagicMtnDan)
the C-6 engine will be 395 ci,450 hp, twincam in the block with variable displacement. :chevy
05-16-2002, 01:39 PM
#13
Team Owner
Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (clem zahrobsky)
the C-6 engine will be 395 ci,450 hp, twincam in the block with variable displacement. :chevy
05-16-2002, 02:45 PM
#14
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Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (NewVetteLover)
Hp to Weight does effect acceleration, however these super heavy cars with tons of HP will still smoke you in the top end. Weight has very very little to do with top speed.
05-16-2002, 02:47 PM
#15
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Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (NewVetteLover)
GM power train engineers made the statement in a car magazine. :chevy
05-16-2002, 03:01 PM
#16
Burning Brakes
Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (clem zahrobsky)
That's funny. The guy with the Stage 1 kit doesn't want a Corvette that costs 70K and pushes out 500HP. <rofl>.
I want a modern day ZR1 or a new big block Vette. One that you can stick slicks and gears on and go turn 10's.... or push past 200MPH (either one) while still carving up a corner and give it a cool exhaust note.
I want a modern day ZR1 or a new big block Vette. One that you can stick slicks and gears on and go turn 10's.... or push past 200MPH (either one) while still carving up a corner and give it a cool exhaust note.
05-17-2002, 12:21 AM
#17
Team Owner
Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (ZROne)
[QUOTE]That's funny. The guy with the Stage 1 kit doesn't want a Corvette that costs 70K and pushes out 500HP. <rofl>.
[QUOTE]
While the TT makes my car cost 70K ... it was a gift from my grandfather after his death ... I could not have afforded it without his money ... (he paid for the whole thing) ... otherwise ... I am still struggling to make the payments on this 43K Vette ....
I just think that a ZR1 type package is great ... but it should not be the base model ... a 400HP base model ... with a 500HP ZR1/Z06 type of package is fine with me ... but a 500HP base C6 ... if it costs more than 55K ... is going to loose a whole bunch of its future customers ...
[QUOTE]
While the TT makes my car cost 70K ... it was a gift from my grandfather after his death ... I could not have afforded it without his money ... (he paid for the whole thing) ... otherwise ... I am still struggling to make the payments on this 43K Vette ....
I just think that a ZR1 type package is great ... but it should not be the base model ... a 400HP base model ... with a 500HP ZR1/Z06 type of package is fine with me ... but a 500HP base C6 ... if it costs more than 55K ... is going to loose a whole bunch of its future customers ...
05-17-2002, 06:38 PM
#18
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Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (NewVetteLover)
Trust me, Clem knows his stuff. Check out his Bio, ex-NASCAR inspector and engine builder.
05-18-2002, 10:06 AM
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Re: Carmaker Horsepower Wars - Will Corvette C6 Enter the Fray? (clem zahrobsky)
the C-6 engine will be 395 ci,450 hp, twincam in the block with variable displacement. :chevy
:crazy:
