MSG C5

I know there is a lot of speculation due to GM's silence and delayed announcement of the camo-covered test mule, however I'm curious how many think it's a remodeled Z06 vs. a ZR1? Based on what I've read so far both on and off this Forum, below are my pros & cons that it is a Z06 vs. a ZR1.

Pros:

- Based on reports from those who have seen this car in person, the engine and exhaust note are similar to the current LT4 Z06

- Outside of the increased cooling vents (hood, front fascia, side vents) there doesn't seem to be any other major cosmetic differences to the current Z06

- Multiple different rear wing types (both coupe and convertible) meaning that the additional aero may just be a remodeled Z07 track package

- New engine type (LT5) listed on leaked 2018 GM production document, but the same document still only lists three Corvette models; Stingray, Grand Sport, and Z06


Cons:

- History of the ZR1 (C6) making it's debut near the end of the generational run

- Cosmetic hints of new wheels and blue (ZR1-only) brake calipers

- Production costs - If this is the 2018 Z06, why did GM even make subtle changes to improve the cooling in the 2017 Z06?

- LT5 listed in previously leaked 2018 GM document - Twin Turbo?

OnPoint

I think it's a ZR.

mtaylor

Im hoping its zr1 because im ordering a 17 z06

MSG C5

That's my point and the reason I started the thread.

I'm OK if it's a ZR1 as I'm targeting a $90K-ish 2017 Z06. It will be 98% street driven with a few track runs (M7).

I will be disappointed if it's a Z06 with improved aero, cooling, and HP for 2018.

The pictures of the test mules have been purposely deceiving as they have includes coupes, verts, wings, small wings, blue calipers, red calipers, etc. so that's why I'm thinking it may be the Z06.

Plus, if they release it as a ZR1, I wonder if the other aero and cooling vents will be incorporated into the 2018 Z06 or if the Z06 will remain cosmetically unchanged.

TRANS DAMM

the LT5 is going in the Mid-Engine car, the Zr1 is getting another blown 6.2 with the new Eaton 2650. There is absolutely zero chance or reason that's an "updated" Z06. Vette gave up mid cycle refreshes with the C4. To spend the money on R&D it makes more sense to give it a new nameplate.

BOBSZ06

Better cooling....duh;
More HP........duh.

Call it anything you want..........It is coming soon.

MSG C5

Thanks. So you think the additional cooling vents, etc. will be specific to the ZR1? For example, wouldn't GM benefit from adding the updated front fascia with the additional cooling vents to the Z06 and Grand Sport than maintaining separate molds?

With the extended plant shut down previously announced, many are speculating this means the entire C7 lineup is being refreshed cosmetically however agree, after the extended C3 and C4 generations, GM has stopped mid cycle cosmetic refreshes choosing to release new models instead.

johnglenntwo

They would have to fill them with coolers and try to sell that.
Better to bring it out on a more extreme car and then let people (all those people!?) upgrade if desired.

TRANS DAMM

of course but they need to differentiate the models some how to make the upcharge worthwhile.. aside from wheels/tires, do you think it costs that much more to make the stingray a "wide body" from the start. if every C7 was a wide body the reason to buy a Z/GS would be decreased and I think the cost would be almost identical with less molds and a simpler manufacturing process (all cars being the same)

C5North

If it is I'm actually fine with it. I couldn't stand that gigantic goofy *** wing on my street car.

mtaylor

If it does end up being the zr1 I don't foresee any of the fascia changes making it to the z06.

MSG C5

I agree and I certainly hope they do a better job differentiating the C7 ZR1 than they did on the C6 ZR1. I know two guys who griped that their C6 ZR1s didn't have enough differences to the Z06 from a cosmetic perspective. One guy told me he was never a fan of the clear hood window that displayed a plastic cover.

OnPoint

It displays the aluminum intercooler. . . . but I get your point. Many people don't like the window - kind of a some do/some don't sort of thing.

MSG C5

I thought it was cool but this one owner didn't. If they keep the Z06 the same and the camo test mule is indeed a ZR1, than there will definitely be more cosmetic differences for the C7 version than the C6.

OnPoint

I bet that's what they do. In any event, we'll know in a few months.

The ME will interesting as well. Some cool stuff coming.

2fastnow

I think a ME Vette is exciting. GM will naturally do it the best. I think its being built of a lengthened Fiero frame...cool!

Garret

Do this then...Wait on the 2017 and if it's a new car with new extras you just have to have cough up the cash for the new one, whatever they call it ....if not, think of the deal you will get on a 2017 by then You have plenty of time.