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We’re still unsure as to what the hardcore, track-ready Corvette prototype will be called when it decides to show face, but the media at large has dubbed it the next ZR1. While the jury is out on the name, a new GM patent has spoiled a surprise for the upcoming car.
Patents, first discovered by AutoGuide, detail an active aerodynamic system for the C7 Corvette. Specifically, the patents show a basic layout of what look like the C7 Corvette ZR1 prototype we’ve spied on numerous occasions. The patent was filed on March 23, 2017, and is for “vehicle ride-height determination for control of vehicle aerodynamics.”
The patent spoils various elements involved with the Corvette’s active aero system, which includes an adjustable spoiler, an air dam, a splitter, a diffuser and shutter. These components would all adjust per data fed into the system.
Additionally, the patent goes on to state the system features “a mechanism configured to vary a position of the adjustable aerodynamic-aid element relative to the vehicle body to thereby control a movement of the ambient airflow relative to the vehicle body.” Images also detail a sensor used to detect the ride height of the vehicle and cross check it against a reference frame. A controller can then tell the system to regulate aero based on the sensor’s readings.
It’s a pretty serious system for the Corvette and it shows, whatever track-focused model this turns out to be, the car truly means business.
Motorweek's Viper story just aired and we see a Corvette upgrade for the future.
The Hurican Performante has this stuff so a world class response here!!!!!(A Fun 2017 Summer!)
It may be a load reducing necessity too!
Last edited by johnglenntwo; 03-25-2017 at 07:57 PM.
We’re still unsure as to what the hardcore, track-ready Corvette prototype will be called when it decides to show face, but the media at large has dubbed it the next ZR1. While the jury is out on the name, a new GM patent has spoiled a surprise for the upcoming car.
Patents, first discovered by AutoGuide, detail an active aerodynamic system for the C7 Corvette. Specifically, the patents show a basic layout of what look like the C7 Corvette ZR1 prototype we’ve spied on numerous occasions. The patent was filed on March 23, 2017, and is for “vehicle ride-height determination for control of vehicle aerodynamics.”
The patent spoils various elements involved with the Corvette’s active aero system, which includes an adjustable spoiler, an air dam, a splitter, a diffuser and shutter. These components would all adjust per data fed into the system.
Additionally, the patent goes on to state the system features “a mechanism configured to vary a position of the adjustable aerodynamic-aid element relative to the vehicle body to thereby control a movement of the ambient airflow relative to the vehicle body.” Images also detail a sensor used to detect the ride height of the vehicle and cross check it against a reference frame. A controller can then tell the system to regulate aero based on the sensor’s readings.
It’s a pretty serious system for the Corvette and it shows, whatever track-focused model this turns out to be, the car truly means business.
Apparently GM is going to abandon leaf springs. And move the engine about 18" forward in the chassis.
Those sketches are so inaccurate and askew I doubt they're anything more than the product of some engineering grad school student's project.
The patent applications that have been discussed ad nauseum for the last several years have produced nothing that was speculated for Corvette development. This is probably something along the lines of the recently invented term of "fake news".
It is, however, comical that people will fuel speculation for months and years while sitting idle on the sidelines.
S.
Apparently GM is going to abandon leaf springs. And move the engine about 18" forward in the chassis.
Those sketches are so inaccurate and askew I doubt they're anything more than the product of some engineering grad school student's project.
The patent applications that have been discussed ad nauseum for the last several years have produced nothing that was speculated for Corvette development. This is probably something along the lines of the recently invented term of "fake news".
It is, however, comical that people will fuel speculation for months and years while sitting idle on the sidelines.
S.
It's comical how some only feel relevant when speaking negative...however it's much safer than dare risk being wrong
I didn't see anything that looked like active aero on either low or high winged ZR1's. They appeared to be adjustable but were still a fixed wing.
The patent application details a number of variable surfaces, sensors and controllers some or all of which may not be on the cars seen. The patent application seems to have as many ride height control mechanisms (active suspension) as it does aero surface controls. I'd be surprised if 50% of control mechanisms make it into production in upcoming ZR1's observed at track.
Rumors of Mustang with additional static aero and possibly variable control surfaces are popping up as well.
; It's standard operation engineering procedure to go after and beat a competitors technology one piece at a time. The Vette's smaller aero compared to the Viper is probably evidence of that. This will yield less drag and more straight line speed! The Ediff. is more precise and considering the transaxle too nets a measure of compliance missing in the Viper. Better Corvette electronics!?
It would seem all is good, and there simply is now a Corvette very competitive to a very fast Viper!
Last edited by johnglenntwo; 03-28-2017 at 08:31 AM.
03-20-2017, 10:33 AM
Possible!?
)!
(A Fun 2017 Summer!
)
(turbos in the valley!) 
