Any new updates on the supposed Zora ZR1 (C8) mid-engine Corvette?
01-15-2016, 05:55 PM
#21
Le Mans Master
Tadge has stated repeatedly that he does not and WILL not talk about future products or company strategy. He is obligated to deny...let's be real. Ray Charles can see that.
01-15-2016, 06:06 PM
#22
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"In honor of jpee"
More click bait, no actual information.
As far as Bob Lutz, he retired from GM in 2010, almost 6 years ago. He has no insight into what current plan are at GM. The fact that he said the C7 was supposed to be mid-engined, and GM (for the umpteenth time) DIDN'T build a mid-engine Corvette says more about GM's mind set, I think. GM has built many mid-engine prototypes beginning in the 1960s. Not one has come to fruition.
If we're going to quote GM employees, maybe we should try quoting a current employee, not a retired one:
May 2015 http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...ngine-corvette
October 2015: http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2015/...siness-school/
(I would argue that missions is described above: "daily driver, long-distance tourer as well, handle benignly on the track, and have accessible performance".)
As far as Bob Lutz, he retired from GM in 2010, almost 6 years ago. He has no insight into what current plan are at GM. The fact that he said the C7 was supposed to be mid-engined, and GM (for the umpteenth time) DIDN'T build a mid-engine Corvette says more about GM's mind set, I think. GM has built many mid-engine prototypes beginning in the 1960s. Not one has come to fruition.
If we're going to quote GM employees, maybe we should try quoting a current employee, not a retired one:
May 2015 http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...ngine-corvette
October 2015: http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2015/...siness-school/
(I would argue that missions is described above: "daily driver, long-distance tourer as well, handle benignly on the track, and have accessible performance".)
01-15-2016, 06:13 PM
#23
More click bait, no actual information.
As far as Bob Lutz, he retired from GM in 2010, almost 6 years ago. He has no insight into what current plan are at GM. The fact that he said the C7 was supposed to be mid-engined, and GM (for the umpteenth time) DIDN'T build a mid-engine Corvette says more about GM's mind set, I think. GM has built many mid-engine prototypes beginning in the 1960s. Not one has come to fruition.
If we're going to quote GM employees, maybe we should try quoting a current employee, not a retired one:
May 2015 http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...ngine-corvette
also, re when asked about renewed mid-engined Corvette speculation on John McElroy's Autoline After Hours, Juechter denied knowledge, stating: "I'll have to check that out, because I know no such car exists." (at least not yet).
If he is so sure no such car exists, and he should as chief corvette engineer, what is there to check? He's giving a lawyer type answer, as he is obligated to do as part of his contract.
October 2015: http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2015/...siness-school/
(I would argue that missions is described above: "daily driver, long-distance tourer as well, handle benignly on the track, and have accessible performance".)
As far as Bob Lutz, he retired from GM in 2010, almost 6 years ago. He has no insight into what current plan are at GM. The fact that he said the C7 was supposed to be mid-engined, and GM (for the umpteenth time) DIDN'T build a mid-engine Corvette says more about GM's mind set, I think. GM has built many mid-engine prototypes beginning in the 1960s. Not one has come to fruition.
If we're going to quote GM employees, maybe we should try quoting a current employee, not a retired one:
May 2015 http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...ngine-corvette
also, re when asked about renewed mid-engined Corvette speculation on John McElroy's Autoline After Hours, Juechter denied knowledge, stating: "I'll have to check that out, because I know no such car exists." (at least not yet).
If he is so sure no such car exists, and he should as chief corvette engineer, what is there to check? He's giving a lawyer type answer, as he is obligated to do as part of his contract.
October 2015: http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2015/...siness-school/
(I would argue that missions is described above: "daily driver, long-distance tourer as well, handle benignly on the track, and have accessible performance".)
http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars...tte-test-mule/
re when asked about renewed mid-engined Corvette speculation on John McElroy's Autoline After Hours, Juechter denied knowledge, stating: "I'll have to check that out, because I know no such car exists." (at least not yet).
as chief engineer, what is there to check out? he gave a lawyer type answer as obligated to do under his contract. don't forget the c7 jalopnik pictures that came out over a year before the c7 release date and gm denied them right up until the car was released.
Last edited by senah; 01-15-2016 at 06:34 PM.
01-15-2016, 08:44 PM
#24
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CORVETTE TODAY Host
St. Jude Donor'15
Oh God.....here we go again........
01-15-2016, 09:05 PM
#26
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vdavenp802 (01-16-2016)
01-15-2016, 11:23 PM
#28
Safety Car
And you don't believe Tadge, but believe someone who hasn't been associated with GM for 6 years, which is an eternity in terms of product development?
Last edited by meyerweb; 01-15-2016 at 11:25 PM.
01-16-2016, 01:43 AM
#29
Safety Car
Can't deny that interview.
In my opinion, Tadge took the direction he had to based upon budget, BUT built in the possibility that he could sell it at a later date to the execs. The C7 frame was designed in a way that the passenger cell could be shared, thus absorbing some development cost.
I think now it depends on return on investment from the C7 thus far, on whether or not they may potentially build the thing. Only people inside know the numbers. Time will tell.
In my opinion, Tadge took the direction he had to based upon budget, BUT built in the possibility that he could sell it at a later date to the execs. The C7 frame was designed in a way that the passenger cell could be shared, thus absorbing some development cost.
I think now it depends on return on investment from the C7 thus far, on whether or not they may potentially build the thing. Only people inside know the numbers. Time will tell.
Unfortunately, most of the scuttlebutt now is that Cadillac needs the mid engine more than Corvette, and more than one person has shared that it will more than likely, at least initially, consequently go to Cadillac.
01-16-2016, 01:50 AM
#30
this subject will be discussed as speculation until either gm produces a midengine sports car or goes out of business and with over 1000 views in less than 36 hours, it draws above average interest.
if Lutz's report that Tadge claimed that a midengine model could be mass produced for $5000 more than a front mounted engine model is accurate, there is a lot of profit to be garnered at $120K or so sales price.
if Lutz's report that Tadge claimed that a midengine model could be mass produced for $5000 more than a front mounted engine model is accurate, there is a lot of profit to be garnered at $120K or so sales price.
Last edited by senah; 01-16-2016 at 02:09 AM.
01-16-2016, 12:32 PM
#31
I think its entirely likely that GM is exploring a mid engine sports car platform. That said, if it is not significantly better on the track than the current C7 layout it will not be a next gen Vette. It would have to be VERY good to do that without AWD.
On the other hand, a mid engine Caddilac does not need to compete with the prior gen vette, only needs status, looks and bragging rights.
So my theory is that yes, a mid engine platform is indeed in development but unless it gets AWD and significant track prowess, its unlikely to be a next gen Vette.
Just because its mid engine, does not mean its better. Not with the current state of the art in front engine, rear trans, rear drive with computer controlled traction and stability in the current gen Vette and that is not sitting still either.
On the other hand, a mid engine Caddilac does not need to compete with the prior gen vette, only needs status, looks and bragging rights.
So my theory is that yes, a mid engine platform is indeed in development but unless it gets AWD and significant track prowess, its unlikely to be a next gen Vette.
Just because its mid engine, does not mean its better. Not with the current state of the art in front engine, rear trans, rear drive with computer controlled traction and stability in the current gen Vette and that is not sitting still either.
01-16-2016, 03:09 PM
#33
Why, oh why do you care? If you really have to have a mid engine go buy one there are plenty out there. But, please oh please leave the Corvette as it is.
If you really need the answer consult Jules Verne, or H.G. Wells.
I for one will NEVER click on a C8/Zora/mid engine thread again.
If you really need the answer consult Jules Verne, or H.G. Wells.
I for one will NEVER click on a C8/Zora/mid engine thread again.
01-16-2016, 05:22 PM
#35
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St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
They've been predicting a mid-engine Vette for decades. They have a perfect record for being wrong.
01-18-2016, 02:54 PM
#37
Drifting
Thread Starter
You people are insufferable. If you don't like a new C8 thread, don't read it. Certainly don't post in it. What a bunch of aholes.
01-18-2016, 04:01 PM
#38
Yowser, I can understand why u said that. ..
for grins the other day I went to page 56x something
And read a lot of the spectlation posts about the C7!
omg - it was almost like the talks on a c8 0r mid-engine zora now! Including all the dead horse posts!
I know it may get talked to adnasum but heck every one knows thry are unlikely to win power ball but does not stop many from buying a ticket!
I may not be able to afford one but put my name 4th on the waiting list for one were I bought my AW z51 2016 .... jest in case you know because ya never know!
for grins the other day I went to page 56x something
And read a lot of the spectlation posts about the C7!
omg - it was almost like the talks on a c8 0r mid-engine zora now! Including all the dead horse posts!
I know it may get talked to adnasum but heck every one knows thry are unlikely to win power ball but does not stop many from buying a ticket!
I may not be able to afford one but put my name 4th on the waiting list for one were I bought my AW z51 2016 .... jest in case you know because ya never know!
01-18-2016, 04:12 PM
#40
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St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Hint: It's an anonymous internet chat forum. You know, where people post their opinions. Perhaps that's not the place for you.
