10 Features We Hope to See in The C8
#62
Instructor
I don't understand all the requests for a manual transmission. Corvette has always, and does currently, have a manual transmission. The current one is 7 speeds. If you want 8, 9 or 10 speeds then say that, but a 7 speed manual is standard.
#63
Instructor
Thanks! There was an entire segment on Motorweek this Sunday bemoaning the stupid touch screen infotainment nonsense in cars today. Another reason GM might consider doing away with it in the Vette is that most of the ridiculous Jalop-*** gizmo nonsense they're stuffing in there is obsolete before the warranty expires and dates the car permanently. A Vette should be timeless. In 40 years do you think that finicky, laggy, Carplay touch-mess is going to be something anybody wants to deal with? I can't use a gen 2 ipod anymore because the cables don't work in a new computer - do you think anyone will still know what a USB cable is in 20 years or even have anything that still works with it? In 40 years the 04-06 Ford GT will still be a lust-worthy monster because its basic and brilliant. I doubt a mid-engined C8, no matter how brilliant, will be looked upon as fondly in 2050 if it's full of Tinder, SMS and iOS 10 compatible apps, 4 USB ports, 'bluetooth' and a display that no one services when it breaks for an inextricable radio that only plays dead music formats. Even XM - how long is that gonna last with unlimited data and stuff like Tidal and Spotify around? Imagine the Buick Reatta's color touch screen but infinitely worse. Better yet, picture a 90's C4 with a GM fax machine, Zach Morris brick phone and factory Palm Pilot music player cord. That's what they're doing now to the C7 and Camaro. Sure, in a disposeable modern car that's meant to be used and crushed after 100k miles that stuff is fine (sort of) but in a car like the Corvette that will outlive us all, that infotainment garbage is a dated obsolescent embarassment and a pox upon a future classic.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mind technology that makes the car go faster, safer or handle better - even when its dated - but tech that's merely a temporary modern distraction that serves no purpose beyond being trendy...please, get it out of the Corvette!
Oh, and to answer your question about the parking brake - manual is better because in a catastrophic failure its your only lifeline. A guy and his dog died in his C6 when the battery went flat and he couldn't figure out how to get the doors open. That was a simple stationary situation and it caught somebody. If I'm careening down a hill with a dead alternator, or a cooked ECU or a complete hydraulic failure - whatever - I want A SEPARATE SYSTEM as a lifeline. The manual EMERGENCY brake was never broken and they shouldn't have fixed it. Just because everyone else is doing it, doesn't mean its smart or an improvement. Even McLaren has a bad idea once in a while....electrostatic door latches, push button transmission, electronic parking brake....
Actually, while I'm complaining about the future - the cable to the transmission needs to be a physical cable too, not an electric switch. Just ask Anton Yelchin what he thinks about it.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mind technology that makes the car go faster, safer or handle better - even when its dated - but tech that's merely a temporary modern distraction that serves no purpose beyond being trendy...please, get it out of the Corvette!
Oh, and to answer your question about the parking brake - manual is better because in a catastrophic failure its your only lifeline. A guy and his dog died in his C6 when the battery went flat and he couldn't figure out how to get the doors open. That was a simple stationary situation and it caught somebody. If I'm careening down a hill with a dead alternator, or a cooked ECU or a complete hydraulic failure - whatever - I want A SEPARATE SYSTEM as a lifeline. The manual EMERGENCY brake was never broken and they shouldn't have fixed it. Just because everyone else is doing it, doesn't mean its smart or an improvement. Even McLaren has a bad idea once in a while....electrostatic door latches, push button transmission, electronic parking brake....
Actually, while I'm complaining about the future - the cable to the transmission needs to be a physical cable too, not an electric switch. Just ask Anton Yelchin what he thinks about it.
#64
Le Mans Master
Michael
Last edited by Michael A; 03-20-2017 at 08:12 PM.
#65
How about, instead of having to go buy a 1-4 skip shift eliminator, just enter it in the settings to remove feature, or just keep it in eco mode, but remove the feature in touring, sport and track mode.
#68
Instructor
C8: 500-550HP, lower weight, manual trans, improved build quality, Front/Mid engine, price within 5% of current C7 base.
ME: Zora V12, 750HP, 0-60 under 2.9 sec., 7 speed DCT, price under $150K
Both cars with improved paint quality. BSM, No Eco mode. Keep Tour, Sport, Track.
ME: Zora V12, 750HP, 0-60 under 2.9 sec., 7 speed DCT, price under $150K
Both cars with improved paint quality. BSM, No Eco mode. Keep Tour, Sport, Track.
Last edited by Tron1; 03-27-2017 at 09:27 PM.
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Micster (03-29-2017)
#70
Race Director
Overhead valve motors like the ls6 were less expensive, lighter and more reliable.
I prefer overhead valve motors but I'll keep an open mind.
I prefer overhead valve motors but I'll keep an open mind.
#72
Race Director
Lightweight compact inexpensive and powerful have been attributes of corvette Overhead valve motors like the ls1, ls6, ls2, ls3 and Ls7 . lS9 the c7 LT1 and LT4
I'll keep an open mind on the future GM powerplants as I'm sure they are among the best in the world.
I also want a DCT for the c8 if possible. I'd try something new as far as transmissions go as well even though I love driving manuals for 40 years...
Change is challenging to accept sometimes but most often change is good.
#75
I currently have a 2012 GS model. (my 4th vette). I love corvettes. I was born with a vision problem where I only have vision in one eye at a time. You can imagine the chance for blindspot problems. I have a BMW 650 that I use as my daily driver. Granted it is 4 years newer but the electronics and driver assistance is much appreciated. I would pay anything if the C8 could include the surround rear view mirror Caddy has and blind spot cameras. I know the purists probably don't want all the gadgets but in an attempt to reach as many customers it could be a package that could be sold to those that want it or in my case actually need it to drive safely.
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JerriVette (04-02-2017)
#77
Le Mans Master
I'll add a couple more to the list related to visuals.
1) All digital dash. I can't get past the hybrid dashboards. It's time to move forward. The 2018 Mustang is.
2) Dashboard lights and display panels that actually dim down enough for night driving on dark roads. With most of the cars I have driven lately, I have to wonder if the engineers ever drove them at night, unless it had streetlights. The center panel is lit like a TV set. There are annoying bright LED all over the dash.
3) Interior that doesn't have chrome glaring while driving on sunny days. Talk about a distraction!
Michael
1) All digital dash. I can't get past the hybrid dashboards. It's time to move forward. The 2018 Mustang is.
2) Dashboard lights and display panels that actually dim down enough for night driving on dark roads. With most of the cars I have driven lately, I have to wonder if the engineers ever drove them at night, unless it had streetlights. The center panel is lit like a TV set. There are annoying bright LED all over the dash.
3) Interior that doesn't have chrome glaring while driving on sunny days. Talk about a distraction!
Michael
#78
Might that risk EPA & CARB claiming that feature is a defeat device?
#79
Safety Car
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2) Dashboard lights and display panels that actually dim down enough for night driving on dark roads. With most of the cars I have driven lately, I have to wonder if the engineers ever drove them at night, unless it had streetlights. The center panel is lit like a TV set. There are annoying bright LED all over the dash.
3) Interior that doesn't have chrome glaring while driving on sunny days. Talk about a distraction!
3) Interior that doesn't have chrome glaring while driving on sunny days. Talk about a distraction!