[Z06] Why no hatch???
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: Mountain View CA
Why no hatch???
My vette is my daily driver. I want to upgrade to a C5, and of course I'd love to make it a Z, depending on price. My only beef is that I'd lose a good 5-10 cubic feet of storage space in the hatch area, and even what I'd have would be less usable because of the awkward shape.
It seems like the Z's shape has all the disadvantages of a vert, with none of the advantages of top-down cruisin'. Why did chevy do this to the C5 Z? Aerodynamics?? Style??? Obviously they reconsidered with the C6 Z...
It seems like the Z's shape has all the disadvantages of a vert, with none of the advantages of top-down cruisin'. Why did chevy do this to the C5 Z? Aerodynamics?? Style??? Obviously they reconsidered with the C6 Z...
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 1
From: CA
Roots in '99 hardtop
Various articles say Chevy planned a low-cost version of the C5, which was supposed to be the hardtop model of 99-00. Marginally lighter weight, substantially better stiffness (in the examples I've been in), and probably lower production cost. Aerodynamics are marginally worse for the Z. 99-00 hardtops were a sales bust and the low-cost marketing/sales motion was never executed, so the articles say the hardtop platform was hijacked for the Z06. Turn lemons into lemonade, so I read. Some people like the hardtop look, some hate it. I like the stiffness and a real trunk, especially if you add a partition. (Highly recommended.) For those of us in warmer climates the lesser glass area is also a plus.
For the C6 Z06 I think they did make a better decision, what with the coupe styling but a fixed roof, but now some people are complaining that there's too little differentiation. I say forget the nits and drive.
For the C6 Z06 I think they did make a better decision, what with the coupe styling but a fixed roof, but now some people are complaining that there's too little differentiation. I say forget the nits and drive.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 693
Likes: 1
From: Centennial CO
Originally Posted by MARDAG
My vette is my daily driver. I want to upgrade to a C5, and of course I'd love to make it a Z, depending on price. My only beef is that I'd lose a good 5-10 cubic feet of storage space in the hatch area, and even what I'd have would be less usable because of the awkward shape.
It seems like the Z's shape has all the disadvantages of a vert, with none of the advantages of top-down cruisin'. Why did chevy do this to the C5 Z? Aerodynamics?? Style??? Obviously they reconsidered with the C6 Z...
It seems like the Z's shape has all the disadvantages of a vert, with none of the advantages of top-down cruisin'. Why did chevy do this to the C5 Z? Aerodynamics?? Style??? Obviously they reconsidered with the C6 Z...
You can't have everything and I very much enjoy the 400+ hp. So for me it was a choice of a C5 Z or the C6 and I don't appreciate the styling of the C6. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by MARDAG
My only beef is that I'd lose a good 5-10 cubic feet of storage space in the hatch area, and even what I'd have would be less usable because of the awkward shape.
Last edited by Shylor; Aug 15, 2005 at 03:28 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Washington
I have always liked the styling of the fixed roof. Even on the C3s (pre 78). So, I may be a bit biased.
The rear storage space is really quite accommodating.
Do not compare it with a vert. You are not storing the top so you have a lot more space.
Yes you do lose a bit more then a coupe, But I would never pile things up to the window on a coupe anyhow. (it blocks the view of the LEOs behind you)
The rear storage space is really quite accommodating.
Do not compare it with a vert. You are not storing the top so you have a lot more space.
Yes you do lose a bit more then a coupe, But I would never pile things up to the window on a coupe anyhow. (it blocks the view of the LEOs behind you)
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 556
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
St. Jude Donor '06-'09
the Z06 was built on a coupe to cut weight, period
I traded a c4 in on my Z, I actually prefer the little trunk lid over a hatch. Granted my C4's hatch area was filled with a twin sub box that was flush with the well so I actually have gained space.
I traded a c4 in on my Z, I actually prefer the little trunk lid over a hatch. Granted my C4's hatch area was filled with a twin sub box that was flush with the well so I actually have gained space.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 1
From: St. Louis MO
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I drive my ZO6 as a DD it is not the best for trips to the market but will fit 2 sets of golf clubs. If I need more space I guess I will have to consider getting a mini van. 
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: ********************* Florida's Space Coast *********************
I'm a Big fan of the FRC, much more then the hatch, in both looks and function. The storage room seems fine to me and I like the way a partition makes it feel like a REAL trunk.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 56,381
Likes: 79
Originally Posted by Irv
Various articles say Chevy planned a low-cost version of the C5, which was supposed to be the hardtop model of 99-00. Marginally lighter weight, substantially better stiffness (in the examples I've been in), and probably lower production cost. Aerodynamics are marginally worse for the Z. 99-00 hardtops were a sales bust and the low-cost marketing/sales motion was never executed, so the articles say the hardtop platform was hijacked for the Z06. Turn lemons into lemonade, so I read. Some people like the hardtop look, some hate it. I like the stiffness and a real trunk, especially if you add a partition. (Highly recommended.) For those of us in warmer climates the lesser glass area is also a plus.
For the C6 Z06 I think they did make a better decision, what with the coupe styling but a fixed roof, but now some people are complaining that there's too little differentiation. I say forget the nits and drive.
For the C6 Z06 I think they did make a better decision, what with the coupe styling but a fixed roof, but now some people are complaining that there's too little differentiation. I say forget the nits and drive.
This is in the FAQ section, but the stiffness of the body is not due to the glued on roof, but the addition of the vert frame bracing to the coupe frame. The body style was designed to be less expensive, but as pointed out above it was less enough so the 99-00 FRC was a bust.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
Originally Posted by MARDAG
My vette is my daily driver. I want to upgrade to a C5, and of course I'd love to make it a Z, depending on price. My only beef is that I'd lose a good 5-10 cubic feet of storage space in the hatch area, and even what I'd have would be less usable because of the awkward shape.
It seems like the Z's shape has all the disadvantages of a vert, with none of the advantages of top-down cruisin'. Why did chevy do this to the C5 Z? Aerodynamics?? Style??? Obviously they reconsidered with the C6 Z...
It seems like the Z's shape has all the disadvantages of a vert, with none of the advantages of top-down cruisin'. Why did chevy do this to the C5 Z? Aerodynamics?? Style??? Obviously they reconsidered with the C6 Z...
hatches really suck
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh NC
Hatchbacks on a Vette?
My 84' Coupe has a Hatchback which sucks! The little shocks weeze as you raise the trunk & Everytime I open that hatchback i think of fellow Riceburners & Minivans...A Z06 is a 2-seater Sporty built for speed..who's worried about hauling stuff? I'm worried about keeping it empty 'cept for mebbe a man now & then 
Am I crazy?
The only Hatch i ever liked on a Vette was the 63' Split Window Coupe.
So..I concur with Shylor..its useful for pillows only.
Wanna Hatchback..Get a FamilyMOBILE. Um..Can you see my tail lights yet?
Me Bad
Silksox
Am I crazy?The only Hatch i ever liked on a Vette was the 63' Split Window Coupe.
So..I concur with Shylor..its useful for pillows only.Wanna Hatchback..Get a FamilyMOBILE. Um..Can you see my tail lights yet?
Me Bad
Silksox
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 880
Likes: 0
From: Bath PA
By the Z for it's performance. If you want storage buy a minivan.
BTW I had a crowd of guys at Carlisle with regular C5s standing around watching me pull my 5 lawn chairs, Husky tool bag, cooler, and aluminum racing jack out of the trunk. Can't imagine what else I'd need to carry.
BTW I had a crowd of guys at Carlisle with regular C5s standing around watching me pull my 5 lawn chairs, Husky tool bag, cooler, and aluminum racing jack out of the trunk. Can't imagine what else I'd need to carry.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,801
Likes: 13
From: Anywhere where Cones need hit
Cruise-In 9-10 Veteran
CI-X Auto-X Champ (race tires)
St. Jude Donor '07-'09
That's what they make soft luggage for
On a weekend autocross, I was able to put 2 bag chairs, 3 bags, two helmets, 3 pairs of shoes, 1 milk crate of various stuff 1 tool box, and a soft case full of detailing gear.
if you plan ahead and be creative both in packaging and placement, you can fit a ton. I too wouldn't be putting anything high enough in a car that I can't see out the window, so for me I'd not be losing too much space.
I am not a fan of the targa either so it was even better for me getting the Z.
On a weekend autocross, I was able to put 2 bag chairs, 3 bags, two helmets, 3 pairs of shoes, 1 milk crate of various stuff 1 tool box, and a soft case full of detailing gear.
if you plan ahead and be creative both in packaging and placement, you can fit a ton. I too wouldn't be putting anything high enough in a car that I can't see out the window, so for me I'd not be losing too much space.
I am not a fan of the targa either so it was even better for me getting the Z.
