09 Changes?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver WA
I don't completely agree with you, but then why would I. 
Seriously, you state (with certainty) that "Bluetooth" for example will not add appreciable cost to the manufacturer. Have you ever worked on the design of an automotive vehicle part? I have. When an aftermarket company does something they need first and foremost to test it to make sure that it functions as planned. They can then source it from China to the lowest bidder. They only need it to last 12 months so that it passes their product warranty against defect. They also could generally care less what latent effect it has on the vehicle. That will all be evaluated by the end user.
When an automaker integrates a component they need to develop it (of course, that is sunk cost) then they need to integrate it with the vehicle systems. This is not just a matter of plug and hope. I promise you that Parrot has not evaluated the impact of their aftermarket Bluetooth on the safety systems of the car. When GM does it they will, they have to.
They need to be certain that it completely integrates with all systems that the vehicle uses. This includes the primary interface and all of the secondary systems that contact or communicate with that system. They also need to validate that it does not interfere (EFI, RMI) with any of the vehicles safety systems or communicate on such a frequency that could interfere with things like remote fobs, keyless ignition etc.
Once all of that is done it needs to be engineered such that it will operate for the full factory warranty period, and not interfere with any of the other electronics for that full factory warranty period. Last, they need to fully evaluate failure modes. Some of this is done with predictive analysis. Some of this is done with vehicle testing. They need to know what a failure of this system will do to other systems on the same communications bus. What happens if it fails open, fails closed, fails short.
As I stated earlier in this thread the communications bus on the Corvette C6 predates Bluetooth by several years. In order to introduce it and fully integrate it would likely require a revamp of that comm bus. This is why I suspect that only the 4LT package is getting it. Partly to differentiate the 4LT but I suspect that will offset some of the development cost. Look for the Bluetooth perhaps for 2010 in the other packages.
To your second point the reason that Nissan could put it in the $16,000 Sentra is because Nissan likely makes 10 times the volume of Sentra's than the Corvette and they share many bin parts with not only Maxima's but also with their Lexus counterparts. As an example, Honda produced more than 374,000 Accords in 2007. Corvette produced a little over 41,000 units. That Honda number is a lot of cars to share cost with. Corvette can't do that because when they share costs with other platforms in the GM family owners whine. "Saturns have the same steering wheel as my Corvette
"
Bluetooth is not an immediate requirement in any state. Hands free is. There are a number of ways to achieve hands free communictation. Wired headsets and speakerphone bases are two. If Bluetooth is a must then one of those Borg earpieces is an option.
Seriously, you state (with certainty) that "Bluetooth" for example will not add appreciable cost to the manufacturer. Have you ever worked on the design of an automotive vehicle part? I have. When an aftermarket company does something they need first and foremost to test it to make sure that it functions as planned. They can then source it from China to the lowest bidder. They only need it to last 12 months so that it passes their product warranty against defect. They also could generally care less what latent effect it has on the vehicle. That will all be evaluated by the end user. When an automaker integrates a component they need to develop it (of course, that is sunk cost) then they need to integrate it with the vehicle systems. This is not just a matter of plug and hope. I promise you that Parrot has not evaluated the impact of their aftermarket Bluetooth on the safety systems of the car. When GM does it they will, they have to.
They need to be certain that it completely integrates with all systems that the vehicle uses. This includes the primary interface and all of the secondary systems that contact or communicate with that system. They also need to validate that it does not interfere (EFI, RMI) with any of the vehicles safety systems or communicate on such a frequency that could interfere with things like remote fobs, keyless ignition etc.
Once all of that is done it needs to be engineered such that it will operate for the full factory warranty period, and not interfere with any of the other electronics for that full factory warranty period. Last, they need to fully evaluate failure modes. Some of this is done with predictive analysis. Some of this is done with vehicle testing. They need to know what a failure of this system will do to other systems on the same communications bus. What happens if it fails open, fails closed, fails short.
As I stated earlier in this thread the communications bus on the Corvette C6 predates Bluetooth by several years. In order to introduce it and fully integrate it would likely require a revamp of that comm bus. This is why I suspect that only the 4LT package is getting it. Partly to differentiate the 4LT but I suspect that will offset some of the development cost. Look for the Bluetooth perhaps for 2010 in the other packages.
To your second point the reason that Nissan could put it in the $16,000 Sentra is because Nissan likely makes 10 times the volume of Sentra's than the Corvette and they share many bin parts with not only Maxima's but also with their Lexus counterparts. As an example, Honda produced more than 374,000 Accords in 2007. Corvette produced a little over 41,000 units. That Honda number is a lot of cars to share cost with. Corvette can't do that because when they share costs with other platforms in the GM family owners whine. "Saturns have the same steering wheel as my Corvette
"Bluetooth is not an immediate requirement in any state. Hands free is. There are a number of ways to achieve hands free communictation. Wired headsets and speakerphone bases are two. If Bluetooth is a must then one of those Borg earpieces is an option.
OK - Where to start:
First, I respect you and all that you bring to this forum. I am always confident when reading your posts that they are honest, thought out, and accurate.
Now, I do not and have not worked on the design of any automotive product. I did however study mechanical engineering in college.
I never said that it was an easy "plug and play" endeavor on the 'vette. My point was, once developed (like it has been), the actual cost of building and integrating the product into the vehicle would not be cost prohibitive in a $50,000 car. I didn't make mention of an aftermarket product and I'm aware they play by different rules and expectations.
FWIW - Bluetooth in the Sentra and Versa is only available in an options package. Generally, it comes as part of a convenience package. The convenience package on a Versa sells for $650 and includes: Anti-lock brakes, leather wrapped steering wheel, Intelligent Key (works like the FOB w/ integrated key in the '08 'vette), Bluetooth Handsfree phone w/ steering wheel controls, and steering wheel mounted audio controls. I'd say that's one heck of a bargain. I list all that to illustrate the device itself is not terribly expensive. And, Nissan likely produces fewer than 41,000 Versa's with this options package. The production volume of Versa and Sentra combined is well below the 374,000 unit Accord level.
If you've done the integration already (available w/ 4LT) why not include it in 3LT or even 2LT? Or make it come with the NAV package which already has voice recognition built into it. Just charge a little more for it! I'd have paid for it.
The attractiveness of having the phone sync'd up with the car is to have hands free dialing, NOT having to wear the "Janet Jackson Signature" ear piece, or worry about keeping the ear piece charged.
In closing, like I said earlier, I agree with everything you say, generally. This is one of the few (if only)times I respectflly disagree with you.
Now I feel better. Thanks for listening. How about we talk about iPod integration now. I have plenty to say on THAT topic.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,617
Likes: 167
Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
OK - Where to start:
First, I respect you and all that you bring to this forum. I am always confident when reading your posts that they are honest, thought out, and accurate.
Now, I do not and have not worked on the design of any automotive product. I did however study mechanical engineering in college.
I never said that it was an easy "plug and play" endeavor on the 'vette. My point was, once developed (like it has been), the actual cost of building and integrating the product into the vehicle would not be cost prohibitive in a $50,000 car. I didn't make mention of an aftermarket product and I'm aware they play by different rules and expectations.
FWIW - Bluetooth in the Sentra and Versa is only available in an options package. Generally, it comes as part of a convenience package. The convenience package on a Versa sells for $650 and includes: Anti-lock brakes, leather wrapped steering wheel, Intelligent Key (works like the FOB w/ integrated key in the '08 'vette), Bluetooth Handsfree phone w/ steering wheel controls, and steering wheel mounted audio controls. I'd say that's one heck of a bargain. I list all that to illustrate the device itself is not terribly expensive. And, Nissan likely produces fewer than 41,000 Versa's with this options package. The production volume of Versa and Sentra combined is well below the 374,000 unit Accord level.
If you've done the integration already (available w/ 4LT) why not include it in 3LT or even 2LT? Or make it come with the NAV package which already has voice recognition built into it. Just charge a little more for it! I'd have paid for it.
The attractiveness of having the phone sync'd up with the car is to have hands free dialing, NOT having to wear the "Janet Jackson Signature" ear piece, or worry about keeping the ear piece charged.
In closing, like I said earlier, I agree with everything you say, generally. This is one of the few (if only)times I respectflly disagree with you.
Now I feel better. Thanks for listening. How about we talk about iPod integration now. I have plenty to say on THAT topic.
First, I respect you and all that you bring to this forum. I am always confident when reading your posts that they are honest, thought out, and accurate.
Now, I do not and have not worked on the design of any automotive product. I did however study mechanical engineering in college.
I never said that it was an easy "plug and play" endeavor on the 'vette. My point was, once developed (like it has been), the actual cost of building and integrating the product into the vehicle would not be cost prohibitive in a $50,000 car. I didn't make mention of an aftermarket product and I'm aware they play by different rules and expectations.
FWIW - Bluetooth in the Sentra and Versa is only available in an options package. Generally, it comes as part of a convenience package. The convenience package on a Versa sells for $650 and includes: Anti-lock brakes, leather wrapped steering wheel, Intelligent Key (works like the FOB w/ integrated key in the '08 'vette), Bluetooth Handsfree phone w/ steering wheel controls, and steering wheel mounted audio controls. I'd say that's one heck of a bargain. I list all that to illustrate the device itself is not terribly expensive. And, Nissan likely produces fewer than 41,000 Versa's with this options package. The production volume of Versa and Sentra combined is well below the 374,000 unit Accord level.
If you've done the integration already (available w/ 4LT) why not include it in 3LT or even 2LT? Or make it come with the NAV package which already has voice recognition built into it. Just charge a little more for it! I'd have paid for it.
The attractiveness of having the phone sync'd up with the car is to have hands free dialing, NOT having to wear the "Janet Jackson Signature" ear piece, or worry about keeping the ear piece charged.
In closing, like I said earlier, I agree with everything you say, generally. This is one of the few (if only)times I respectflly disagree with you.
Now I feel better. Thanks for listening. How about we talk about iPod integration now. I have plenty to say on THAT topic.
My post was probably as much of a knee jerk if you will to some of the entitled commentary on this subject that I've had to endure elsewhere as a reply. I don't have any counterpoints for you as you have your facts in order. My fear is that you are in the minority as someone who would pay for it.
I'm fortunate in that my Corvette is purely a pleasure vehicle. I actually won't even answer the phone while in the Corvette. I just don't want to take anything away from the driving experience. I acknowledge that some use the car as their daily driver and this could be a great benefit to them. I just don't need it.
I can't get going on the Ipod.
We'll get it when they finish it. I'm really not interested in the aftermarket solutions to this point. I wish it wasn't taking so long and it is getting harder for me to keep up a defensive position on it. ...and to you.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver WA
Mine is for pleasure as well but I like to drive it to work when it's nice out and I MUST answer the phone. So, yes, for me it is a necessary evil.
As far as the iPod goes - I've made do with the PA11 Vette interface. It's ok. Now, you should see what Nissan just came out with for the iPod in the new 2009 Murano LE. WOW! If GM gets close to that, everyone will be VERY happy.
As far as the iPod goes - I've made do with the PA11 Vette interface. It's ok. Now, you should see what Nissan just came out with for the iPod in the new 2009 Murano LE. WOW! If GM gets close to that, everyone will be VERY happy.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 960
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Your comments are just too funny! Creature comforts? That is what I am talking about. Seems to me you should have bought a Caddy. Demand more from GM regarding performance and technology? GM needs to keep up with their competitors? More value and performance for your dollar in the Corvette than any car on the road and it is still not enough. The Corvette is a PERFORMANCE CAR! Oh, and anyone paying the prices you listed is just nuts!It's the sticker price I'm quoting (jeez). You sound like a GM exec from the 80's. This backward thinking is another reason GM is fighting for market share with the japs. Toyota is breathing down GM's neck. And we have people like you that are satisfied with the status quo. The Corvette is more than a performance car. If it were just a performance car then why have power seats, power windows, radio, CD, NAV, heated seats, and other options? Thank the good Lord your not in charge. Or I may just be rolling up the windows on my new Vette with a handle. Performance is awesome and that should be the focus. But let us all be honest here. GM is in business to sell cars. So the more they offer the more customers they get. Have we learned anything from what the domestic automakers have done to themselves?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,836
Likes: 9
From: Rushsylvania Ohio
I don't completely agree with you, but then why would I. Seriously, you state (with certainty) that "Bluetooth" for example will not add appreciable cost to the manufacturer. Have you ever worked on the design of an automotive vehicle part? I have. When an aftermarket company does something they need first and foremost to test it to make sure that it functions as planned. They can then source it from China to the lowest bidder. They only need it to last 12 months so that it passes their product warranty against defect. They also could generally care less what latent effect it has on the vehicle. That will all be evaluated by the end user.
When an automaker integrates a component they need to develop it (of course, that is sunk cost) then they need to integrate it with the vehicle systems. This is not just a matter of plug and hope. I promise you that Parrot has not evaluated the impact of their aftermarket Bluetooth on the safety systems of the car. When GM does it they will, they have to.
They need to be certain that it completely integrates with all systems that the vehicle uses. This includes the primary interface and all of the secondary systems that contact or communicate with that system. They also need to validate that it does not interfere (EFI, RMI) with any of the vehicles safety systems or communicate on such a frequency that could interfere with things like remote fobs, keyless ignition etc.
Once all of that is done it needs to be engineered such that it will operate for the full factory warranty period, and not interfere with any of the other electronics for that full factory warranty period. Last, they need to fully evaluate failure modes. Some of this is done with predictive analysis. Some of this is done with vehicle testing. They need to know what a failure of this system will do to other systems on the same communications bus. What happens if it fails open, fails closed, fails short.
As I stated earlier in this thread the communications bus on the Corvette C6 predates Bluetooth by several years. In order to introduce it and fully integrate it would likely require a revamp of that comm bus. This is why I suspect that only the 4LT package is getting it. Partly to differentiate the 4LT but I suspect that will offset some of the development cost. Look for the Bluetooth perhaps for 2010 in the other packages.
To your second point the reason that Nissan could put it in the $16,000 Sentra is because Nissan likely makes 10 times the volume of Sentra's than the Corvette and they share many bin parts with not only Maxima's but also with their Lexus counterparts. As an example, Honda produced more than 374,000 Accords in 2007. Corvette produced a little over 41,000 units. That Honda number is a lot of cars to share cost with. Corvette can't do that because when they share costs with other platforms in the GM family owners whine. "Saturns have the same steering wheel as my Corvette "
Bluetooth is not an immediate requirement in any state. Hands free is. There are a number of ways to achieve hands free communictation. Wired headsets and speakerphone bases are two. If Bluetooth is a must then one of those Borg earpieces is an option.
Seriously, you state (with certainty) that "Bluetooth" for example will not add appreciable cost to the manufacturer. Have you ever worked on the design of an automotive vehicle part? I have. When an aftermarket company does something they need first and foremost to test it to make sure that it functions as planned. They can then source it from China to the lowest bidder. They only need it to last 12 months so that it passes their product warranty against defect. They also could generally care less what latent effect it has on the vehicle. That will all be evaluated by the end user. When an automaker integrates a component they need to develop it (of course, that is sunk cost) then they need to integrate it with the vehicle systems. This is not just a matter of plug and hope. I promise you that Parrot has not evaluated the impact of their aftermarket Bluetooth on the safety systems of the car. When GM does it they will, they have to.
They need to be certain that it completely integrates with all systems that the vehicle uses. This includes the primary interface and all of the secondary systems that contact or communicate with that system. They also need to validate that it does not interfere (EFI, RMI) with any of the vehicles safety systems or communicate on such a frequency that could interfere with things like remote fobs, keyless ignition etc.
Once all of that is done it needs to be engineered such that it will operate for the full factory warranty period, and not interfere with any of the other electronics for that full factory warranty period. Last, they need to fully evaluate failure modes. Some of this is done with predictive analysis. Some of this is done with vehicle testing. They need to know what a failure of this system will do to other systems on the same communications bus. What happens if it fails open, fails closed, fails short.
As I stated earlier in this thread the communications bus on the Corvette C6 predates Bluetooth by several years. In order to introduce it and fully integrate it would likely require a revamp of that comm bus. This is why I suspect that only the 4LT package is getting it. Partly to differentiate the 4LT but I suspect that will offset some of the development cost. Look for the Bluetooth perhaps for 2010 in the other packages.
To your second point the reason that Nissan could put it in the $16,000 Sentra is because Nissan likely makes 10 times the volume of Sentra's than the Corvette and they share many bin parts with not only Maxima's but also with their Lexus counterparts. As an example, Honda produced more than 374,000 Accords in 2007. Corvette produced a little over 41,000 units. That Honda number is a lot of cars to share cost with. Corvette can't do that because when they share costs with other platforms in the GM family owners whine. "Saturns have the same steering wheel as my Corvette
"Bluetooth is not an immediate requirement in any state. Hands free is. There are a number of ways to achieve hands free communictation. Wired headsets and speakerphone bases are two. If Bluetooth is a must then one of those Borg earpieces is an option.
Last edited by Swiftrider08; Mar 24, 2008 at 09:09 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,006
Likes: 26
From: JawJa
It's the sticker price I'm quoting (jeez). You sound like a GM exec from the 80's. This backward thinking is another reason GM is fighting for market share with the japs. Toyota is breathing down GM's neck. And we have people like you that are satisfied with the status quo. The Corvette is more than a performance car. If it were just a performance car then why have power seats, power windows, radio, CD, NAV, heated seats, and other options? Thank the good Lord your not in charge. Or I may just be rolling up the windows on my new Vette with a handle. Performance is awesome and that should be the focus. But let us all be honest here. GM is in business to sell cars. So the more they offer the more customers they get. Have we learned anything from what the domestic automakers have done to themselves?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,836
Likes: 9
From: Rushsylvania Ohio
It's the sticker price I'm quoting (jeez). You sound like a GM exec from the 80's. This backward thinking is another reason GM is fighting for market share with the japs. Toyota is breathing down GM's neck. And we have people like you that are satisfied with the status quo. The Corvette is more than a performance car. If it were just a performance car then why have power seats, power windows, radio, CD, NAV, heated seats, and other options? Thank the good Lord your not in charge. Or I may just be rolling up the windows on my new Vette with a handle. Performance is awesome and that should be the focus. But let us all be honest here. GM is in business to sell cars. So the more they offer the more customers they get. Have we learned anything from what the domestic automakers have done to themselves?
I am sure there are several Japanese people out there that own Corvettes and maybe are members of this forum. Calling them "japs" is pretty darn dis-respectful. You should apologize for that comment.
Happy with the status quo? I sir own a 2008 coupe and your profile says you own a '92. Who is happy with the status quo?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 18,396
Likes: 169
I heard from very reliable sourses that Corvette and Porsche were joint venturing a new Corvette. Crossing the old 944, 2.5 Litre engine and the C6R, with displacement on demand, and twin turbos, the car will make about 900 hp using 32 pounds of boost, get 45 mpg, and have a 60 minute warrenty. 
Shot at 2006-05-06
Shot at 2006-05-06
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and a retro station wagon type circa 62 Chevy II wagon. 
Just rumors.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 6
From: Waynesville NC
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 960
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Backwards thinking happens when you have no idea what you are talking about. You just do not understand new product development.
I am sure there are several Japanese people out there that own Corvettes and maybe are members of this forum. Calling them "japs" is pretty darn dis-respectful. You should apologize for that comment.
Happy with the status quo? I sir own a 2008 coupe and your profile says you own a '92. Who is happy with the status quo?
I am sure there are several Japanese people out there that own Corvettes and maybe are members of this forum. Calling them "japs" is pretty darn dis-respectful. You should apologize for that comment.
Happy with the status quo? I sir own a 2008 coupe and your profile says you own a '92. Who is happy with the status quo?
You just seem to think you know what you are talking about. But actually appear as quite a fool.
Now lets see if we can get GM to bring the Vette up to current technology. It seems as if SEVERAL forum members of all nationalities would like the Vette to have modern day options. I just hope the people at GM listen to the masses not a few oddballs and people who want roll up windows.
Do you even know what the term "status qou" means?
Last edited by Jeff Pedersen; Mar 24, 2008 at 10:25 PM. Reason: .
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,836
Likes: 9
From: Rushsylvania Ohio
[QUOTE=Jeff Pedersen;1564701065]My Dear little man. I will be placing an order for a 09 as soon as I can. As far as japs. Please do we need to be PC all the time? I dislike *** cars but appreciate what they have done and how the japs fill their customers needs.
You just seem to think you know what you are talking about. But actually appear as quite a fool.
Now lets see if we can get GM to bring the Vette up to current technology. It seems as if SEVERAL forum members of all nationalities would like the Vette to have modern day options. I just hope the people at GM listen to the masses not a few oddballs and people who want roll up windows.
Do you even know what the term "status qou" means?[/QUOT
Hope you get to order your new '09 very soon! Maybe then we can be friends again.
You just seem to think you know what you are talking about. But actually appear as quite a fool.
Now lets see if we can get GM to bring the Vette up to current technology. It seems as if SEVERAL forum members of all nationalities would like the Vette to have modern day options. I just hope the people at GM listen to the masses not a few oddballs and people who want roll up windows.
Do you even know what the term "status qou" means?[/QUOT
Hope you get to order your new '09 very soon! Maybe then we can be friends again.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Mt. Pleasant SC
I don't completely agree with you, but then why would I. Seriously, you state (with certainty) that "Bluetooth" for example will not add appreciable cost to the manufacturer. Have you ever worked on the design of an automotive vehicle part? I have. When an aftermarket company does something they need first and foremost to test it to make sure that it functions as planned. They can then source it from China to the lowest bidder. They only need it to last 12 months so that it passes their product warranty against defect. They also could generally care less what latent effect it has on the vehicle. That will all be evaluated by the end user.
When an automaker integrates a component they need to develop it (of course, that is sunk cost) then they need to integrate it with the vehicle systems. This is not just a matter of plug and hope. I promise you that Parrot has not evaluated the impact of their aftermarket Bluetooth on the safety systems of the car. When GM does it they will, they have to.
They need to be certain that it completely integrates with all systems that the vehicle uses. This includes the primary interface and all of the secondary systems that contact or communicate with that system. They also need to validate that it does not interfere (EFI, RMI) with any of the vehicles safety systems or communicate on such a frequency that could interfere with things like remote fobs, keyless ignition etc.
Once all of that is done it needs to be engineered such that it will operate for the full factory warranty period, and not interfere with any of the other electronics for that full factory warranty period. Last, they need to fully evaluate failure modes. Some of this is done with predictive analysis. Some of this is done with vehicle testing. They need to know what a failure of this system will do to other systems on the same communications bus. What happens if it fails open, fails closed, fails short.
As I stated earlier in this thread the communications bus on the Corvette C6 predates Bluetooth by several years. In order to introduce it and fully integrate it would likely require a revamp of that comm bus. This is why I suspect that only the 4LT package is getting it. Partly to differentiate the 4LT but I suspect that will offset some of the development cost. Look for the Bluetooth perhaps for 2010 in the other packages.
To your second point the reason that Nissan could put it in the $16,000 Sentra is because Nissan likely makes 10 times the volume of Sentra's than the Corvette and they share many bin parts with not only Maxima's but also with their Lexus counterparts. As an example, Honda produced more than 374,000 Accords in 2007. Corvette produced a little over 41,000 units. That Honda number is a lot of cars to share cost with. Corvette can't do that because when they share costs with other platforms in the GM family owners whine. "Saturns have the same steering wheel as my Corvette "
Bluetooth is not an immediate requirement in any state. Hands free is. There are a number of ways to achieve hands free communictation. Wired headsets and speakerphone bases are two. If Bluetooth is a must then one of those Borg earpieces is an option.
Seriously, you state (with certainty) that "Bluetooth" for example will not add appreciable cost to the manufacturer. Have you ever worked on the design of an automotive vehicle part? I have. When an aftermarket company does something they need first and foremost to test it to make sure that it functions as planned. They can then source it from China to the lowest bidder. They only need it to last 12 months so that it passes their product warranty against defect. They also could generally care less what latent effect it has on the vehicle. That will all be evaluated by the end user. When an automaker integrates a component they need to develop it (of course, that is sunk cost) then they need to integrate it with the vehicle systems. This is not just a matter of plug and hope. I promise you that Parrot has not evaluated the impact of their aftermarket Bluetooth on the safety systems of the car. When GM does it they will, they have to.
They need to be certain that it completely integrates with all systems that the vehicle uses. This includes the primary interface and all of the secondary systems that contact or communicate with that system. They also need to validate that it does not interfere (EFI, RMI) with any of the vehicles safety systems or communicate on such a frequency that could interfere with things like remote fobs, keyless ignition etc.
Once all of that is done it needs to be engineered such that it will operate for the full factory warranty period, and not interfere with any of the other electronics for that full factory warranty period. Last, they need to fully evaluate failure modes. Some of this is done with predictive analysis. Some of this is done with vehicle testing. They need to know what a failure of this system will do to other systems on the same communications bus. What happens if it fails open, fails closed, fails short.
As I stated earlier in this thread the communications bus on the Corvette C6 predates Bluetooth by several years. In order to introduce it and fully integrate it would likely require a revamp of that comm bus. This is why I suspect that only the 4LT package is getting it. Partly to differentiate the 4LT but I suspect that will offset some of the development cost. Look for the Bluetooth perhaps for 2010 in the other packages.
To your second point the reason that Nissan could put it in the $16,000 Sentra is because Nissan likely makes 10 times the volume of Sentra's than the Corvette and they share many bin parts with not only Maxima's but also with their Lexus counterparts. As an example, Honda produced more than 374,000 Accords in 2007. Corvette produced a little over 41,000 units. That Honda number is a lot of cars to share cost with. Corvette can't do that because when they share costs with other platforms in the GM family owners whine. "Saturns have the same steering wheel as my Corvette
"Bluetooth is not an immediate requirement in any state. Hands free is. There are a number of ways to achieve hands free communictation. Wired headsets and speakerphone bases are two. If Bluetooth is a must then one of those Borg earpieces is an option.
While I've posted here before about the non-trivial aspects of introducing a new system in a car that must interact with other systems such as is the case with a well integrated BT implementation, I'm getting the impression from what you're saying that adding BT capability to a car's electronics infrastructure is a development job, which I think is a mis-characterization. I think it's an application programming development job that involves more integration than development.
The links below show that one of several automotive buses designed for vehicular infotainment systems was supported by SDK's, chipsets and gateways that enabled integration of in-car BT devices as early as 2001. This is a bus based on a popular international standard (firewire). There are others that may overtake it such as MOSTBus, which is already deployed in most new BMWs. The 3rd link provides a very readable (to the layperson) whitepaper on automotive buses written from a FPGA vendor's point of view.
http://www.idbforum.org/cgi-bin/r.cg...fVBa;NewsID=48
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Mindre...orm-a078843295
http://www.xilinx.com/publications/x..._autobus48.htm
What I gather from all of this is that implementing BT capability is not a technically difficult thing to do, and should not be an expensive thing to do from Corvette's perspective as long as GM (in this case) is smart and deploys a common open architecture for infotainment and telematics functions across all brands and models. I suspect that much of the cost would come in the manufacturing engineering impacts, though that like some of the things you mentioned (FMECA) is an NRE cost that can be amortized.
Given the rate at which the supporting commercial communications technology markets move, it's astonishing to me that the Corvette still employs a bus architecture for infotainment that was initially implemented in 99. That kind of reminds me of those Soviet MiGs that had radios and radars using vacuum tubes in the 80's.
Whatever he says. Sounds pretty good. I like the Soviet thing.
Melting Slicks
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From: Looking for a portable X-ray machine
