Written by yours truely... :yesnod:
www.GM-cars.com
In conjuction with Branden Farthing of http://www.gminsidenews.com





[Modified by Mervz, 1:20 PM 8/7/2002]

 

Sounds like the c6 will be awesome, especially if the z06 version is pushing 500 hp. :cool:

 

 

I like the sound of that article--esp. a 500hp Z06!

 

After reading about the high performance C6, I got chills down my spine. No cam and electronic unlimited variable valve timing... It's old tech. but sounds cool for a street car. Plus looking well north of 500 BHP. All digital display. Exposed headlights. :) Heck, I just might have to leave my 01 Z06 alone and see what comes of this new creation. Now if they would just put a 6-speed sincero gear box with F-1 shifting in it... I really be happy :D

Justin C.


[Modified by PJRACING57, 1:29 AM 8/7/2002]

 

It sounds too good to be true.

I can't wait.

Now where's my file on get-rich-quick schemes?

 

C6 due for release in.............??

 

We do the dance of joy. :cheers: :lol: :cheers:

 

Very interesting, thanks.

 

...last spring of '04 probably as an '05 model.

 

I hope Maximum Bob will pull it off. :cheers:

 

5-speed automatic? I hope that means a manu-matic shifter. :yesnod:

Digital instrument cluster? Please don't do that, GM. One of the things I hate about the Honda S2000 is the digital instruments, including speedo and tach. :U

 

Interesting article, but there are a few points that don't ring true.

I would highly doubt we'd see an aluminum frame. As is reported, the frame will continue to be hydroformed. To the best of my knowledge, no one has developed a hydroforming process for aluminum--that metal doesn't flow like steel. There may be more aluminum used, but the basic structure will surely still be hydroformed steel.

While a weight reduction would be nice, a 4-500 pound reduction just is not feasible. The C5 is already very light for its size--look at the weights of its competitors like the Porsche 911 and BMW M3. Frankly, a 100 pound weight reduction would be astounding. I'd be satisfied if they just keep it close to the current C5 weight.

Electronic valve actuation is certainly possible, but not with a 12 volt electric system. Many manufacturers are talking about this, which is why we'll likely see 42 volt systems soon enough. Even with a high voltage electric system, I doubt GM is ready to put this cutting-edge technology in a production car. Maybe the C7, though.

Glad to hear about the styling changes. I don't care for most of the drawings I've seen so far. I hope they stick with some curves on the C6.

Interesting article, overall.

 

Interesting article, however I agree with the Ducatti guy(duck916).

Randy

 

1. GM pionnered hydro-forming for use in automobiles and large sections
2. 400lbs is acutally really feasable. Frame reductions, possible plastic composite "glass", and others.
3. GM is going to use 42 volts in the C6. The camless engine is very very secret.

 

I've heard of the possibility that the c6 will have analog gauges with digital gauge faces... which I thinkg is a perfect compromise.

It can not only allow for more visible readings... but allows the gauge cluster to be dynamic... you could perhaps have a correct speed reading following the tip of the needle as it advances. or have a variety of different effects available for the user to choose.

Possibly have it so that as the needles move they fill and invert the colors of the gauge face numbers, or have it so as it passes the RPM numbers they grow a bit to give you visibel feedback, etc etc,.

 

What a great site! I can't wait to see the C6 in real life. I am getting tired of all of the fake pics out there. I want the real thing!
Cheers,
Dawn
:seeya

 

WOW, with a potential 500 lb diet, I wonder how quick she'll be? And I wonder what that Z06 will run? $60k??? I bet those chevy dealers can't wait for this puppy - big time sales. Hey, maybe I'll quit my job and go work for a Chevy Dealer when the C6 comes out.

 

oh yea, another revision i need to add to the article.

Composite "glass" and carbon fiber hood... :yesnod:

 

1) Hydroformed Aluminum - Read the section "Competing materials" in http://www.metalcenternews.com/2001/...f2autobody.htm

2) One of the biggest obstacles of "camless" valvetrains has been the power needed. Since most manufactures have or have been working on 42V systems and are expected to release between now and 5 years, I do not see why the C6 wouldn't get a 42v system. The vette has always introduced the latest tech for GM and why wouldn't the C6 introduce then next gen in electronics once again? That being said, heck "camless" engines have been in testing for a LONG time now.

3) Electronic Instrument Cluster - With todays flat panel display technology, they can pull off an incredible setup. I envision an electronic setup overlayed by analog gauge needles! Imagine this - You want your tach on the left of the speedo? No problem. You want your speedo to read from 0 to 200mph or 0 to 100mph? No problem. Do you want to display oil temp instead of water temp with a tradition analog gauge needle? No problem. The possibilities are limitless and you have the BEST of both worlds!!! A digital needle is blah, but a physical needle sweeping over the panel screens??? Priceless... GM, make mine so I can even define alert range zones... something like AutoTap V2.xx has.

I'm hoping that the C6 will also be the first GM product to introduce electronic braking. I don't know if it'll be a hybrid type like the current Mercedes or not, but with a 42V system, who knows. More weight savings and room.

With more things going to drive-by-wire, we benefit with weight savings, etc. If you guys haven't seen the engine compartment of the new Trailblazer, Bravada, Envoy, then take a look. LESS and less wiring bulk - yes the triplets (for now) are drive-by-wire also and hydroformed like the vette. ;) (A TRUCK no less - did I mention it also has exhaust VVT?)

Before we jump all over the aluminum hypdroforming excitement, keep in mind that magnesium costs are dropping and manufacturing methods are growing tremendously. Was the Z06 exhaust just tip of the iceberg? ;) (Did I say that out loud???)

As far as displacement on demand - well, you can pretty much do anything with those electronic valves now right? :)

The C6 should be quite the Vette...