Longer Wheelbase
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Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Tempe AZ
Longer Wheelbase
The more and more I read about the C6, it looks like it's a sure thing it will have a longer wheelbase. Now I have read probably all of its advantages, my question is what are the disadvantages of having a longer wheelbase, if any??? This is assuming the C6 will have a longer wheelbase but shorter overhangs, making it a shorter car all together. Thanks!
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Re: Longer Wheelbase (Butta)
There's no doubt as to the C6 wheelbase being as how it will be the same as the XLR, and the spec has been published.
Most of the major masses/systems in a car must be contained within the wheelbase - engine, drivetrain, suspension, and driver/passengers. A longer wheelbase usually means better passenger accomodations, but a shorter wheelbase can mean better handling, particularly in very tight corners, but at the expense of more pitching motions in the ride. Traditionally, long wheelbases were designed for ride, and short wheelbases for manueverability. Compare the new Maybach with an early Porsche.
If you go to the Cadillac Web site you should find the published XLR wheelbase, and the C6 will be the same. The increase is only about an inch, so we're not talking a major increase, but every little bit counts with packaging, and I doubt if the increase will result in a noticeable loss of manueverabililty in parking lot or autocross performance.
Duke
Most of the major masses/systems in a car must be contained within the wheelbase - engine, drivetrain, suspension, and driver/passengers. A longer wheelbase usually means better passenger accomodations, but a shorter wheelbase can mean better handling, particularly in very tight corners, but at the expense of more pitching motions in the ride. Traditionally, long wheelbases were designed for ride, and short wheelbases for manueverability. Compare the new Maybach with an early Porsche.
If you go to the Cadillac Web site you should find the published XLR wheelbase, and the C6 will be the same. The increase is only about an inch, so we're not talking a major increase, but every little bit counts with packaging, and I doubt if the increase will result in a noticeable loss of manueverabililty in parking lot or autocross performance.
Duke
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From: Indianapolis Indiana
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Re: Longer Wheelbase (SWCDuke)
Longer wheelbase=more difficulty in lowering since you'd have more chance to ground out on undulations of the road.
[Modified by BQuicksilver, 2:04 AM 4/17/2003]
[Modified by BQuicksilver, 2:04 AM 4/17/2003]
Le Mans Master
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From: Oakland, CA
Re: Longer Wheelbase (BQuicksilver)
Longer wheelbase=more difficulty in lowering since you'd have more chance to ground out on undulations of the road.
True, but for a given vehicle, longer wheelbase generally means shorter overhangs, and I think we can agree that the ends are the first to scrape on lowering a Corvette.
But I'll take my Corvette at its factory height, thanks. Between the Nimitz Freeway and the James Lick Freeway and the Bayshore Freeway, I need all the suspension travel I can get.
.Jinx
True, but for a given vehicle, longer wheelbase generally means shorter overhangs, and I think we can agree that the ends are the first to scrape on lowering a Corvette.
But I'll take my Corvette at its factory height, thanks. Between the Nimitz Freeway and the James Lick Freeway and the Bayshore Freeway, I need all the suspension travel I can get.
.Jinx
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Re: Longer Wheelbase (Rocketblock)
For the record - C5 WB is 104.5"; XLR is 105.7". Though it's possible the C6 could have a slightly different WB than the XLR, I consider it highly unlikely.
As a point of reference, the C2/3 WB is only 98", and the Ferrari SWBs of yore are 94.5". The design thinking on sports car wheelbases has changed a lot in the last 50 years.
With these early sports cars the driver was almost sitting on top of the rear axle, which had a cost in ride quality. Stretching the wheelbase places the driver/passenger a bit closer to the center of the wheelbase, where the best ride quality is, and it also allows more space for the occupants.
Duke
As a point of reference, the C2/3 WB is only 98", and the Ferrari SWBs of yore are 94.5". The design thinking on sports car wheelbases has changed a lot in the last 50 years.
With these early sports cars the driver was almost sitting on top of the rear axle, which had a cost in ride quality. Stretching the wheelbase places the driver/passenger a bit closer to the center of the wheelbase, where the best ride quality is, and it also allows more space for the occupants.
Duke
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From: indianapolis indiana
Re: Longer Wheelbase (SWCDuke)
To my understanding, overall length will be about 2-3" shorter than the C-5 whhich means longer wheel base(an inch) & less overhangs front & rear from the fender wells.
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Re: Longer Wheelbase (vette-freak)
Yes. I expect the next big "scope" to be a photo of a disguised beta in Death Valley sometime this summer as GM completes their hot weather validation testing. Even in disguise, the relative wheelbase/OA length/ greehouse shape should give us a good idea as to the C6' overall proportions.
Duke
Duke
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Re: Longer Wheelbase (SWCDuke)
Yes. I expect the next big "scope" to be a photo of a disguised beta in Death Valley sometime this summer as GM completes their hot weather validation testing. Even in disguise, the relative wheelbase/OA length/ greehouse shape should give us a good idea as to the C6' overall proportions.
Duke
Duke
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From: Texas
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Re: Longer Wheelbase (Butta)
So you don't think the "beta" pictures supposedly to appear this wed april 23rd will bear this fruit?
Huh???? Am I missing something??? :skep:
Huh???? Am I missing something??? :skep:
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
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Re: Longer Wheelbase (SWCDuke)
The slight increase in WB length will probably be more than offset by the new, improved magnetic shock enhancements. However, it empasizes once again that the 2004 to 2005 retooling at BG will take significantly more time than say the 2002 to 2003 model year. The 2004 model year will be a short one. One can always wish for the Aluminum hydroformed rails while we're waiting!
Pro
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From: indianapolis indiana
Re: Longer Wheelbase (need-for-speed)
So you don't think the "beta" pictures supposedly to appear this wed april 23rd will bear this fruit?
