Attended a Christmas party this weekend. In attendance was a high level G.M Accountant from Detroit. I was introduced as a Vette owner and i had an interesting conversation regarding G.M`s approach to the C6 ! First i asked why hasn`t G.M( with the current C5) offered it with an option package with at least two engine choices. His answer cost. He said it was cheaper to build the Z06 configuration versus two engine choices. I asked didnt he think some enthusiats would enjoy a higher output engine in Targa form, and possibly increase sales? The answer COST. I told him i thought G.M is making the wrong marketing decision and should have gone back to the old days of the sixties and sales would skyrocket. His answer " I`m paid to oversee the entire cost factor of a product. Accounting has the final say on bottom line. We are obligated to remove ourselfs from engineering decisions unless they meet our overall criteria" I asked obviously about the C6 and he was very tight lipped. He did say the build factor of a higher output engine did raise the price on a ratio basis more than the cosmetic changes. I again tried to feel him out on the 2006 Z06. He smiled and said " Be glad you purchased an 04" For what the engineers are proposing a SIGNIFICANT price increase is on the horizon! ( regarding the 2006 ) :thumbs: :flag

 

The problem is that no one knows what he means by significant. At present, the average sticker is about $52-53 k for an equipped Z06. The rumored target price for the C6 Z06 is $60k. That sounds like a significant price increase to me but one that I will pay for 500hp and a 3000lb vette with improved quality of interior.

There are a few people who believe the price will be 80-90k for MY 2006 Z06. I don't believe that at all.

Phil Zivnuska

 

I have to call :bs on this one. To drop one engine/tranny combo or the other into a frame can't be much (if any) diff.

Actually I think it really just boils down to the marrage between body and frame. Stick a coupe body onto the Z frame.

 

I hope the price for the standard C6 stays in the same ball park as the curent C5.
I am sure we will see an incerase of about $1000 dollars but raising the price into the $50k-70k range for a C6 would put it out of reach of alot of the current owners.

 

There's a tremendous difference, because you have to certify it with the Federal government, which is costly.[/QUOTE]

 

COST is always the word you will hear from an accountant. I agree the C6 will cost more. A base coupe may be $50k, no first year discounts, and no GMS. :eek:

 

Never, ever let the bean counters make any decision in regard to product. What you want from them is the answer to "If I do "X" what will be the cost impact?" Then follow up with. "What are the models you used and assumptions you made to get that figure?"

Bean counters are historians not futurists. For an excellent discussion on the impact of "modern" accounting, read "Relevance Lost". :smash:

 

NO GMS? DAMN DAMN DAMN DAMN DAMN DAMN DAMN DAMN

It appears I will be purchasing a second or third year vette as long as grandpa doesnt kick off.


[Modified by Guru_4_hire, 3:52 PM 12/22/2003]