Aluminum frame for future C6s?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 41
From: Corinth TX
Aluminum frame for future C6s?
I was reading in the Z06 section about the aluminum frame and started thinking and wondering if GM might put them on the C6 in the future. We all know that reducing weight is the equivalent of adding HP. Not only would it help us in the weight reduction program but also in the CAFE area as well. So it seems only logical that GM would want to improve upon the C6s already incredible fuel economy. Would the cost outway the gains? And if they put it on the C6s doesn't it also make sense that they would eventually trickle on down to the other lines? It just seems to me the most logical thing to do since the two frames are most likely identical and interchangeable would be to start putting this frame to use on the C6.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,907
Likes: 3
From: Jupiter Florida
I see two issues... cost of the aluminum frame is greater and there remains the chassis rigidity issue...thus one reason (at this point) the Z06 has a fixed roof with magnesium frame.
Michael
Michael
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,375
Likes: 406
From: Florida
Originally Posted by DJackman
Yep that would be nice but it will hike the price of our regular Vette.
The actual production of the AL frame is designed to be nearly identical to that of the steel one, so cost is only a couple hundred dollars more than the steel one. In fact, GM anticipates producing the AL frame on the same assy line as the steel one in a few years.
We may not see the AL frame in all Vettes until C7, but it is coming.
