Longer Wheelbase?
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 12,712
Likes: 2,270
The rear wheels were essentially moved back 1.2" relative to the front wheels, and the engine was moved forward by a fraction of an inch - supposedly to accomodate the higher capacity clutch that will be required for Z06. That's why the C6 chassis is all new even though it looks the same to casual observation.
In a front engine sports car where you want maximum engine setback to avoid excess front weight distribution the engine and occupants are in competition for the same space since they both must be packaged within the wheelbase. Traditionally, sports cars have had short wheelbases, which enhance low speed tight corner handling - like autocross, but the current trend is toward longer wheelbases for better occupant accomodation with modern suspension and tire design making up for any potential loss of handling in tight, low speed corners. Longer wheelbase also reduces the inherent pitching tendency of short wheelbase cars.
Porsche 911s are still short wheelbase - 92" IIRC - but with the engine packaged aft of the rear axle centerline, it doesn't compete with available occupant space.
Duke
In a front engine sports car where you want maximum engine setback to avoid excess front weight distribution the engine and occupants are in competition for the same space since they both must be packaged within the wheelbase. Traditionally, sports cars have had short wheelbases, which enhance low speed tight corner handling - like autocross, but the current trend is toward longer wheelbases for better occupant accomodation with modern suspension and tire design making up for any potential loss of handling in tight, low speed corners. Longer wheelbase also reduces the inherent pitching tendency of short wheelbase cars.
Porsche 911s are still short wheelbase - 92" IIRC - but with the engine packaged aft of the rear axle centerline, it doesn't compete with available occupant space.
Duke
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
Originally Posted by SWCDuke
The rear wheels were essentially moved back 1.2" relative to the front wheels, and the engine was moved forward by a fraction of an inch - supposedly to accomodate the higher capacity clutch that will be required for Z06. That's why the C6 chassis is all new even though it looks the same to casual observation.
In a front engine sports car where you want maximum engine setback to avoid excess front weight distribution the engine and occupants are in competition for the same space since they both must be packaged within the wheelbase. Traditionally, sports cars have had short wheelbases, which enhance low speed tight corner handling - like autocross, but the current trend is toward longer wheelbases for better occupant accomodation with modern suspension and tire design making up for any potential loss of handling in tight, low speed corners. Longer wheelbase also reduces the inherent pitching tendency of short wheelbase cars.
Porsche 911s are still short wheelbase - 92" IIRC - but with the engine packaged aft of the rear axle centerline, it doesn't compete with available occupant space.
Duke
In a front engine sports car where you want maximum engine setback to avoid excess front weight distribution the engine and occupants are in competition for the same space since they both must be packaged within the wheelbase. Traditionally, sports cars have had short wheelbases, which enhance low speed tight corner handling - like autocross, but the current trend is toward longer wheelbases for better occupant accomodation with modern suspension and tire design making up for any potential loss of handling in tight, low speed corners. Longer wheelbase also reduces the inherent pitching tendency of short wheelbase cars.
Porsche 911s are still short wheelbase - 92" IIRC - but with the engine packaged aft of the rear axle centerline, it doesn't compete with available occupant space.
Duke
