AWD Corvette
10-06-2007, 10:27 AM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
AWD Corvette
Information revealed yesterday in a UAW document outlined GM’s plans to install a dual-clutch gearbox in the C7 Corvette and now we have reports that it might feature an AWD system as well. GM and Sweden’s Haldex have developed a new performance AWD system called XWD that debuted in the facelifted Saab 9-3. The AWD system features an electronic differential and can send up to 85% of torque to an individual wheel to prevent slippage, whether it’s from a fast corner or when trying to put power to the ground.
Engineers at a Haldex plant in Sweden were recently spotted working on a new GM prototype with a rear-track much wider than that of any current Saab and this is thought to be a test-mule for the next-generation Corvette. A new Haldex facility being set-up in Mexico could soon see development of the AWD Corvette prototype head to North America.
GM hasn’t revealed any official details about the next Corvette apart from the fact that it will retain the front-engine layout. According to parts suppliers, a mid-engine layout was ruled out because of the costs involved in developing such a car. Developers are instead looking at AWD traction to improve the Corvette’s track performance. We already know what it’s capable of with just RWD. Now imagine what an AWD Corvette with more than 600hp could do to the competition.
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As long as it does not make the vette too heavy it might be a good idea. Bring it, I definitely want to test drive one on the track.
Engineers at a Haldex plant in Sweden were recently spotted working on a new GM prototype with a rear-track much wider than that of any current Saab and this is thought to be a test-mule for the next-generation Corvette. A new Haldex facility being set-up in Mexico could soon see development of the AWD Corvette prototype head to North America.
GM hasn’t revealed any official details about the next Corvette apart from the fact that it will retain the front-engine layout. According to parts suppliers, a mid-engine layout was ruled out because of the costs involved in developing such a car. Developers are instead looking at AWD traction to improve the Corvette’s track performance. We already know what it’s capable of with just RWD. Now imagine what an AWD Corvette with more than 600hp could do to the competition.
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As long as it does not make the vette too heavy it might be a good idea. Bring it, I definitely want to test drive one on the track.
Last edited by GaussianMist; 10-06-2007 at 03:56 PM.
10-06-2007, 10:58 AM
#3
Race Director
Seems to me it would save them money to design a mid engine w/AWD at the same time. If you design them separately it's all wasted money. On the other hand, I don't remember automakers being the smartest people on Earth. They'll go for the quick buck and anything which keeps people buying the next version for 1 improvement. 
10-06-2007, 01:39 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Dec 2005
Location: North Western Connecticut
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If corvette wants to expand their customer base they are going to need to be inventive. Look at the ricermobiles that use AWD... more and more of them around. Not something I care about because I enjoy lighting them up... but GM has to think down the road. Sure makes a vette more attractive for a all year round car in northern climates. I suspect the C7 will have some pretty radical changes and things never seen before on previous generation vettes..........
10-06-2007, 02:02 PM
#6
Team Owner
If horsepower is going to continue to climb in the base Corvette, AWD will become a necessary "evil" (I use the word evil because of it's effects on weight and cost). But I really believe we are coming near the end of horsepower escalating at the pace it has the past few years. There is a tremendous amount of press now about fuel economy issues. Insurance and EPA requirements could also be a factor in putting a stop to all this fun.
10-06-2007, 02:28 PM
#7
Safety Car
The writing seems to be on the wall just like at the end of the last hp wars in the '60's. But, Tom Wallace doesn't seem to think it's a problem due to the level of technology.
06-19-2017, 05:51 PM
#9
Team Owner
Seems to me it would save them money to design a mid engine w/AWD at the same time. If you design them separately it's all wasted money. On the other hand, I don't remember automakers being the smartest people on Earth. They'll go for the quick buck and anything which keeps people buying the next version for 1 improvement.
06-19-2017, 05:57 PM
#11
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jul 2015
Location: Northern California
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St. Jude Donor '15
Wtf, this is a 10 year old thread. Why bump this, Saab isn't even around anymore.
Holy vapor ware, Batman!
06-20-2017, 12:13 AM
#13
Melting Slicks
Perhaps in an alternate universe it's still 2007 and we are from the future. Saab is not dead, and the rest of y'all might wanna sell your stocks...
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06-20-2017, 12:17 AM
#15
Team Owner
and the info isn't correct, dude must've got it from a car magazine.
Last edited by themonk; 06-20-2017 at 12:17 AM.
06-20-2017, 12:52 AM
#17
Burning Brakes
Classic.
06-20-2017, 03:59 AM
#18
Melting Slicks
Its interesting to see nothing changes.
06-20-2017, 08:03 AM
#20
Race Director
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St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
So, do you think they'll increase the HP in the 08 Vette?