AWD Corvette
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 12
From: Sin City NV
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; Oct 6, 2007 at 03:56 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,907
Likes: 1
From: Between a rock and a hard place, S.E. PA
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. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
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..........
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
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.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
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.
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Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,281
Likes: 8,558
From: Rochester, NY
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.
Holy vapor ware, Batman!
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 97,155
Likes: 1,471
From: Calgary, AB. There's a reason why white was the only color offered on every year Corvette. Proud Canadian German Jamaican!
St. Jude Donor '09, '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
and the info isn't correct, dude must've got it from a car magazine.
Last edited by themonk; Jun 20, 2017 at 12:17 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 15,067
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From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
So, do you think they'll increase the HP in the 08 Vette?