Will there be a ZR1- C7 and a Z06 - C7 the first year?
Do we have to wait a few years?
Maybe it will be Z07 and ZR7.
That sounds nice to me.

 

I'm thinking that we will see at least one of those two during the C7 era, most likely the ZR1 only (with perhaps a 'Grand Sport Edition' base model as well?) in my opinion.




Yes, likely won't have that 2nd higher performance/specialty model right away.
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Its possible that the Z06 and ZR1 come out sooner for the C7 than with the C6 - some of those jalopnik pictures included the design, but who knows if theres any truth to them...

 

It makes no sense to release higher-performance variants in the initial model year, and lots of sense to wait.

For one thing, you get more press if you stretch it out. The story in 2013 is the new C7, and there's a lot to that story. Don't distract from it by talking about two or three tiers. Look at BMW and Porsche, for example. The 3-series doesn't show sedan, coupe, convertible, and M3 all in one year. Porsche's 911 unveiling was for the coupe first, then the convertible, with yet-to-come turbo, targa, and other editions.

For another, it's a lot easier on engineering, production, and marketing if you stretch it out. A new model takes a lot of resources; too many at once and you're spreading resources too thin. GM is a lot slimmer than it used to be.

.Jinx

 

I agree they'll stretch it out - at least a bit, if for no other reason the classic marketing of keeping excitement up.

And BTW, OP, there is a Z-07 now in the C6 line-up.

 

I'm thinking the C7 will only have two models, a base model similar to the C6 GS and a high performance model. I don't believe that both the Z06 and the ZR1 will survive. One will go, and I'm guessing it will be the Z06.

 

 

Anyone overly excited at the performance numbers for the base C7 is either unaware of what the market is offering for similiar pricing while it dwarfs their power numbers or is just a Corvette fanboy in general.

Perhaps I'm biased but releasing this vehicle with potentially 450hp out of the gate and staggering off a performance version is flat out ignorant and proof GM simply needs to pace its wounded fleet.

The ZL1 is inferior in almost EVERY aspect to the GT500 its interior is as plastic as a barbie doll and its performance levels are impressive but are outclassed considerably and if they don't release anything to compete for the next 3 years when Ford is planning on unveiling the new Mustang around than its a poor marketing move in my opinion right now would be the perfect time to release a beastly C7 out of the gate.

 

I totally agree. There is no place for the Z06 sadly, especially if they come out with a GS that essentially looks like a Z06/ZR1 with slightly less HP than what a Z06 would have had.

 

I dunno,

Ferrari stages - i.e. releases - its high performance versions later than first model.

Lambo stages.

Porsche stages.

Mustang even stages.

Seems pretty common, actually.


Frankly, I would be surprised if such wasn't done on the C7. As to the performance of the base model. . . , none of us know yet what it is.

We'll just have to see how she performs.

 

A sports car is more than a horsepower figure. How about curb weight, lap times, fuel economy (yes it matters), interior quality, technology features, exterior styling, prestige... there's a reason we don't all drive the same Johnson Motors SuperBox BigBlock GT.

Yes, you're biased. Either you have giant wood for the new Mustang or you have giant envy for the new Mustang. Corvette does not exist to salve your brand-identified inferiority complex. Corvette does not need to beat every special-edition Mustang. Sure, some folks will be swayed (please be one of them) but most won't even cross-shop.

Bench racing is for suckers.

(tangential run-on deleted) Corvette is not Camaro.

.Jinx

 

The first year C7 will sell out without any special or HP models. I'd expect HP and "limited edition" C7 models to follow in years 2-4 when the novelty wears off and they need another sales bump.

 

You seem to be quite focused solely on power output and peak horsepower ratings.
You are familiar with phrases such as power to weight ratio, total package and balance, correct?
Do you have any idea what the performance potential of a 450hp (maybe even 470hp?), 3100 pound car is?
Yes a GT500 will have 650hp (only 550hp right now of course) but it weighs nearly 650 pounds more than a base Corvette.
Yes, perhaps you are biased, or maybe just a "fanboy" of another brand?





No, it's not at all inferior to the current GT500, the cars are quite well matched in most aspects actually and the ZL1 probably has far better handling overall.
For 2013 it might be a different story of course.

 

If you want to argue performance with a GT500 to a CAMARO ZL1 (I had to bold this for emphasis), then go to the Camaro forums. A Corvette is not a Camaro.

 

i also believe that we have seen the last of the zo6 as we know it,and that is why im certain i will keep my 2009 cyber grey forever. just like when i see a 60s model vette,my first thought is, is that a big block? a day will come when someone will see my corvette and ask is that a zo6. yes, and it is the last of the 427s we will ever see. iv got the 427 emblems on my hood and just like the 69 model with the very same emblem. i dont care if new tech overtakes my z in the future, i bought my z for the big motor!!!!! and besides,when katech gets threw with mods being added this year. i dont think i will have any trouble keeping up with the new kids on the block

 

Don,

I drove a C6 Katech Z for several years. You're right, you won't have trouble keeping up with folks.

It was a rockin' ride.

 

According to this month's Motor Trend (easy now, I'm just the messenger),

the C7 release will be:

First, Coupe (and some verts)
2nd, Z-06
3rd, GS coupe and vert
Last, ZR1

They commented that the ZR will have a slightly smaller displacement engine due to CAFE needs, and that the base vette will be available with the 3.6 liter V6, tho not at intro.

Like I said - I'm just the messenger.

 

youre just trying to get everyone riled up arent you?

 

Motor Trend's source is probably us.

 

I just had a car towed yesterday and am having to pay for a transmission on an 03 Taurus that has died multiple times.

Our company has bought multiple 03 Taurus's in fleet and EVERY SINGLE transmission went at 100k miles when they were properly maintained. This one went at 184 again albeit from Maaco not putting a hydraulic tube in it than lying.

In comparison we bought a load of 04 Impalas not a SINGLE car had similar issues and each one is driving smooth as silk at 160 for the most part.

Your talking to a guy that's going to feel dirty just going back to Ford after what he just experienced not a fanboy but I will give up the GM Family First Discount and go purchase a GT500 next Spring/Summer if this vehicle is not up to snuff when it comes to interior quality given it's less powerful and will neither beat a GT500 on a track or a quarter mile and the GT starts at 54k MSRP if it has the same interior I see very few reasons to go with a C7 outside of weight and handling when it comes to cornering.

If the interior is upgraded considerably Ill be putting a hefty deposit down the moment I leave the Charity Gala next year at the Detroit Auto Show for a C7 or wait for a convertible in the Spring of 14 but than again if I wait that long and the Motor Trend "rumors" are correct theres no point in not just sitting on these company cars another 4-6 months "Which I hate" and buying a Z06 C7 if in fact its being released

I'm young impatient and looking to make my first luxury buy so if nothing else my opinions skewed in the sense that I want a souped up C7 next fall when I want to make a purchase at the very latest... still buying a C7 in Autumn in a cold weather state may be dumb I'd be to tempted to drive it in sell than optimal conditions... if nothing else Ill take the 475hp or whatever the base C7 engine is expected to be at and upgrade the suspension and breaks and make it a drift car if I'm in that big of a hurry to buy.

(Just saw a 115k CL550 with Asanti's on the tow truck yesterday up close for 15 minutes its amazing what this weather does to the under carriage of a car it looked like a 50k entry level and the rims were scratched and streaky)