2015 C7 Upgrades???
AIR FORCE VETERAN
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,223
Likes: 441
From: Pennsylvania
I doubt they would change on inch of the body. History tells us that is true. There will be some additions just to show change. In my opinion all Corvettes are unique and beautiful so it makes little difference.
AIR FORCE VETERAN
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,223
Likes: 441
From: Pennsylvania
That transmission thing is not looking good. The eight speed GM- Ford project is for engines with much less torque. Extra gears are not as important with gobs of torque. What good comes out of adding an extra gear to the standard shift 6 speeds? Mostly marketing rather then practicality.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 755
Likes: 2
From: Valencia CA
Probably not correct here. The Z51 option going all the way back to C4's have always been a great bargain. Granted, in the C7 they now include larger wheels/tires but my '85 Z51 was only $495. My C5 was $1295, C6 I didn't get because in MY 13 you had to by the GS or higher to get it but I believe I remember prior years was only $1895. It was never an expensive option and I would think it will continue to be reasonably priced IMO...
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 94
Likes: 10
Wish list for next year..
Atomic Orange offered again.
Option to get body colored lower rear valance.
Metal mesh vent inserts like Racemesh offers from factory in various finishes like black chrome,etc.
Another 20 to 40hp offered in base models. Should be easy enough . Bit hotter tune factory. Maybe factory cold air system option.
Maybe some more rear end ratio choices.
Factory option possibly for carbon fiber rear spoiler.
PDK transmission option with possibly more speeds than present transmission.
Atomic Orange offered again.
Option to get body colored lower rear valance.
Metal mesh vent inserts like Racemesh offers from factory in various finishes like black chrome,etc.
Another 20 to 40hp offered in base models. Should be easy enough . Bit hotter tune factory. Maybe factory cold air system option.
Maybe some more rear end ratio choices.
Factory option possibly for carbon fiber rear spoiler.
PDK transmission option with possibly more speeds than present transmission.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,391
Likes: 64
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,867
Likes: 66
From: . Wyoming .
I'm with others in thinking there will be minor fixes and tweaks, but nothing major. I think sales will continue to be good from the 2014 model, and significant changes won't be necessary for 2-3 years. I'm thinking they will change up the color options, and maybe the interior schemes, different wheels, those sort of things.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
My guess is that it's more of a liability issue than anything else. Sure the technology exists to develop a latch with a sensor but it wouldn't be infallible. If they provide a sensor for the roof and the latch switch/sensor fails, GM would be liable or at the very least would have to legally defend themselves should the driver fail to latch the roof and it flies off. The first thing many drivers would say is that the warning light didn't come on even if it did.
While it is a great idea, the implications could be very serious. If you think about it, most cars these days tell you if the trunk or a door is ajar but how many tell you if the hood is? A door isn't going to fly off nor is a trunk lid so the liability is negligable. A hood or a roof on the other hand has serious implications should it fly off and a switch that isn't going to last forever would be a potential liability nightmare. Then there is the issue or costs of developing a locking latch with a discreet sensor built in. I don't see a typical spring loaded hood or door switch being a worthy solution for a latch.
While it is a great idea, the implications could be very serious. If you think about it, most cars these days tell you if the trunk or a door is ajar but how many tell you if the hood is? A door isn't going to fly off nor is a trunk lid so the liability is negligable. A hood or a roof on the other hand has serious implications should it fly off and a switch that isn't going to last forever would be a potential liability nightmare. Then there is the issue or costs of developing a locking latch with a discreet sensor built in. I don't see a typical spring loaded hood or door switch being a worthy solution for a latch.
Never thought about it that way good point.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 537
From: Upland CA
I think GM probably has a lot of potential things in the hopper, up to and including a higher power, wider tire variant.
That said, BG is currently not able to meet the demand for Z51 cars. If we look to history for a pattern I think they will hold off on the Hi-Po model for at least another year. Here is why:
So my point is the 2014 C7 rollout is more similar to the 1999 C5, than the 2005 C6. Granted the pace of technology change is accelerated so I don't think Chevy will sit on the current Z51 for 4 years like they did on the C5, but I don't think they will roll out a whole new model/engine in the second year like the C6 did.
My opinion on likely changes:
Now I could be completely wrong. Some have suggested the C7 is only planned to have a 5 year run, with a radically different C8 (turbo V6, hybrid, etc.). If that is true we could see major changes year to year like in the first 15 years (C1-C2-C3) of the Corvette.
That said, BG is currently not able to meet the demand for Z51 cars. If we look to history for a pattern I think they will hold off on the Hi-Po model for at least another year. Here is why:
- The C4 ran much longer than expected (1984-1996, 12 yrs). Starting in 1990 Chevy introduced the ZR1 to keep the series going. When the market was saturated with the high cost ZR1 they come out with the lower cost 1996 Grand Sport to try and keep sales up in the last year of the C4.
- In 1997 the long anticipated C5 came out. A totally changed car from the C4. Demand for the C5 was so high BG could not keep up.
- In the third year of the C5 demand was still high. When I bought my 1999 Coupe, the best price I could find nationwide was $1,000 below MSRP.
- As I recall the only changes from 1997 to 1999 were the new "Active Handling," Fixed Roof Coupe, HUD, and some new colors.
- When the lower cost "entry level" FRC did not sell to well in 1999 and 2000, it was converted into the Hi-Po Z06/LS6 in 2001.
- From 2001 to 2005 there were only minor HP increases and changes.
- In 2005 the C6 was introduced. While GM tried to push it as "all new" it was really an evolution of the C5.
- The sales trajectory of the C6 was falling off much more quickly than the C5 had, so the world beating C6 Z06/LS7 was introduced in 2006.
- Changes from 2006-2008 were again minor: 4-6 speed auto, wheels, colors, MRC, 30 HP, NPP, etc.
- In 2009 Sales were slumping badly due to the economy. The ZR-1 had been in the works so Chevy rolled it out. Being over $100K pushed it into a range where the wealthy who still had money would buy it.
- 2010-2013 were difficult for the C6. The C5/C6 platform was now 13 years old. To keep buyer interest Chevy started putting Z06 parts on the base car to create the GS and then the 427 Vert, and ZR-1 parts on the Z06 to create the Z06 Carbon.
- Even with all of these goodies available on the 2013 C6, only about a third of full production capacity was ordered.
So my point is the 2014 C7 rollout is more similar to the 1999 C5, than the 2005 C6. Granted the pace of technology change is accelerated so I don't think Chevy will sit on the current Z51 for 4 years like they did on the C5, but I don't think they will roll out a whole new model/engine in the second year like the C6 did.
My opinion on likely changes:
- Additional tech integration such as track data logger and video
- More sensors for blind spot, park assist, adaptive cruise control etc.
- Possible updated auto trans (still planetary, not DCT), only if it has been developed for the pick-up trucks.
Now I could be completely wrong. Some have suggested the C7 is only planned to have a 5 year run, with a radically different C8 (turbo V6, hybrid, etc.). If that is true we could see major changes year to year like in the first 15 years (C1-C2-C3) of the Corvette.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Enjoying the C7 every day... no **** retentive complaints over minor issues here.
I wouldn't be surprised if some items from the 2LT (such as HUD?) perhaps become standard and the 2LT price decreases... but then again I wouldn't be surprised if options like the Z51 package increase in price. Who knows, we'll see next year...
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 16,684
Likes: 1,193
From: La Center WA
Pro
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 638
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix AZ
I think GM probably has a lot of potential things in the hopper, up to and including a higher power, wider tire variant.
That said, BG is currently not able to meet the demand for Z51 cars. If we look to history for a pattern I think they will hold off on the Hi-Po model for at least another year. Here is why:
So my point is the 2014 C7 rollout is more similar to the 1999 C5, than the 2005 C6. Granted the pace of technology change is accelerated so I don't think Chevy will sit on the current Z51 for 4 years like they did on the C5, but I don't think they will roll out a whole new model/engine in the second year like the C6 did.
My opinion on likely changes:
Now I could be completely wrong. Some have suggested the C7 is only planned to have a 5 year run, with a radically different C8 (turbo V6, hybrid, etc.). If that is true we could see major changes year to year like in the first 15 years (C1-C2-C3) of the Corvette.
That said, BG is currently not able to meet the demand for Z51 cars. If we look to history for a pattern I think they will hold off on the Hi-Po model for at least another year. Here is why:
- The C4 ran much longer than expected (1984-1996, 12 yrs). Starting in 1990 Chevy introduced the ZR1 to keep the series going. When the market was saturated with the high cost ZR1 they come out with the lower cost 1996 Grand Sport to try and keep sales up in the last year of the C4.
- In 1997 the long anticipated C5 came out. A totally changed car from the C4. Demand for the C5 was so high BG could not keep up.
- In the third year of the C5 demand was still high. When I bought my 1999 Coupe, the best price I could find nationwide was $1,000 below MSRP.
- As I recall the only changes from 1997 to 1999 were the new "Active Handling," Fixed Roof Coupe, HUD, and some new colors.
- When the lower cost "entry level" FRC did not sell to well in 1999 and 2000, it was converted into the Hi-Po Z06/LS6 in 2001.
- From 2001 to 2005 there were only minor HP increases and changes.
- In 2005 the C6 was introduced. While GM tried to push it as "all new" it was really an evolution of the C5.
- The sales trajectory of the C6 was falling off much more quickly than the C5 had, so the world beating C6 Z06/LS7 was introduced in 2006.
- Changes from 2006-2008 were again minor: 4-6 speed auto, wheels, colors, MRC, 30 HP, NPP, etc.
- In 2009 Sales were slumping badly due to the economy. The ZR-1 had been in the works so Chevy rolled it out. Being over $100K pushed it into a range where the wealthy who still had money would buy it.
- 2010-2013 were difficult for the C6. The C5/C6 platform was now 13 years old. To keep buyer interest Chevy started putting Z06 parts on the base car to create the GS and then the 427 Vert, and ZR-1 parts on the Z06 to create the Z06 Carbon.
- Even with all of these goodies available on the 2013 C6, only about a third of full production capacity was ordered.
So my point is the 2014 C7 rollout is more similar to the 1999 C5, than the 2005 C6. Granted the pace of technology change is accelerated so I don't think Chevy will sit on the current Z51 for 4 years like they did on the C5, but I don't think they will roll out a whole new model/engine in the second year like the C6 did.
My opinion on likely changes:
- Additional tech integration such as track data logger and video
- More sensors for blind spot, park assist, adaptive cruise control etc.
- Possible updated auto trans (still planetary, not DCT), only if it has been developed for the pick-up trucks.
Now I could be completely wrong. Some have suggested the C7 is only planned to have a 5 year run, with a radically different C8 (turbo V6, hybrid, etc.). If that is true we could see major changes year to year like in the first 15 years (C1-C2-C3) of the Corvette.
good thoughts!
