Is a Mid-Engine C7 really necessary?
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Team Owner
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Is a Mid-Engine C7 really necessary?
Don't get me wrong, I love mid-engines but......
The mid-engine market is fairly crowded, with most of these manufacturers (Ferrari, lambo, audi, etc...) having lots of experience in this set up.
I would make the argument that Corvette owns the front engine sports car design. I don't think any manufacturer has gotten close to the engineering excellence that GM has with the Corvette.
Other than the benefits of making AWD easier, I'm not sure what's gained here except very little market share. It will subsequently hurt the perceived value of any front engine vettes. (one of the great things about Z06 and ZR1 is they maintain the same profile as the base model, both of these vehicles increased the perceived value of all corvettes in its generation.)
So my question is...why does GM feel they need to enter this market?
The mid-engine market is fairly crowded, with most of these manufacturers (Ferrari, lambo, audi, etc...) having lots of experience in this set up.
I would make the argument that Corvette owns the front engine sports car design. I don't think any manufacturer has gotten close to the engineering excellence that GM has with the Corvette.
Other than the benefits of making AWD easier, I'm not sure what's gained here except very little market share. It will subsequently hurt the perceived value of any front engine vettes. (one of the great things about Z06 and ZR1 is they maintain the same profile as the base model, both of these vehicles increased the perceived value of all corvettes in its generation.)
So my question is...why does GM feel they need to enter this market?
Last edited by Bat Man; Jan 16, 2015 at 09:47 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Bonita Springs Florida
Certainly the current Corvette is remaining competitive with others using the front engine V8 Corvette design, but to make the jump past them, GM will have to break that paradigm. IMO.
I think Gm believes they can produce a car at $150K that will match or beat a car costing $1Mil.
After owning a C7, I believe they can
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2014
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From: Salado TX
To keep pace with (or better) the fastest and most exotic cars in the world.
Certainly the current Corvette is remaining competitive with others using the front engine V8 Corvette design, but to make the jump past them, GM will have to break that paradigm. IMO.
I think Gm believes they can produce a car at $150K that will match or beat a car costing $1Mil.
After owning a C7, I believe they can
Certainly the current Corvette is remaining competitive with others using the front engine V8 Corvette design, but to make the jump past them, GM will have to break that paradigm. IMO.
I think Gm believes they can produce a car at $150K that will match or beat a car costing $1Mil.
After owning a C7, I believe they can
Some want an affordable mid-engine Corvette similar to the C7 while others want something more exotic like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Who knows what GM thinks, but a car with technology similar to the C7 won't be an exotic.
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From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
Well... not so much an actual car is needed but unsubstantiated rumors are so as to keep the flood of threads about it coming!
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Everyone has a different idea of what a mid-engine GM car should or would be.
Some want an affordable mid-engine Corvette similar to the C7 while others want something more exotic like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Who knows what GM thinks, but a car with technology similar to the C7 won't be an exotic.
Some want an affordable mid-engine Corvette similar to the C7 while others want something more exotic like a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Who knows what GM thinks, but a car with technology similar to the C7 won't be an exotic.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
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Do you consider the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta an exotic? It's FRONT ENGINE, 6.3-liter, 731-hp V-12 that spins to 8,700 rpm. It costs $330,000.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/over...erlinetta_2014
http://www.thecarconnection.com/over...erlinetta_2014
Last edited by F4 Phantom; Jan 16, 2015 at 02:08 PM.
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Burning Brakes
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From: Maumelle AR
No bones about it here ... I hope GM does NOT EVER build a mid engined Corvette! Not a fan of the "cab forward" look necessitated by midship engines, ... and that name, 'Zora", oh my goodness!!! 
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Lexington KY
Mid Engine?
Technically, our Vettes are already mid engine, since the engine is behind the front axle centers. The C6 engine pretty much lines up with the axle line, but they increased the setback with the C7. Still, most folks think of "mid engine" as behind the seats.
My concern is that many of us would be priced out of Vettes. According to the Black Book, they sold 37,238 in 2014. How many would they sell at 120 to 150K?
Also, many of us have always had manual trannies (my 2015 on order is, however, my first auto) and I agree with Bob Lutz (a pretty safe thing to do) that they would have to drop the manual.
I still feel more comfortable on the highway knowing that on the outside chance I hit something, that big engine gets there ahead of me, rather than trying to sandwich me in the middle.
My concern is that many of us would be priced out of Vettes. According to the Black Book, they sold 37,238 in 2014. How many would they sell at 120 to 150K?
Also, many of us have always had manual trannies (my 2015 on order is, however, my first auto) and I agree with Bob Lutz (a pretty safe thing to do) that they would have to drop the manual.
I still feel more comfortable on the highway knowing that on the outside chance I hit something, that big engine gets there ahead of me, rather than trying to sandwich me in the middle.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
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There's no reason both couldn't be built on the same line if the same technology is deployed. Sure, it would take some plant rework but it's quite doable. There's also no reason to discontinue the current C7 to build a Zora variant. All it takes is money and a will by management to fund the project.
And at $120k they could probably sell 7500 per year. Increase Z06 allocation, go to 2 8 hour shifts in BG and you could possibly see 45000 - 50000 corvettes coming out of BG.
And at $120k they could probably sell 7500 per year. Increase Z06 allocation, go to 2 8 hour shifts in BG and you could possibly see 45000 - 50000 corvettes coming out of BG.
Racer
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Tadge (Top Corvette Engineer) basically said in a statement recently that GM left everything on the table with the new Z06, and indicated there is no plan for a C7 ZR1 or mid engine corvette.
I think people are getting thier hopes up for nothing.
I think people are getting thier hopes up for nothing.
Safety Car
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From: FLL Florida
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2001
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From: Hamilton Square NJ, Ocean City N. J. Key Biscayne Fla.
X 1,000. Not a fan of the long rear end look. The Vette, in every trim, has cornered the market on the longish hood, short deck look. I realize it is traction limited. But, how many of us really need every ounce of grip/acceleration? I could see a more "exotic" version, rear engine, ultra performance model being built next to the "lower" performance, current lay out. Which will still have killer street/track performance. And, GM should make the base a widebody w/ more HP.
The Consigliere
Joined: May 2006
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From: 2023 Z06 & 2010 ZR1
Nah - Zora is a great name for it if they build it, IMO. Everyone in the sports car world, domestic and foreign greatly respected Duntov, and he pushed early and often for a rear/mid-engine platform for the vette (which the bean counters always nixed).
Safety Car
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Burning Brakes
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From: KADS- If it has wings or an engine, I can break it. Dallas TX
New GT looks great.... and they are going to race it.
A mid engine vette would be a great battle.
I would welcome a mid engine vette. I think the the 458 and Ford GT are great looking cars. If GM could do something sexy, with top notch performance. It would be great boost.
I know this is the corvette forum, the old ways die hard. around here. I remember the months long threads about the C7 not having round taillights. and the C6 not having pop up headlights........ some guys on here never want to change.... which is fine. just buy and old vette and drive it till you die.
I'm all for the mid engine, its way overdue
A mid engine vette would be a great battle.
I would welcome a mid engine vette. I think the the 458 and Ford GT are great looking cars. If GM could do something sexy, with top notch performance. It would be great boost.
I know this is the corvette forum, the old ways die hard. around here. I remember the months long threads about the C7 not having round taillights. and the C6 not having pop up headlights........ some guys on here never want to change.... which is fine. just buy and old vette and drive it till you die.
I'm all for the mid engine, its way overdue
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2014
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From: Salado TX
Originally Posted by Zymurgy;158 8734750
Just curious, what technology do think they would need to change to make a mid-engine Corvette an exotic?
If so, technology might not drive the cost of the car, but GM might decide to price the product in the $200-250K range and feel compelled to add some technology like a carbon fiber frame or body, four wheel steering, or a new V12 engine to sell it.
For all its excellence, the C7 is not exotic in the way a Ford GT is exotic.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,195
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From: Bonita Springs Florida
Do you consider the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta an exotic? It's FRONT ENGINE, 6.3-liter, 731-hp V-12 that spins to 8,700 rpm. It costs $330,000.
http://www.thecarconnection.com/over...erlinetta_2014
2014 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta vs 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 vs 2013 Porsche 911 C4S! Head 2 Head Ep 42 - YouTube
http://www.thecarconnection.com/over...erlinetta_2014
2014 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta vs 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 vs 2013 Porsche 911 C4S! Head 2 Head Ep 42 - YouTube
Thread Starter
Team Owner
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Yea, and ford has had over 50 years of experience with the ford gt.
GM is diving into uncharted, that it has limited experience in.
Lets be honest with ourselves here, you have a person who can afford a mid engine super car. Which will they buy? A 150k Mid Engine Vette or a 150k NSX or R8?
So the gain of selling a mid engine vette is ??? Meanwhile the risk is rather huge.