Detroit Steel

Using a space-age material known as TCA Ultra Lite, the C7’s weight has been cut by 20 pounds on the 2016 model.

Read the rest on the Corvette Forum homepage. >>

astonius

20 pounds doesn't seem all that significant, especially when you consider the additional weight of the curb cameras and the hatch motor. I bet the total weight difference between a 2015 and 2016 with the same trim/options is negligible.

bimmerborn

"The panels will be significantly less dense than those on previous models."

Does it mean 2014-15 have more sturdy panels than 2016?

Patman

To me, 20 pounds is not that significant. You'd get better results by driving around on less than half a tank of gas, considering a full tank of gas weighs about 100 pounds more than an empty tank does, so just by driving on a half tank you save 50 pounds right there!

sTz

Any weight reduction is good...

Boiler_81

Twenty pounds is huge in the auto industry. The OEMs are always looking to shave weight. Every pound is precious to the goal of meeting CAFE requirements.

Black&White

it must be a cheaper quality panel otherwise Tadge would have been discussing this remarkable new addition for the 2016 models and absolutely nothing was talked about concerning new panels or weight saving. Im guessing these new panels might no longer be called fiberglss composite but just plain old pressed plastic so nothing was said in fear people would revolt.

AORoads

wasn't there balsa wood used in prior gens? if so, why would owners shout about a less-complex and less expensive piece of plastic saving weight which is what the balsa was for (as well as being flexible)?

alamo1974

W88fixer

Yes weight counts but 20#?? That’s a massive 3 gallons of gas and NO ONE can say that they can tell a seat of the pants or mileage difference. Don

jimmyb

The weight saving is nice, what I really hope is that the panels themselves are less wavy (especially the doors).

Jimmy

Skidplate

I wonder if they can paint silver properly on the new material?

sanantguy

wow, the naysayers.

It is always significant when weight is shaved off of a car. even ounces.

65 Hardnoks

20 lbs...... Is that a typo?

GMuffley

The C6Z used a carbon fiber and balsa wood combination for the floor.

Boiler_81

Yes weight counts. Believe me, the OEMS fight for every pound. Several years ago, another OEM I worked with paid additional piece price for every pound saved. To get 20 pounds in the auto industry is a huge accomplishment. When engineering changes are quoted to the OEMS, weight delta is one of the things which must be included.

Weight savings of this magnitude allows the addition of new features at no overall weight penalty. This keeps the OEM in compliance with CAFE requirements.

Steve_R

Less weight is good, but 20 lbs isn't "significant."

Boiler_81

I would agree in the consumer world twenty pounds is not a big deal. The article referenced was targeted at the OEM world.

In the OEM world twenty pounds is very significant. I have worked for tier one auto suppliers for over 30 years in engineering, engineering management and program management and have seen first hand how much OEMS value even a fractional pound savings.. Twenty pounds is a huge accomplishment.

Of course there is a cost benefit analysis done for every weight savings. Depending on the demands of CAFE at a given time the value of a pound save will vary.

slickstick

Not if you believe the company that makes the new material:

http://www.cspplastics.com/continent...ca-ultra-lite/

BJ67

the c7 has less dense sheet molded composite (SMC) panels compared to the c6 and that's why the C7 has more waves than a C6. I hope the 2016 is loosing 20lbs some other way unless GM has developed a lighter, straighter body panel.