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If they keep the Z51 as a model in 2017, then the used Z51s might decrease in value a little. All things being equal, a used Z51 will still be a bit more than a base. However, in the unlikely event they drop the Z51, used Z51s will actually benefit as anyone wanting a Stingray body with Z51 will have to go used. With Corvettes, anytime the factory drops a popular option (model), the used cars that have that option (model) depreciate at a slower rate.
The C6 Z51's were very popular as well, but the resale value crashed once the Grand Sport came out.; same will happen with the Base C7, even those with the Z51 option package.
You'll likely not have to make this choice. The Z51 option will be part of the GS and no longer available as a separate option on the base stingray as it is now. That's my guess.
Correct, the 9k difference Tadge talked about was over the base coupe price. Z51 will be eliminated, and the GS will be ~ $3500 over the old Z51 with bi-mode exhaust. Frankly, with all of the problems with the LT4 it would be smarter to buy a GS and then put a centrifugal supercharger on it. Would be way faster than a Z too...
No he didn't, he said it was 8k over the BASE price. Which makes perfect sense; After all the GS is just a Z51 with the wide body & brakes from the Z06 with standard magride.
The body panels don't cost much if anything over the coupe panels, the brakes also carry a marginal cost increase over the Z51. so it is just a 2-3k more than a Z51 w/ magride.
I agree with those saying that the Z51 will go away for the "base". GM will follow the same play book as they did with the C6. If you want a Z51 you will have to up to a GS. Z51 plus the wide body would push me and many, many others into the GS. The only thing that would get me to trade my C6 wide body would be a C7 wide body. But, I will wait until MY '18. I think a power bump will be coming next year.
If they keep the Z51 as a model in 2017, then the used Z51s might decrease in value a little. All things being equal, a used Z51 will still be a bit more than a base. However, in the unlikely event they drop the Z51, used Z51s will actually benefit as anyone wanting a Stingray body with Z51 will have to go used. With Corvettes, anytime the factory drops a popular option (model), the used cars that have that option (model) depreciate at a slower rate.
They will, most likely, do what they did w/the C6. When the C6 GS came out, Z51 was gone.
Last year I thought about upgrading from my Z51 to a Z06. Then I went and looked at one and immediately changed my mind. Decided to Supercharge my Stingray instead. Now have about the same power as a Z06 for far less money.
This is JUST MY OPINION, but, while I love the rear fenders on the Z06, I absolutely hate just about everything else they added to the car. To me, it all looks like a bunch of boy racer aftermarket tacky add-ons to what used to be a beautiful car. I loved the upgrade from the base model to the Z06 on the C6, but with the C7, they just went way to far with the plastic spoiler, slap on front fender flairs, gross over-sized fender vents, a two piece rear valance glued together to accommodate the extra width, 1990's looking clear taillights. Just looks very tacky to me and like some kid went overboard to tacky after market items. I changed my grille, added a subtle front spoiler and subtle side skirts. I would love to have just the rear fenders and may consider changing those some day. All this and I'm a "young" guy and still don't like it. I have it some time to see if would grow on me, but it still hasn't. Prefer the much cleaner look of the base C7. So, no, I wouldn't choose a GS either. Again, not intended to offend anyone, just my personal opinion based on my personal tastes.
I would go with the grand sport if it was 10k or less over a base.
I have a Z51 c7, and don't even plan on selling it for a few years. But if i was buying new and they had the GS i would get it.
My past 4 Vette's all were Z51 with standard shift. Love my September 2013 build C7 but in 2019 when ready for my next it would be the GS. Not with the extra performance options and stripes etc but probably a 2LT (or 3LT if they bring back full leather tan dash interior at that level!)
The wider tires reduce 0 to 60 times and max lateral "g's" by several tenths. Enough for me, no need for a supercharger.
By then, hope they can have another way to deal with the front fenders other than spats!
I would stay with the base Stingray.
Other than the wide body rear end, the GS just adds all the extra stuff that I do not care about on the Z06.
No need for extra oil coolers, electronic differential, wider tires, bigger brakes, etc. Base coupe will do all I need, and other options are not worth an extra $25 - $30,000.
The base car does zero to sixty in about four seconds and will handle a turn at 1g. Performance I can live with. Also the money saved can be used to trade more frequently. Currently reviewing options for the next C7, most likely a 2017.
Might have been interesting if the front wheels were a little narrower so the car did not need those spats.....or just create widened fenders....so those plastic spats are not needed.
Depends on the use. If you're dailying the car, I would go with the straightbody car. Consumables will be cheaper. For me, Grand Sport all the way. I would just be adding all the Grand Sport stuff (minus the widebody fenders) to my straightbody car anyways.
Well, for me my 15 z51 is my first vette. I knew I wanted a z51 cause I daily drive my car. Wanted all the goodies for going to track, better magnetic ride etc. of course I would love a z06 , but since I daily drive it, no need to suck up the extra fuel. The z51 has enough power, grip And style that any one normal person needs. I look at my car and know that it's truly a badass.
With that said the gs is a beauty, z06 is a monster, end of the day they are all badass. However, I honestly don't understand and no offense to anyone, but the base corvette doesn't make sense to me. For 5k more you get so much more. If you're gonna throw down all that money, 5k more shouldn't be out of reach. If so, just save a little longer. But again to each their own.
To me , best part of having a vette is feeling like you are part of a family of people who truly love their cars. It's so unquie. I love nothing more than driving and passing another vette owner in the rode, give him the nod, and we both just know....you know.
My past 4 Vette's all were Z51 with standard shift. Love my September 2013 build C7 but in 2019 when ready for my next it would be the GS. Not with the extra performance options and stripes etc but probably a 2LT (or 3LT if they bring back full leather tan dash interior at that level!)
The wider tires reduce 0 to 60 times and max lateral "g's" by several tenths. Enough for me, no need for a supercharger.
GS wider tires do not reduce lateral g's by several tenths. My Z51 handles 1.2g on mountain roads. I've read GS can do 1.25 g's, have not seen documented claims of higher than that.
0 to 60 is close for Z51 and GS based on what I've read.
Last edited by Bunk; 01-22-2017 at 07:31 AM.
Reason: missed a word
..... By then, hope they can have another way to deal with the front fenders other than spats!
For those are concerned about the look of the front spats as I was, have what I think is a solution! Currently my order plan.
The base GS has a "poverty splitter" and 3/4 size side skirts. I know how much side skirts were needed on my 2014 to stop debris from marking up the rockers so no question was planning to add larger aftermarket side skirts.
Might as well add a better looking splitter and from posts see the GM Splash Guards are not as much help in the rear brake duct area as the somewhat wider and deeper ones from ACS. The combo of wider, longer Side Skirts an the deeper somewhat wider Splash Guards should provide the protection I desire.
Also unless you get the Heritage package option the spoiler is all painted black carbon flash. Even with that option the back of the spoiler is carbon flash.
Appearance Solution: Carbon Flash ACS Side Skirts, Splitter, with end deflectors to help blend in with the spates. ACS painted Carbon Flash Spates and Splash Guards.
IMO better looking than the GM more expensive $2995 Carbon Flash or $3995 Carbon Fiber aero options. The OEM $100 Carbon Flash painted mirror option would add to the look.
GS wider tires do not reduce lateral g's by several tenths. My Z51 handles 1.2g on mountain roads. I've read GS can do 1.25 g's, have not seen documented claims of higher than that.
0 to 60 is close for Z51 and GS based on what I've read.
Mag measurements have the Z51 lateral G's at about 1.08 I think, and GS at 1.13 with normal and 1.2 with Z07 tires.
Was buying a z06 till I saw the blue and white heritage package GS on the showroom floor....base model with z51 wasn't even on my radar. So now the gs is in the driveway and a supercharger is being ordered.
03-12-2016, 02:26 AM
