Is This The Next ZR1?
08-30-2016, 09:40 AM
#1
Former Vendor
Thread Starter
Is This The Next ZR1?
I don't know about you guys, but we're excited. We're still pretty in love with the last generation ZR1. Like when this ZR1 spanked a brand new Porche. Made us feel pretty good to see it, not only win, but win with some pretty familiar trim installed on the car.
For all of the images of the prototype ZR1 check out the full post over on AutoBlog.
http://www.autoblog.com/2016/08/10/2...#slide-4029106
08-30-2016, 10:25 AM
#4
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Let's get this in early:
08-30-2016, 10:54 AM
#6
Team Owner
It could be a development mule for a mid engine car. Tt could be fitted with new drivetrain components for road testing while looking like a C7..
It could have a new DCT transaxle with the transmission located behind the differential. It could be fitted with an entirely new engine(possibly a 4.2L TT DOHC V8). They could just use a torque tube/prop shaft to separate the engine from the transaxle while it's in a mule, but plan on connecting the engine directly to the transaxle in a mid engine car. No big deal to do.
Those new components could be installed in what appears to be normal C7, and get thousands of miles of testing completed without showing the public anything about a new mid engine design car that might be in the works.
During the development stages of new C5, they tested the all new C5 drivetrain in what appeared to be a normal Camaro.
The wing mounts we've seen might be for testing purposes with a wing to load the rear suspension during testing.
The above is pure speculation, but it goes to show that what you see doesn't mean a thing, as you don't know what's under the skin.
It could have a new DCT transaxle with the transmission located behind the differential. It could be fitted with an entirely new engine(possibly a 4.2L TT DOHC V8). They could just use a torque tube/prop shaft to separate the engine from the transaxle while it's in a mule, but plan on connecting the engine directly to the transaxle in a mid engine car. No big deal to do.
Those new components could be installed in what appears to be normal C7, and get thousands of miles of testing completed without showing the public anything about a new mid engine design car that might be in the works.
During the development stages of new C5, they tested the all new C5 drivetrain in what appeared to be a normal Camaro.
The wing mounts we've seen might be for testing purposes with a wing to load the rear suspension during testing.
The above is pure speculation, but it goes to show that what you see doesn't mean a thing, as you don't know what's under the skin.
Last edited by JoesC5; 08-30-2016 at 11:01 AM.
08-30-2016, 11:05 AM
#7
It could be a development mule for a mid engine car. Tt could be fitted with new drivetrain components for road testing while looking like a C7..
It could have a new DCT transaxle with the transmission located behind the differential. It could be fitted with an entirely new engine(possibly a 4.2L TT DOHC V8). They could just use a torque tube/prop shaft to separate the engine from the transaxle while it's in a mule, but plan on connecting the engine directly to the transaxle in a mid engine car. No big deal to do.
Those new components could be installed in what appears to be normal C7, and get thousands of miles of testing completed without showing the public anything about a new mid engine design car that might be in the works.
During the development stages of new C5, they tested the all new C5 drivetrain in what appeared to be a normal Camaro.
The wing mounts we've seen might be for testing purposes with a wing to load the rear suspension during testing.
The above is pure speculation, but it goes to show that what you see doesn't mean a thing, as you don't know what's under the skin.
It could have a new DCT transaxle with the transmission located behind the differential. It could be fitted with an entirely new engine(possibly a 4.2L TT DOHC V8). They could just use a torque tube/prop shaft to separate the engine from the transaxle while it's in a mule, but plan on connecting the engine directly to the transaxle in a mid engine car. No big deal to do.
Those new components could be installed in what appears to be normal C7, and get thousands of miles of testing completed without showing the public anything about a new mid engine design car that might be in the works.
During the development stages of new C5, they tested the all new C5 drivetrain in what appeared to be a normal Camaro.
The wing mounts we've seen might be for testing purposes with a wing to load the rear suspension during testing.
The above is pure speculation, but it goes to show that what you see doesn't mean a thing, as you don't know what's under the skin.
08-30-2016, 11:14 AM
#8
Team Owner
The camo on the cars do not have an opening for that hood vent. Why?
We also see what appears to be openings in the camo to allow air to enter on each side of the center grille na the camo over the rear of the hood clearly show that the hood is open directly over the engine.
They could be testing cooling designs for a mid engine car, using the C7 as the mule, thus the camo over the front of the car.
Or, the camo is nothing more than "mis-information" designed to lure you into thinking the car is a new version of the C7, when it really is a test mule for a mid engine car.
Last edited by JoesC5; 08-30-2016 at 11:17 AM.
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08-30-2016, 11:28 AM
#9
My money is on a ZR1 and you'll see a nose much like the LG and/or Tikt nose. The C7 is making lots of money and they know people will jump to own the last front-engined Corvette.
08-30-2016, 02:08 PM
#11
Team Owner
There are rumors about GM coming out with a mid engine sports car and there are rumors about GM coming out with a ZR1 with a huge jump in horsepower.
I find it difficult to believe a 700 or 750 HP C7 ZR1(or what ever the name) will come out just before, or simultaneous with GM releasing a mid engine car, especially if the mid engine car has less then 700 or 750 HP.
I doubt that GM would want competition for it's new mid engine Corvette from within it's own ranks(front engine ZR1).
Last edited by JoesC5; 08-30-2016 at 02:10 PM.
08-30-2016, 02:09 PM
#12
Team Owner
08-31-2016, 12:42 AM
#13
I have no way of knowing what programs GM is working on. All I can do is speculate based on past history.
There are rumors about GM coming out with a mid engine sports car and there are rumors about GM coming out with a ZR1 with a huge jump in horsepower.
I find it difficult to believe a 700 or 750 HP C7 ZR1(or what ever the name) will come out just before, or simultaneous with GM releasing a mid engine car, especially if the mid engine car has less then 700 or 750 HP.
I doubt that GM would want competition for it's new mid engine Corvette from within it's own ranks(front engine ZR1).
There are rumors about GM coming out with a mid engine sports car and there are rumors about GM coming out with a ZR1 with a huge jump in horsepower.
I find it difficult to believe a 700 or 750 HP C7 ZR1(or what ever the name) will come out just before, or simultaneous with GM releasing a mid engine car, especially if the mid engine car has less then 700 or 750 HP.
I doubt that GM would want competition for it's new mid engine Corvette from within it's own ranks(front engine ZR1).
If I could wish...
1. ZR1 with turbos and 700+ horse
2. Corvette Zora with same motor.
3. Caddy version of same chassis but with new LT-5 "high feature" motor.
4. 2020 base C8 with NA OHV smallblock behind the driver. Give me mid-engine but KISS. I don't need extra weight and complexity of forced induction and I don't need the extra mass of overhead cams.
08-31-2016, 12:50 AM
#14
Joe check this thread out - https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...east-ohio.html
Just had another thought... the mules have a totally new unique wheel design that may be carbon fiber. Why would they make a fancy new wheel for a test mule? Also, you can clearly see side vents in the front end. Plus, blue calipers which are a C6 ZR1 trademark i.e. Blue Devil.
Just had another thought... the mules have a totally new unique wheel design that may be carbon fiber. Why would they make a fancy new wheel for a test mule? Also, you can clearly see side vents in the front end. Plus, blue calipers which are a C6 ZR1 trademark i.e. Blue Devil.
