The 2018 isn't the mid-engine?
04-14-2017, 02:12 PM
#41
For those who think the front-engine has reached its limits why do the Grand Sport and Z06 pull 1.2G on the skidpad (the highest ever recorded) and beat basically everything on a racetrack? What is it exactly you think is being fixed by moving the engine backwards? Isn't this really just folks wanting something "different" instead of better? Maybe they like the sound of the engine behind them, or they wants he Corvette to be like some more expensive cars? It doesn't seem to be performance you guys are after with this mid-engine lust.
The Z06 has one significant weakness: rear grip.
Shifting the majority of the weight rearward aids traction in a RWD car.
Taking weight off the nose of a car improves turn-in and handling and allows the driver to have a more kinetic connection to what the front tires and pavement is doing while turning.
It feels like driving a go-cart.
04-14-2017, 02:40 PM
#42
This what anyone who thinks the Corvette will eventually go exclusively mid-engine misses:
" The Vette is one of those cars that's gotta be everything, right? It's gotta be a daily driver, it's gotta be an all star when you get to the track, it's gotta be a grand tourer, it's gotta be a luxury car - and for the first time ever I think they've actually accomplished it." - Matt Farah, The Smoking Tire review of the Stingray after when it first came out.
If you haven't seen that video watch it, interesting overview from a long time Corvette owner (he's had a C5 for 15+ years that he modified and takes to the track)
Matt hits the nail on the head with that comment. You could also add it has to be @ a reachable price and easy to live with.
I don't think a mid-engine sports car hits the mark on those last two, so the strategy of making the Z06 or Zora an more upmarket mid-engine and keeping the C8 in a configuration and price more similar to the C7 makes more sense to me, particularly if GM wants to keep selling 25-40,000 pricey sports cars a year (the average Corvette costs DOUBLE the average new car transaction price in the USA, that's a big number), and I think GM does.
" The Vette is one of those cars that's gotta be everything, right? It's gotta be a daily driver, it's gotta be an all star when you get to the track, it's gotta be a grand tourer, it's gotta be a luxury car - and for the first time ever I think they've actually accomplished it." - Matt Farah, The Smoking Tire review of the Stingray after when it first came out.
If you haven't seen that video watch it, interesting overview from a long time Corvette owner (he's had a C5 for 15+ years that he modified and takes to the track)
Matt hits the nail on the head with that comment. You could also add it has to be @ a reachable price and easy to live with.
I don't think a mid-engine sports car hits the mark on those last two, so the strategy of making the Z06 or Zora an more upmarket mid-engine and keeping the C8 in a configuration and price more similar to the C7 makes more sense to me, particularly if GM wants to keep selling 25-40,000 pricey sports cars a year (the average Corvette costs DOUBLE the average new car transaction price in the USA, that's a big number), and I think GM does.
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04-15-2017, 03:03 AM
#44
What a dummy...the only thing the Ford has is a very cool engine.
04-15-2017, 10:28 AM
#46
Le Mans Master
If price is an issue, a push rod V8 is fine. I just hope Chevy remembers that the bulk of the buyers for two seat sports cars are at the current pricing. GM has failed on too many cars, and if they want to keep the ME car going long term, it can't be some expensive car no one can afford. Think volume, Chevy.
Michael
Last edited by Michael A; 04-15-2017 at 10:34 AM.
04-15-2017, 10:42 AM
#47
People have been writing the obituary for V8's for decades now, and the V8's keep getting more fuel efficient and more powerful than ever. There is demand for them. V6's and 4 bangers don't have a lot of appeal for many people. Look at the all new Cayman. The new turbo 4 banger model has lower sales than the flat six model right out of the gate, even though it is faster and all new.
If price is an issue, a push rod V8 is fine. I just hope Chevy remembers that the bulk of the buyers for two seat sports cars are at the current pricing. GM has failed on too many cars, and if they want to keep the ME car going long term, it can't be some expensive car no one can afford. Think volume, Chevy.
Michael
If price is an issue, a push rod V8 is fine. I just hope Chevy remembers that the bulk of the buyers for two seat sports cars are at the current pricing. GM has failed on too many cars, and if they want to keep the ME car going long term, it can't be some expensive car no one can afford. Think volume, Chevy.
Michael
04-15-2017, 10:58 AM
#49
DOH!
Sorry, I hadn't thought of the LT1 in all of this.
There is no reason why a ME chassis should be inherently more $$$ to produce (after the development costs are accounted for).
Me too.
Sorry, I hadn't thought of the LT1 in all of this.
04-15-2017, 02:36 PM
#50
People have been writing the obituary for V8's for decades now, and the V8's keep getting more fuel efficient and more powerful than ever. There is demand for them. V6's and 4 bangers don't have a lot of appeal for many people. Look at the all new Cayman. The new turbo 4 banger model has lower sales than the flat six model right out of the gate, even though it is faster and all new.
If price is an issue, a push rod V8 is fine. I just hope Chevy remembers that the bulk of the buyers for two seat sports cars are at the current pricing. GM has failed on too many cars, and if they want to keep the ME car going long term, it can't be some expensive car no one can afford. Think volume, Chevy.
Michael
If price is an issue, a push rod V8 is fine. I just hope Chevy remembers that the bulk of the buyers for two seat sports cars are at the current pricing. GM has failed on too many cars, and if they want to keep the ME car going long term, it can't be some expensive car no one can afford. Think volume, Chevy.
Michael
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jagamajajaran (04-15-2017)
04-16-2017, 12:47 AM
#53
Yup, that all true.
04-16-2017, 10:53 PM
#54
Corvette Enthusiast
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Shhh, the Internet still hasn't picked up on this even though a few of us have screamed it from enough rooftops you'd think people on Mars would know by now.
04-16-2017, 11:28 PM
#55
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04-17-2017, 12:04 AM
#56
My guess the mid engine car will be introduced in Detroit January 2019 as a 2020 model. January 2018 will be the ZR-1. They wont do them both at the same time.
Last edited by Sweet Fleet; 04-17-2017 at 12:07 AM.
04-17-2017, 11:05 AM
#57
04-17-2017, 01:15 PM
#58
General Motors has a pending Trademark Application for "ZORA" it has been delayed awaiting actual use of the mark on vehicles. Extensions have been granted due to product research and development. I am assuming ZORA will be the ME in 20??
04-18-2017, 11:25 AM
#59
Race Director
It has everything to do with performance.
The Z06 has one significant weakness: rear grip.
Shifting the majority of the weight rearward aids traction in a RWD car.
Taking weight off the nose of a car improves turn-in and handling and allows the driver to have a more kinetic connection to what the front tires and pavement is doing while turning.
It feels like driving a go-cart.
The Z06 has one significant weakness: rear grip.
Shifting the majority of the weight rearward aids traction in a RWD car.
Taking weight off the nose of a car improves turn-in and handling and allows the driver to have a more kinetic connection to what the front tires and pavement is doing while turning.
It feels like driving a go-cart.
04-18-2017, 12:32 PM
#60