7 year run
Popular Reply
Jul 16, 2019, 09:37 PM
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 15,049
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From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
We need to take into account what the C7 was. It was a compromise born of poor choices by GM management in 2008 and 2009, the bankruptcy and the consultants that followed.
Actually, the C7 as we know it, was never supposed to happen. In 2006, GM began work on the mid-engine C7 that would never be. That was interupted by bankruptcy and the management decision to dump the Corvette. Later, when the bankruptcy consultants wanted to know why GM was dumping the profitable Corvette (yeah, I know), the Corvette was back in business. However, the delay in development meant that GM could not get a mid-engine car fully developed in a timely manner to replace the aging C6. So a compromise car was developed. A car that would have the new, angular skin intended for the mid-engine Corvette, increased HP, a much improved, up to date interior and it had to be complete by 2013. The result was the C7.
Meanwhile, development of the ME car continued. There is evidence that at one time, GM intended to manufacture the C7 and the ME car at the same time. But as time went on, C7 sales lagged and the decision was made that the ME would replace the C7
Actually the C7 is pretty amazing. It could be argued that the C7 saved Corvette at a difficult time in Corvette existence. I believe the short run in terms of years will help resale of the C7 as time marches on. One thing is for sure, the C7 is a winner.
Actually, the C7 as we know it, was never supposed to happen. In 2006, GM began work on the mid-engine C7 that would never be. That was interupted by bankruptcy and the management decision to dump the Corvette. Later, when the bankruptcy consultants wanted to know why GM was dumping the profitable Corvette (yeah, I know), the Corvette was back in business. However, the delay in development meant that GM could not get a mid-engine car fully developed in a timely manner to replace the aging C6. So a compromise car was developed. A car that would have the new, angular skin intended for the mid-engine Corvette, increased HP, a much improved, up to date interior and it had to be complete by 2013. The result was the C7.
Meanwhile, development of the ME car continued. There is evidence that at one time, GM intended to manufacture the C7 and the ME car at the same time. But as time went on, C7 sales lagged and the decision was made that the ME would replace the C7
Actually the C7 is pretty amazing. It could be argued that the C7 saved Corvette at a difficult time in Corvette existence. I believe the short run in terms of years will help resale of the C7 as time marches on. One thing is for sure, the C7 is a winner.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 2,084
From: Lehigh Valley PA
Sad that the best Vette made to date had the 2nd shortest "life span"...sad indeed. The C7 should have been around till 2022 - then bring out the C8 in 2023 for the 70th Anniversary. Insult to injury, Im not even excited about the C8 - too much of a copy cat of all the other mid-engine cars out there. Out of respect for Corvette, I wish nothing but the utmost success - but the C8 just isn't doing it for me (from what I've seen so far)...
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 630
Sad that the best Vette made to date had the 2nd shortest "life span"...sad indeed. The C7 should have been around till 2022 - then bring out the C8 in 2023 for the 70th Anniversary. Insult to injury, Im not even excited about the C8 - too much of a copy cat of all the other mid-engine cars out there. Out of respect for Corvette, I wish nothing but the utmost success - but the C8 just isn't doing it for me (from what I've seen so far)...
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
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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
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 582
From: North Western Wyoming
The C7 is and will always be the best front engine Corvette ever made and may be the best M/T Corvette ever made if they never offer a M/T again.
Last edited by The Successful Plumber; Jul 16, 2019 at 06:05 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
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2014 worked out pretty
And even the BG band of irregulars are going to be putting motor oil in the frunk windshield washer tank for awhile.
Last edited by SilverGhost; Jul 17, 2019 at 09:03 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
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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
Ummmm OK.......
Safety Car
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 4,257
Likes: 628
From: Tempe Arizona
St. Jude Donor '22-'23-'24
It’s very sad the C7 didn’t have a longer run, but I count my blessings everyday I see mine in the garage or get behind the wheel. The C8 holds no attraction for me and I will not feel a bit left out not owning one.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,948
Likes: 6,753
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
Such is marketing. 
Btw, I normally don't touch a new version until the 5th production year. With the C8... well, I doubt either it or I'll last long enough to ever consider one, given all the rumored hassles with its development on an all new platform.
Btw, I normally don't touch a new version until the 5th production year. With the C8... well, I doubt either it or I'll last long enough to ever consider one, given all the rumored hassles with its development on an all new platform.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 15,049
Likes: 1,613
From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
We need to take into account what the C7 was. It was a compromise born of poor choices by GM management in 2008 and 2009, the bankruptcy and the consultants that followed.
Actually, the C7 as we know it, was never supposed to happen. In 2006, GM began work on the mid-engine C7 that would never be. That was interupted by bankruptcy and the management decision to dump the Corvette. Later, when the bankruptcy consultants wanted to know why GM was dumping the profitable Corvette (yeah, I know), the Corvette was back in business. However, the delay in development meant that GM could not get a mid-engine car fully developed in a timely manner to replace the aging C6. So a compromise car was developed. A car that would have the new, angular skin intended for the mid-engine Corvette, increased HP, a much improved, up to date interior and it had to be complete by 2013. The result was the C7.
Meanwhile, development of the ME car continued. There is evidence that at one time, GM intended to manufacture the C7 and the ME car at the same time. But as time went on, C7 sales lagged and the decision was made that the ME would replace the C7
Actually the C7 is pretty amazing. It could be argued that the C7 saved Corvette at a difficult time in Corvette existence. I believe the short run in terms of years will help resale of the C7 as time marches on. One thing is for sure, the C7 is a winner.
Actually, the C7 as we know it, was never supposed to happen. In 2006, GM began work on the mid-engine C7 that would never be. That was interupted by bankruptcy and the management decision to dump the Corvette. Later, when the bankruptcy consultants wanted to know why GM was dumping the profitable Corvette (yeah, I know), the Corvette was back in business. However, the delay in development meant that GM could not get a mid-engine car fully developed in a timely manner to replace the aging C6. So a compromise car was developed. A car that would have the new, angular skin intended for the mid-engine Corvette, increased HP, a much improved, up to date interior and it had to be complete by 2013. The result was the C7.
Meanwhile, development of the ME car continued. There is evidence that at one time, GM intended to manufacture the C7 and the ME car at the same time. But as time went on, C7 sales lagged and the decision was made that the ME would replace the C7
Actually the C7 is pretty amazing. It could be argued that the C7 saved Corvette at a difficult time in Corvette existence. I believe the short run in terms of years will help resale of the C7 as time marches on. One thing is for sure, the C7 is a winner.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Oro Valley Arizona
Just the Facts
We've owned all save a C4. I think we missed the right one, but just me. With the C8 reveal set for Thursday 7-18, I'm ambivalent about it. My wife pulled out this morning and I was on the drive sweeping up mesquite tree beans watching her back out. She turned down the block and I thought, geez how cool is that. Today no different than 1-8-14. I'll miss it when its gone. Maybe a C8? I'll check out the Taycan as my last car ever. But, our Blade Silver/Adrenaline Red/Black C7 will always be a 'favorite' star.
Last edited by papillion; Jul 16, 2019 at 09:52 PM.
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I've had 2 C3's, 4 C4's, 3 C5s and now a C7. I am not going to knock any generation as I enjoyed each of the ones I had, but so far the C7 is just an amazing car. So much more technology, performance and quality (especially the interior) and any generation before it. I'll watch the C8 reveal, but until I can actually see one in person, I'll reserve my opinion as to whether one of them will at some point be in my future.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 8,243
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From: Southwest Florida
I too am sad to see the production of the C7 end after only six years. IMO it is the finest Corvette ever designed/built. That said, GM and especially those at Bowling Green were facing a couple of hard realities. C7 sales have fallen off sharply because 95% are purchased by Baby Boomers the majority of which have reached an age where they are not buying enough C7. The other hard reality is, Millennials and GenXs view the front engine Corvettes as an “old man” car which makes no sense to me given the C7 awesome design nevertheless that’s how they see it. GM knew it needed to make a radical design change, a mid engine which Millennials and GenXs favor.
So as sad as I am to see the production of the C7 end I am glad GM invested in a new design instead of ending production of the Corvette which was a possibility given the low sales. New blood is required in order to keep the Corvette viable.. As Juechter explained, the C7’s robust initial sales, about 35,000 in 2014, helped rescue the Corvette from GM executives who told him – in no uncertain terms – that the Corvette must turn a profit to remain viable. And at the current C7 sales level it is not viable.
Here’s to the C8 may it be a BIG success with the younger generations. I for one don’t mind passing the torch if it keeps our beloved Corvette alive.
So as sad as I am to see the production of the C7 end I am glad GM invested in a new design instead of ending production of the Corvette which was a possibility given the low sales. New blood is required in order to keep the Corvette viable.. As Juechter explained, the C7’s robust initial sales, about 35,000 in 2014, helped rescue the Corvette from GM executives who told him – in no uncertain terms – that the Corvette must turn a profit to remain viable. And at the current C7 sales level it is not viable.
Here’s to the C8 may it be a BIG success with the younger generations. I for one don’t mind passing the torch if it keeps our beloved Corvette alive.
Last edited by Maxie2U; Jul 16, 2019 at 11:34 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,761
Likes: 1,016
From: MOUNTAIN HOME Arkansas
I have a different take & am a “boomer baby “. I think younger folks are still like I was in my 30s-40s & are busy raising kids & making enough scratch to send them to college. They need a more practical sedan/ coupe with seats for 4 at least & probably a “multi “ seater also. Not so many have luxury of making tons of moola & having a 2nd or 3rd car toy. When we are at our ages it’s typically just me & the wife going out & we now can also afford to have the 4 seater too. 
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 395
Likes: 194
From: Goderich, ON
We need to take into account what the C7 was. It was a compromise born of poor choices by GM management in 2008 and 2009, the bankruptcy and the consultants that followed.
Actually, the C7 as we know it, was never supposed to happen. In 2006, GM began work on the mid-engine C7 that would never be. That was interupted by bankruptcy and the management decision to dump the Corvette. Later, when the bankruptcy consultants wanted to know why GM was dumping the profitable Corvette (yeah, I know), the Corvette was back in business. However, the delay in development meant that GM could not get a mid-engine car fully developed in a timely manner to replace the aging C6. So a compromise car was developed. A car that would have the new, angular skin intended for the mid-engine Corvette, increased HP, a much improved, up to date interior and it had to be complete by 2013. The result was the C7.
Meanwhile, development of the ME car continued. There is evidence that at one time, GM intended to manufacture the C7 and the ME car at the same time. But as time went on, C7 sales lagged and the decision was made that the ME would replace the C7
Actually the C7 is pretty amazing. It could be argued that the C7 saved Corvette at a difficult time in Corvette existence. I believe the short run in terms of years will help resale of the C7 as time marches on. One thing is for sure, the C7 is a winner.
Actually, the C7 as we know it, was never supposed to happen. In 2006, GM began work on the mid-engine C7 that would never be. That was interupted by bankruptcy and the management decision to dump the Corvette. Later, when the bankruptcy consultants wanted to know why GM was dumping the profitable Corvette (yeah, I know), the Corvette was back in business. However, the delay in development meant that GM could not get a mid-engine car fully developed in a timely manner to replace the aging C6. So a compromise car was developed. A car that would have the new, angular skin intended for the mid-engine Corvette, increased HP, a much improved, up to date interior and it had to be complete by 2013. The result was the C7.
Meanwhile, development of the ME car continued. There is evidence that at one time, GM intended to manufacture the C7 and the ME car at the same time. But as time went on, C7 sales lagged and the decision was made that the ME would replace the C7
Actually the C7 is pretty amazing. It could be argued that the C7 saved Corvette at a difficult time in Corvette existence. I believe the short run in terms of years will help resale of the C7 as time marches on. One thing is for sure, the C7 is a winner.
