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Ok, let me start off by saying the C8 delivered. Price? Check. Small block goodness? Check. Everyday usability? Check. It's Corvette evolved to today. Aesthetics? Well that's a matter of taste.
But I still can't believe there's no space for 2 Corvettes. The playfulness of the current front engine'd car won't be replicated by the C8. Mid engine'd cars have always been trickier to handle at the limit, and while it'll be able to get its power down more effectively, it'll never be as toss-able as the current car. My GS can be tossed about like my old miata, easily controlled oversteer and lots of forgiveness even with all the nannies off. This is what makes a sports car fun.
Now imagine a refreshed C7 with that LT2. Or that sweet new tranny for automatic lovers. Maybe an evolved coil over suspension just to shut the leaf spring vette hater types up. Steering rack improvements for better feel? Why not? They'd simply be integrating some of what they already developed for the C8.
Point is - I'm liking the C8, and no manual tranny aside it's what it needs to be for Corvette going forward. Otherwise, am I the only one here disappointed that they didn't try to evolve the C7 alongside the C8?
I think the loss of the Camaro is the real problem. I fully expected an upmarket MR Corvette and assumed the Camaro would fill the gap, but apparently not. At least the C8's price doesn't put it too far out of reach.
I think the loss of the Camaro is the real problem. I fully expected an upmarket MR Corvette and assumed the Camaro would fill the gap, but apparently not. At least the C8's price doesn't put it too far out of reach.
The Camaro isn't going away, that was false rumor.
Otherwise, am I the only one here disappointed that they didn't try to evolve the C7 alongside the C8?
No, you're not the only one, but Tadge addressed this and said when you put the C7 and the C8 together, you can't sell the C7. IOW the design team specifically addressed this issue as "hedging their bets" and came to the conclusion that it would not work. So unless something unforeseen happens, like an abysmal failure of the C8 (which given the reception seems unlikely), it's a done deal. So it seems to me that we have a decision to make. We can either continue to lament the choices GM did not make, or make the best of it:
1. Go with the C8.
2. Buy up the remaining new C7s.
3. Move to another brand.
I'm rather disappointed in the lack of a manual, myself, but that won't make one happen, so I'm resigned to keeping my C7 or just going with the decision and getting a DCT based C8. Frankly, I think I will be pleased either way.
OP, can't help with the automatic tranny, but if you want more HP, just buy some bolt on performance for the LT1. No big deal. When my warranty is used up, I'm thinking of adding some HP to mine,
The plus side of the advent of the C8 is, The C7 is and always will be the best, most sophisticated front engine Corvette. No other version can make that claim.
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From a cost prospective, I could not see GM producing both a C8 and a C7 at the same time, especially doing what you say and significantly upgrading the platform. I for one will wait to see what real world testing/driving by major auto magazines/actual owners looks like - hard to comment on something that has not been in the hands of anyone but GM.
When did the Corvette stop being a fun second car runabout, and start being a major purchase, savings draining, performance monster that now GM believes needs to be a me too ultra-exotic competitor?
I discovered this change with the comparator chart. It occurred in 1984, when the base price of the c3 vette went from a 2019-adjusted cost of $34,000, to a 60 percent price increased c4 2019-adjusted $54,000 (and continuing to increase base price for the C8 - $61,100 - why is chevy continuing to neglect mentioning the C8 $1,095 freight, will the first C8's be delivered with free shipping?)
It wasn't like Chevrolet was going broke selling c3 vettes for $34k, in fact they produced over a half million c3's, a production figure never again attained, constantly declining through versions to the current estimated 167,000 C7 production. As the Fiero demonstrated, GM could build a motor behind seat plastic bodied steel framed sports car and sell it for a profit for MSRP $8,195 (2019-adjusted $20,101) in 1984, the same year the C4 corvette cost a 2019-adjusted $54,000. Of course the fact that the 1984 Fiero outsold the 1984 C4 by a margin of 2.65 to 1 indicates the price point is a critical part of car sales. And proves the fact that GM can make cheap engine behind the seat sports cars, just as the cheaper by 60% C3 demonstrated that realistically priced Corvettes sell much better than expensive Corvettes.
GM beat Gordon Gekko to the "Greed is Good" punch line by 3 years when they forever changed the pricing of Corvettes from middle class affordable to stretch as far as you can and take an 84 month car payment to get one. And now they beat their chest "look how GM make cheap exotic cars!" But there is nothing exotic about Chevrolet. No billionaire is going to head slap after buying his Koenigsegg and say "i coulda had a C8!" (But if Chevrolet offers optional turf-friendly tires, he might buy a few to use as golf carts at his various clubs.) Chevrolet's only saving grace is that they eventually make so many of these things that the msrp becomes a joke and you can buy one for 20% or more off MSRP. And the waxed no miles used models will sell for even less. But you can't lure up and coming newbies to joys of a sports car by doubling the price of what it really costs you to make it. Miata sells every $30k miata they can make, there is no reason other than greed that GM can't make a better competitor at that price point.
Last edited by SilverGhost; 07-20-2019 at 04:24 AM.
It's possible to make both ME and FE cars, and I was hoping GM would take that approach. But alas, they are not a sports car company, and we are going to be buying ME, or used, Corvettes. And everybody keeps talking about $60,000 C8's, but there will be very very few C8's sold at that price. And in a year or two we will be talking of tanking original C8 prices when GM comes out with their Hybrid C8 with 1000 HP!
From a cost prospective, I could not see GM producing both a C8 and a C7 at the same time, especially doing what you say and significantly upgrading the platform. I for one will wait to see what real world testing/driving by major auto magazines/actual owners looks like - hard to comment on something that has not been in the hands of anyone but GM.
I can't imagine to cost of tooling a line to produce two different cars at the same time. And, the IT folks would probably go bat chit crazy trying to write a program for the machinery. Let along a parts delivery for the production floor. But, it would be pretty cool to see it all work together.
Lack of a manual is a deal breaker for me...won't be parting with my 7-speed C7 for that...I'll be switching brands if GM doesn't backtrack & use some common sense going forward.
When did the Corvette stop being a fun second car runabout, and start being a major purchase, savings draining, performance monster that now GM believes needs to be a me too ultra-exotic competitor?
I discovered this change with the comparator chart. It occurred in 1984, when the base price of the c3 vette went from a 2019-adjusted cost of $34,000, to a 60 percent price increased c4 2019-adjusted $54,000 (and continuing to increase base price for the C8 - $61,100 - why is chevy continuing to neglect mentioning the C8 $1,095 freight, will the first C8's be delivered with free shipping?)
It wasn't like Chevrolet was going broke selling c3 vettes for $34k, in fact they produced over a half million c3's, a production figure never again attained, constantly declining through versions to the current estimated 167,000 C7 production. As the Fiero demonstrated, GM could build a motor behind seat plastic bodied steel framed sports car and sell it for a profit for MSRP $8,195 (2019-adjusted $20,101) in 1984, the same year the C4 corvette cost a 2019-adjusted $54,000. Of course the fact that the 1984 Fiero outsold the 1984 C4 by a margin of 2.65 to 1 indicates the price point is a critical part of car sales. And proves the fact that GM can make cheap engine behind the seat sports cars, just as the cheaper by 60% C3 demonstrated that realistically priced Corvettes sell much better than expensive Corvettes.
GM beat Gordon Gekko to the "Greed is Good" punch line by 3 years when they forever changed the pricing of Corvettes from middle class affordable to stretch as far as you can and take an 84 month car payment to get one. And now they beat their chest "look how GM make cheap exotic cars!" But there is nothing exotic about Chevrolet. No billionaire is going to head slap after buying his Koenigsegg and say "i coulda had a C8!" (But if Chevrolet offers optional turf-friendly tires, he might buy a few to use as golf carts at his various clubs.) Chevrolet's only saving grace is that they eventually make so many of these things that the msrp becomes a joke and you can buy one for 20% or more off MSRP. And the waxed no miles used models will sell for even less. But you can't lure up and coming newbies to joys of a sports car by doubling the price of what it really costs you to make it. Miata sells every $30k miata they can make, there is no reason other than greed that GM can't make a better competitor at that price point.
Fascinating insight my friend. I prefer my C5 Z06 to all other Corvettes for many reasons. Best looking modern Vette to me by far!
They did it with the Fiero, what makes this any different? All the C8 looks like to me. Nice car but changes the heritage.
"What makes this any different" TECHNOLOGY my friend ....TECHNOLOGY, It has evolved!!! The C8 will be the HOTTEST Corvette to date and will BREAK all sales records for Corvette....Of course that is just an opinion of a 75 year old man who has bought every generation NEW except the C1 and C4.....I cannot wait to get my old *** in a C8 Z06.... As a side note....My younger brother, who is the Vice President of a Ferrari Club said HE was buying one....He has always looked down on my Vettes....NO MORE. I would suggest that all the "Naysayers" out there DRIVE a C8 before making their minds up....
Last edited by obxchartercaptain; 07-21-2019 at 03:58 AM.
"What makes this any different" TECHNOLOGY my friend ....TECHNOLOGY, It has evolved!!! The C8 will be the HOTTEST Corvette to date and will BREAK all sales records for Corvette....Of course that is just an opinion of a 75 year old man who has bought every generation NEW except the C1 and C4.....I cannot wait to get my old *** in a C8 Z06.... As a side note....My younger brother, who is the Vice President of a Ferrari Club said HE was buying one....He has always looked down on my Vettes....NO MORE. I would suggest that all the "Naysayers" out there DRIVE a C8 before making their minds up....
It's possible to make both ME and FE cars, and I was hoping GM would take that approach. But alas, they are not a sports car company, and we are going to be buying ME, or used, Corvettes. And everybody keeps talking about $60,000 C8's, but there will be very very few C8's sold at that price. And in a year or two we will be talking of tanking original C8 prices when GM comes out with their Hybrid C8 with 1000 HP!
I highly doubt we will see what is touted as the Zora in a year or two. If history tells as anything, next would be a convertible (though some rumors say there will be no vert) in 2021, Z06 in 2022, Grand Sport in 2023 ZR1 in 2024 or later, and Zora closer to end of production run. I believe the C8 will be a long run, as the R & D on this had to be expensive and GM will want to recoup that before moving to tge next generation.
I'm surprised there's not more disappointment in the C7 being dropped. I get evolution, and I think the C8 will be successful. But again, it's introducing a completely new mid-engine dynamic, which is not necessarily better in all aspects - contrary to the "what's new is always better" crowd. Mero was quick to point this out too, that there's as many drawbacks as well as benefits to the ME layout. Maybe they'll get the nannies to lessen those effects, we'll see. But I would have loved for them keep an updated C7 alongside the C8, maybe a 500hp club sport type GS with clothed seated recaros, lightened, M7 only, a pure track rat version.
Here's what I will guess once real tests are done of base C8 w/Z51 - it won't be faster around a track than a C7 ZR1, Z06 or even a GS. They'll be complaints about handling traits at the limit with the nannies switched off, maybe some will remark that they'll miss the playfulness of the C7. Maybe some weight concerns. But the hype will still be over the moon - gotta sell magazines & subscriptions and ad space after all.
07-19-2019, 04:01 PM
What could have been
I can't imagine to cost of tooling a line to produce two different cars at the same time. And, the IT folks would probably go bat chit crazy trying to write a program for the machinery. Let along a parts delivery for the production floor. But, it would be pretty cool to see it all work together.
