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My C7 happiness in light of the C8 debut

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Old 07-19-2019, 10:54 PM
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patentcad
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Default My C7 happiness in light of the C8 debut

I was a bit fearful that once the C8 debuted I'd feel that my C7 (2017 Z51, M7, 2LT) was obsolete or something, but quite the opposite. I love having the most modern version of the last old school front engine Corvette. The car doesn't look or feel dated at all. Most impressively the build quality on my car (2.5 years old, 18K miles) is as good or better than any high line car I've ever owned. Over the past 30 years I've owned everything from Acura, BMW, MB, Porsche, Volvo, etc. - and my C7 is as good or better than any of them. Amazing quality. I never quite expected that. No problems really, one minor warranty repair (windshield washer fluid pump).

I wish GM and the new owners all the best with the new C8 - and I think the car is gorgeous. I may well own one some day in the future. But not yet...Not yet.

I just replaced the OEM Michelin summer run flats with Michelin all seasons (non-run flat) so I can drive the car more in the winter time. Run flat? I've had one puncture over 8+ cars over 25 years, and that was 25 years ago. I figure if I puncture I'll try the fix-a-flat can and if that fails I'll all AAA or GM Roadside. I know what you're all saying 'This patentcad dude, he lives on the EDGE'.
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07-19-2019, 11:06 PM
Vetteman Jack
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I am with you - I do like the looks/performance/value of the C8, but I still want to enjoy my C7 for a while. Perhaps in a few years I will make the jump to the ME car, but not right now.
Old 07-19-2019, 11:06 PM
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I am with you - I do like the looks/performance/value of the C8, but I still want to enjoy my C7 for a while. Perhaps in a few years I will make the jump to the ME car, but not right now.
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Old 07-19-2019, 11:30 PM
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For some of us 'old timers' who may have read Automobile Magazine, former GM designer Robert Cumberford has provided critical, though at times not often welcome but usually objective, commentary on the pluses and minuses of the design of newly introduced automobiles. He waxed poetic on the C7, however commented much less favorably on the C8. Interesting read.
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Old 07-20-2019, 09:05 AM
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I just got my 2019 C7 silver on black yesterday. I had to search extensively to find a manual tranny. Now I have a car that I have always wanted and plan on keeping it for a long time.
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Old 07-20-2019, 09:27 AM
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Originally Posted by patentcad
I was a bit fearful that once the C8 debuted I'd feel that my C7 (2017 Z51, M7, 2LT) was obsolete or something, but quite the opposite. I love having the most modern version of the last old school front engine Corvette. The car doesn't look or feel dated at all. Most impressively the build quality on my car (2.5 years old, 18K miles) is as good or better than any high line car I've ever owned. Over the past 30 years I've owned everything from Acura, BMW, MB, Porsche, Volvo, etc. - and my C7 is as good or better than any of them. Amazing quality. I never quite expected that. No problems really, one minor warranty repair (windshield washer fluid pump).

I wish GM and the new owners all the best with the new C8 - and I think the car is gorgeous. I may well own one some day in the future. But not yet...Not yet.

I just replaced the OEM Michelin summer run flats with Michelin all seasons (non-run flat) so I can drive the car more in the winter time. Run flat? I've had one puncture over 8+ cars over 25 years, and that was 25 years ago. I figure if I puncture I'll try the fix-a-flat can and if that fails I'll all AAA or GM Roadside. I know what you're all saying 'This patentcad dude, he lives on the EDGE'.
I feel pretty much the same way, the C8 looks good and the car has some cool new features but it didnt make me regret the purchase of my 19 Z06 M7. Mid engine cars have their place in the automotive stratosphere but the long front short tail design ethos still makes my heart beat. And when I look at the C8 and compare it to the C7 I know I made the right choice for me. They say the C8 can out perform the C7 but having just returned from Spring Mountain I've learned that I have a long ways to go before I can exploit the capability of the car I have. Wanting more would be a little like buying the 32oz coke instead of the 30oz when I can only drink 12! And please, the guys on the C7R race teams have shown us all what an amazingly capable car the C7 really is - its not like we are lacking performance in this car.

Yeah, I'm sure the C8 will be a game changer for chevrolet and for Corvette, and who knows, I may fall in love with one of the future iterations, But right now I'm proud to own and drive the last and best traditional front engine American Sports car.
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Old 07-20-2019, 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Bavaria
For some of us 'old timers' who may have read Automobile Magazine, former GM designer Robert Cumberford has provided critical, though at times not often welcome but usually objective, commentary on the pluses and minuses of the design of newly introduced automobiles. He waxed poetic on the C7, however commented much less favorably on the C8. Interesting read.
See, here
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Old 07-20-2019, 09:35 AM
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I too was concerned when I saw it if I would question my 2019 purchase. I did not. The C8 is cool, but not to where I feel I have to run out and order one. I love the C7 and tend to keep my cars a number of years. I suspect with this major redesign, C8 will be around many years as GM will need to recoup their R&D.......
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Old 07-20-2019, 10:41 AM
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Ditto to all the above. Love my '17 GS; it drives great, looks great and I am proud to own it. I remember the C7 reveal, and at the time I wasn't sure I liked it. But after seeing one in person, and then driving one, I was hooked. So much better than the C6 in every way. I do like the C8, in fact more than I thought I would. But not yet ready to switch. I want to hear from first buyers and the auto reviewers on how good the DCT works. Plus, both C6 and C7 had their first year production issues, and I'm sure C8 will be no different. Once they work out the initial kinks I'll get in line. But still plan to keep my C7 with manual trans.
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Old 07-20-2019, 10:46 AM
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Originally Posted by patentcad
I was a bit fearful that once the C8 debuted I'd feel that my C7 (2017 Z51, M7, 2LT) was obsolete or something, but quite the opposite. I love having the most modern version of the last old school front engine Corvette. The car doesn't look or feel dated at all. Most impressively the build quality on my car (2.5 years old, 18K miles) is as good or better than any high line car I've ever owned. Over the past 30 years I've owned everything from Acura, BMW, MB, Porsche, Volvo, etc. - and my C7 is as good or better than any of them. Amazing quality. I never quite expected that. No problems really, one minor warranty repair (windshield washer fluid pump).

I wish GM and the new owners all the best with the new C8 - and I think the car is gorgeous. I may well own one some day in the future. But not yet...Not yet.

I just replaced the OEM Michelin summer run flats with Michelin all seasons (non-run flat) so I can drive the car more in the winter time. Run flat? I've had one puncture over 8+ cars over 25 years, and that was 25 years ago. I figure if I puncture I'll try the fix-a-flat can and if that fails I'll all AAA or GM Roadside. I know what you're all saying 'This patentcad dude, he lives on the EDGE'.
Reading the enthusiasm on the C8 board is understandable but I wonder how many of them are willing to drive a base Corvette? With the different packages that will be available that people will want, I can see the price reaching the $80,000 to $90,000 range so I am not sure if the C7 will continue to depreciate after reality hits on the C8 pricing especially when some dealers will even want above sticker price. Someone on the C8 forum posted a 1995 Corvette sticker with a base price of $36,000. With options, the total was $69,000. So we will see as the C8 becomes available just how many are willing to spend the amount of money to get what their heart desires. I am sure there will be many but I wonder since Bowling Green added 400 workers this year, if the cost of those workers will be covered by the expected sales volume or the actually cost of the C8.
I would say this is a great time for the price to buy a new C7 or used C7 but I do not think the C8 will continue to destroy the value of the C7.The appearance and value of the C7 is still just amazing - IMO.
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Old 07-20-2019, 11:50 AM
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I will always LOVE my Carbon Fiber Edition Stingray. It always gives me plenty of driving pleasure. It was one of the first C7's off the line in the first week of production. I'll always relish having one of the last front engine Corvettes.
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Old 07-20-2019, 12:48 PM
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When they say the C7 was taken as far as this platform would take it I read that as a badge of honor. The only way they could improve on perfection was to completely change the design......Now if someone would only come out with the front end lift feature in aftermarket.....
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Old 07-20-2019, 01:07 PM
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Default Mixed Feelings

I like the looks of the C8 and am sure it will be more impressive in person, but even if I wanted one, I would definitely wait a few years for the bugs to get worked out. I love the M7 transmission in my 2019 and am not ready for the automatic, in any flavor and whatever it's called. Maybe for my 95th birthday. Didn't Porsche go the DSC route entirely a few years ago, only to bring the manual transmission back as an option for the some of the 911 variants, because of complaints by potential customers? So maybe there is hope for us diehards after all until we have anti-gravity flying cars.
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Old 07-20-2019, 01:16 PM
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As in the ol' song, "Love the one you're with."
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Old 07-20-2019, 01:37 PM
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^^^
Yep, BUT the words to that song were saying, Only "cause you can't be with the one you Love!"

"If you're down and confused
and you don't remember who you're talking too
concentration slips away
cause you're baby is so far away
well there's a rose in the fisted glove
and eagle flies with the dove
and if you can't be with the one you love, honey
love the one you're with
don't be angry - don't be sad
don't sit crying over good times you've had
there's a girl right next to you
and she's just waiting for something to do
turn your heartache right into joy
cause she's a girl and you're a boy
get it together come on make it nice
you ain't gonna need anymore advice"


Last edited by JerryU; 07-20-2019 at 01:39 PM.
Old 07-20-2019, 01:41 PM
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Even with the C8 being imminent, I traded my 16 C7 for a 19 GS M7 ragtop. While I am REALLY impressed with the C8, I am not quite so impressed with their convertible option. Looks way more like a targa approach than a vert. To me, the main benefit of a true convertible is that, when the top is down, there is nothing behind you. No roll bars, no rear seat headrests, and no weird mounds. Not to bash the C8 at all, but just not thrilled with the convertible. So I will be staying with my C7 vert for years!

I also took the trade as a chance to go back to a manual. I have had manuals, one nice DCT, and an A8 in recent years. All performed fine with no problems, but the M, for me, turns it back into a hobby. If focuses me on the driving, and not the day to day world. The closest analogy I can think of is from the fishing world. I have done all types of fishing, but little by little I revered to fly fishing only. Really takes your mind off the rest of the world.
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Old 07-20-2019, 02:07 PM
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I fee like the c7 is like an f12 Ferrari while the new c8 is the new 488. Both beautiful cars but so different! Just depends on your preference.
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Old 07-21-2019, 02:38 AM
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I won't be giving up my manual C7 (after owing a manual C3 (4 spd) and manual C5 (6 spd) for an auto...I'll switch brands if GM doesn't have the wisdom to offer a C8 manual going forward. I made that mistake once ordering an auto sports car (Camaro), and won't do that ever again
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To My C7 happiness in light of the C8 debut

Old 07-21-2019, 03:14 AM
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<---------C5 Z06 strong! Have seen no reason to go to any other model, especially when I can easily mod it further to blow the doors off C8s or anything thrown at it!
Old 07-21-2019, 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by rfh928
I won't be giving up my manual C7 (after owing a manual C3 (4 spd) and manual C5 (6 spd) for an auto...I'll switch brands if GM doesn't have the wisdom to offer a C8 manual going forward. I made that mistake once ordering an auto sports car (Camaro), and won't do that ever again
I was reading an interview with Tadge yesterday and the reason for the lack of a manual is a physical one not just a marketing or sales choice. Because the cabin is moved so far forward the footwell is protruding into the area needed by the front wheels. The drivers footwell is not wide enough to safely accommodate and operate all 3 pedals. This is a physicality that cannot be overcome with the dimensions needed to make the car right.
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Old 07-21-2019, 09:51 AM
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Originally Posted by patentcad
I was a bit fearful that once the C8 debuted I'd feel that my C7 (2017 Z51, M7, 2LT) was obsolete or something, but quite the opposite. I love having the most modern version of the last old school front engine Corvette. The car doesn't look or feel dated at all. Most impressively the build quality on my car (2.5 years old, 18K miles) is as good or better than any high line car I've ever owned. Over the past 30 years I've owned everything from Acura, BMW, MB, Porsche, Volvo, etc. - and my C7 is as good or better than any of them. Amazing quality. I never quite expected that. No problems really, one minor warranty repair (windshield washer fluid pump).

I wish GM and the new owners all the best with the new C8 - and I think the car is gorgeous. I may well own one some day in the future. But not yet...Not yet.

I just replaced the OEM Michelin summer run flats with Michelin all seasons (non-run flat) so I can drive the car more in the winter time. Run flat? I've had one puncture over 8+ cars over 25 years, and that was 25 years ago. I figure if I puncture I'll try the fix-a-flat can and if that fails I'll all AAA or GM Roadside. I know what you're all saying 'This patentcad dude, he lives on the EDGE'.
Is this bike forum Patent?


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