C8 ZR1 Mid-Engine
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 960
Likes: 40
Here's a three-quarter rear-view of the 2009 Stingray Concept Car:
http://www.carbodydesign.com/gallery...ay-concept/20/
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http://www.carbodydesign.com/gallery...ay-concept/20/
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Leeds.io
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,604
Likes: 409
From: White Mountains
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16
NCM Sinkhole Donor
While I've been around for many of the "next one will be mid-engined" rumors before, and we all know how often MT has been wrong, for some reason I don't think this is complete BS. Also, the impression I get is that we won't see a C7ZR1 (I'm pretty sure on that) but we'll see a higher end "Zora" or L88 model that may be midengined in limited quantities with a CF chassis. They could learn from this limited production CF chassis to be able to make the C8 in mass quantities with the CF. CF is getting a lot cheaper and easier to work with. Consider the chassis on the relatively cheap BMW i4 and Alfa 4C. It isn't the stuff of only hypercars any longer. Additionally how else can they get the weight down at this point? There will only be more creature comforts and electronics in the future. There will only be more airbags, fuel saving engine technologies, and crash safety features. Even doing every panel CF will only make a marginal difference. The next step has to be the chassis and at that point why not go rear mid engined if there's a desire for it?
Best,
Gene
Best,
Gene
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
That's what people are missing. Corvette already has a dominating DP program. They're already racing mid-engine. There's a direct relationship by building a mid-engine car, just like there is building a front-engine with the GT program. It's not like the idea is out of line with what Corvette has always done; transfer their racing program to the street.
By the way, I'm a fan of the front-engine models and would never suggest they be removed in favor of an all mid-engine lineup. Front-engine Corvettes are the volume models and they have their place. It's a winning formula that shouldn't be tampered with.
The ZR1 or Zora, doesn't need to be practical or affordable. It is a halo vehicle; the pinnacle of Corvette. If people can't afford it, too bad. Most people can't afford the Z, so the Zora's price is irrelevant. It is meant to be a car that everyone wants but very few will own. It is a branding exercise, meant to elevate the Corvette brand and range. Halo products have been used by the most successful brands in the world forever. It's the right move and the timing has never been better.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 829
Likes: 3
From: Maryland
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
I'd actually be happier if the General would pump HP numbers during the existing generation as opposed to waiting for a new body style and generation to give their halo car a pump in needed hp. The Z06 hp logo can always be changed.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 829
Likes: 3
From: Maryland
I respectfully disagree. There's no way the C7 will go on for 11 years. Those days ended with the C4 which lasted for 12 years (1984-1996). C5 lasted 7 years (1997-2004) and the C6 lasted 8 years (2005-2013).
I'd actually be happier if the General would pump HP numbers during the existing generation as opposed to waiting for a new body style and generation to give their halo car a pump in needed hp. The Z06 hp logo can always be changed.
I'd actually be happier if the General would pump HP numbers during the existing generation as opposed to waiting for a new body style and generation to give their halo car a pump in needed hp. The Z06 hp logo can always be changed.
2025.... the latest
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
I read that and that's never gonna happen. I wouldn't even speculate on how long the C7 will make a run but I am pretty sure they won't come anywhere near the production run of the C4. Chevy would be WAY BEHIND the opposition if it waited anywhere near that long to rev their halo car.
