Gonzo

I have read many threads describing how much of an improvement the C7 was over the C6, and the C5.

It has been described as far superior and that it represents the best GM can do with the front engine rear drive layout. It should not surprise any of us that each generation would eclipse the prior generation in most everyway. That's the whole point after all.

My question is this: Will the next C8 generation, assuming it's mid-engine, eclipse the C7 right out of the gate???......Can GM pull that off? Or will it be generations before they reach the limit of the mid engine layout?......

Can the C8 be significantly better the the C7 right of the line, or will we all be saying the C7 was the better Corvette?

Kent1999

It had better... or why do it at all?

PKI

From the perspective of a looking buyer - no. Would not purchase year one of such a new design. Takes three-four years to shake out the design bugs. Having said that, I do hope the DOHC ME comes to market. I also hope it is well received and does not suffer the resistance to change that keeps the 911 the premium solution over the ME P-car. Most importantly, I hope the fantastic value of the Corvette continues and the ME design retains same. Fingers tightly crossed! Pat

edit - yes, I think it will be a better design - eventually the one everyone will want, if we can afford it.

ExRedRacer

I think you're asking whether or not the C8 will be as much an improvement over the C7 as the C7 is an improvement over the C6.

It's hard to imagine how much better a Corvette can be than the C7 and still be affordable to most guys and gals who really want one. But I'm sure it was hard to imagine how great the C7 would be for those whose ultimate car was the C6.

All that said, we are clearly living in some great times as far as automobile performance is concerned and I'm looking forward to the next generation and what it brings to the table.

mschuyler

Depends on the price. If the C8 is mid-engine and a radical new design that also keeps the improvements of the C7, i.e.: a superior interior, AND has an equivalent price to the C7, I think it will be a runaway bestseller. If it is vastly more expensive, there is no way people will flock to it.

Steve_R

Who knows? I don't spend (waste) any time or brain cells worrying or wondering whether the C8 will be "better" than my C7. I'll wait for its debut, go look at one when my local dealer gets one, and make a decision then. If it's better I'll buy one. If it's not I won't.

Gonzo

I agree price will be a big factor, if the ME version is 50k more, the C7 may continue as the performance bang for the buck.

What if it is 10% more.....you GM can do it?

I get your point, but as a the buyer of an 04 ZO6 new, I often wished I had waited for the C 6.......So I'm thinking can GM do this, or will I feel I settled for a C7.......I can't just buy a new one whenever I want, I'm lucky I 3 already. Currently planing my return vette

sTz

The C8 will surpass the C7 in launch, and everything else. Not just because of general tech and performance advancements, but also due to the highly competitive market. I suspect the same for the C9, C10... etc.

pdiddy972

I wouldn't worry too much about it yet; unless this generation bucks a long trend it's got many years to go before the next model. Aren't most gens like 10-12 years?

Gonzo

Talk is that the C8 could be as early as 2019 and be sold in parallel with the C 7 for several years.........just rumoured

OnPoint

Assuming the govt doesn't constrain it too much, it will probably will.

But then there probably will be a high-po variant of the C8 that debuts after that.

And possibly an even higher-po variant after that.

Of course, if you wait until that point, then you'll be within a couple years of the C9 coming out, so. . . . . . . .

Steve_R

Highly doubtful.

tail_lights

If it comes in AWD (see what I did there?)

WhiteDiamond!

I'm going to assume that C8 is going to continue as front engine rear wheel drive. The mid engine car may not be badged as a Corvette at all. If it is it will be a completely different line of Corvette. It's the only way GM can market the car in the 175K range and try and get away with it. This is going to be a whole new premium line of Corvette separate from C8.

BRCC

Well with todays changing markets and new innovations I would not count it lasting that long, I would give the C7 7 to 8 years at the most.

C7= 4 years & counting
C2= 5 years
C5= 8 years
C6= 9 years
C1= 10 years
C4= 13 years
C3= 15 years

The c3 was long time coming being they were developing the C4 and the C4 was if you check Corvette history almost the end of the Corvette

rob62

Actually by 1982 the vette was in danger. The C-4 was a huge improvement and did much to save the brand....... That's what you meant right?

Foosh

Agreed, Corvette was almost dead by the end of the C3 run. The C4 did save it.

dvilin

It will all come down to looks, performance, and cost.

QKSLVRZ

Should equal or exceed the new GS
C5=>C4GS
C6=>C5 Z06
C7=>C6GS?

Z06NJ

yes, I definitely think so, especially if the overall car design is going to (radically) change.