GM Approves the Mid-Engine Corvette
06-23-2017, 08:25 AM
#21
Le Mans Master
In all honesty, the Bowling Green expansion showed that something was coming. The only thing it could possibly be is another platform requiring it's own assembly apparatus. THe 1500hp and all blah blah is irrelevant. At this stage, you can't have your eyes opened and think that an ADDITION to the Corvette platform isn't coming. You don't double your plant size for a paint booth.
At least a 50% increase in square footage. And its not that they are demolishing the old paint shop. Its an overall capacity increase.
06-23-2017, 09:25 AM
#22
I totally agree with you on the HP statement, but not on the 5 year run. You are assuming the ME, if it happens, will replace the C7. I, like everybody else that posts here, have no knowledge of what's coming, but I'm still of the belief it will be a separate low production offering.
06-23-2017, 09:40 AM
#23
Le Mans Master
I think Corvette is going the way of Porsche, Jaguar et al. An iconic brand like Corvette leveraged for other type sport vehicles. Front engine, mid-engine, SUV ala Cayenne.
06-23-2017, 02:52 PM
#24
Race Director
Next generation Corvette or mid-engine assembly line will probably be set up in the new building.
06-29-2017, 09:37 PM
#25
Everyone on the tour I went on at NCM a couple months ago was like "ah cool, better paint" when the tour guide mentioned the paint area. And I looked at the tour guide with squinted eyes thinking really? That new building section is huge. He smiled at me with a grin, like, we both know better.
He also asked me if I wanted to lead the tour because I had been there so many times, he was just joking, although I could.
They said similar things when I went on the tour back in 03(?) when they had the XLR section blocked off.
He also asked me if I wanted to lead the tour because I had been there so many times, he was just joking, although I could.
They said similar things when I went on the tour back in 03(?) when they had the XLR section blocked off.
08-09-2017, 03:46 PM
#27
Thanx for playing.
08-09-2017, 04:39 PM
#29
11-19-2017, 08:30 PM
#30
Le Mans Master
The article says:
“The mid engine was signed off on last week, a 2019 with 3 or 4 models, top of the line being the “Zora” and I swear rumor has it 1500 HP. They will try to compete with the Ferraris and Lambos (and probably at their prices) ……anyway it will be debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in Jan 18.”
The cheapest Lamborghini (Huracan) starts at $204,000, and the cheapest Ferrari (488) starts at $256,000.
“The mid engine was signed off on last week, a 2019 with 3 or 4 models, top of the line being the “Zora” and I swear rumor has it 1500 HP. They will try to compete with the Ferraris and Lambos (and probably at their prices) ……anyway it will be debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in Jan 18.”
The cheapest Lamborghini (Huracan) starts at $204,000, and the cheapest Ferrari (488) starts at $256,000.
11-19-2017, 08:32 PM
#31
Le Mans Master
B) why do you think ME sucks ?
ME cars simply have better traction that FE or RE cars.
Better traction is what is required to achieve higher performance.
11-20-2017, 12:26 AM
#32
i was out of the country for several months and didn't see the original post of this thread when it came out; midengine will be revealed at detroit auto show in january, 2018, planned 3 or 4 models, top one is the zora.
according to the article, it will be released as a 2019. if it follows the c7 process, it would be available in august or september next year.
according to the article, it will be released as a 2019. if it follows the c7 process, it would be available in august or september next year.
Last edited by senah; 11-20-2017 at 12:29 AM.
11-20-2017, 12:49 AM
#33
11-20-2017, 07:22 AM
#34
Race Director
THe new tesla supercar seems to be destroying the Ferrari 488 in performance...
Will it be ironic if the corvette rear mid engine finally after 40 years releases at the same time as the tesla supercar? (Kidding as well know the tesla will be years late)
Will it be ironic if the corvette rear mid engine finally after 40 years releases at the same time as the tesla supercar? (Kidding as well know the tesla will be years late)
Last edited by JerriVette; 11-20-2017 at 07:53 AM.
11-20-2017, 09:18 AM
#35
Le Mans Master
Also, considering that the ZR1 has the option of the A8 transmission. This must have really been a tough discussion in the engineering/design room when you consider they have this, what appears to be amazing, 10 speed going into a Camaro. The reason for it not being the ZR1 is it won't fit. The reason they gave for no DCT, AWD, and all those other things that people ask about. The Mid-Engine platform would fix all of those engineering limitations.
So, this begs for the question of what about the rest of the line up for the 8th Generation? Will they continue with the traditional front engine model along side these "Supercar" editions, or will they move the whole line to the ME platform? If they do this, does the Camaro get a promotion? Maybe we see a new, and proper 2 seat sports car/GT style variant from Cadillac? This to keep something there for those that prefer the front engine layout for it's many benefits in daily commuting, touring road trips, and the like.
Either way, building a few boutique cars along side the regular production, or moving the whole line to ME platform is a big gamble in terms of R.O.I. for GM. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
11-20-2017, 11:00 PM
#36
Le Mans Master
I used to not be too keen on the rear mid engine options for Corvette....then Ferrari unveiled the 488 Spyder and there has been no looking back for me. Sadly, I fear,"Gotta have room for mah 2 sets of golfclubs!" will compromise these future attempts at the design. People are already complaining about how long the prototypes look and I'm willing to bet that particular consumer demand is why.
11-22-2017, 11:17 PM
#39
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