Predictions on rear storage
#21
Burning Brakes
I am actually very interested in what the storage availability will be in a mid engine format also. Some may snicker but the C6/C7 is actually surprisingly versatile in what it can carry. The Vette js a daily driver for me and has been loaded up with everything from groceries to scuba gear for two.
#22
Burning Brakes
I am actually very interested in what the storage availability will be in a mid engine format also. Some may snicker but the C6/C7 is actually surprisingly versatile in what it can carry. The Vette js a daily driver for me and has been loaded up with everything from groceries to scuba gear for two.
Going from 15 cu. ft. under the back hatch down to 4-7 cu. ft. in "frunk" will be an issue for a lot of Corvette buyers, especially those that use their cars for daily drivers. I have a Volvo V60 for carrying stuff, but if I'm out in the C7 and Mama calls and tells me to stop by the grocery store - I can get a week's worth groceries in the back of the C7 with no issues. That won't be near as easy with the ME C8.
That is a BIG reason why I think that Chevy will continue to build an FE C7, (or maybe a C9) alongside the C8. They are really trying to satisfy two markets: 1) for those who want a GT for traveling, and 2) for those who want a high performance no-compromise sports car for tracking. Up until now, they could do both with one chassis, but that may not be possible if they go to an ME set-up. The truth of the matter is that while ME's have much better mass distribution, they are crappy GT's because they have next to NO space for cargo.
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JoesC5 (05-07-2018)
#23
Personally I'd wager that GM is eventually.gonna be fine selling less Corvettes. Since one of the big taboos for Vette guys is to NOT have a v8 and with CAFE and emission standards always creeping up I feel GM will position the Vette as a true halo car. Eventually ratcheting it up over a gen or two. It will be fairly exclusive and fairly expensive so only those who really, really want one can still get the big dog. The smaller sales wont hit GM's CAFE numbers nearly as much and profit per car will be higher. GM can then compromise less on the pureness of its style and performance since they will be catering to a much narrower enthusiast market not worried about using a world beating sports car to go golfing, or shopping or hauling wood. They can design the car with more focus so that an owner can enjoy what extreme performance sports cars are about...DRIVING.
I also feel that the Camaro is being allowed to get so close to the current Corvette in spec and performance so that when the switch is made to mid engine the Camaro can be positioned as the hot GT car with more day to day usability in GM's stable.
I also feel that the Camaro is being allowed to get so close to the current Corvette in spec and performance so that when the switch is made to mid engine the Camaro can be positioned as the hot GT car with more day to day usability in GM's stable.
Last edited by 70Apollostaged; 05-07-2018 at 06:16 PM. Reason: Misspelled
#24
Burning Brakes
Personally I'd wager that GM is eventually.gonna be fine selling less Corvettes. Since one of the big taboos for Vette guys is to NOT have a v8 and with CAFE and emission standards always creeping up I feel GM will position the Vette as a true halo car. Eventually ratcheting it up over a gen or two. It will be fairly exclusive and fairly expensive so only those who really, really want one can still get the big dog. The smaller sales wont hit GM's CAFE numbers nearly as much and profit per car will be higher. GM can then compromise less on the pureness of its style and performance since they will be catering to a much narrower enthusiast market not worried about using a world beating sports car to go golfing, or shopping or hauling wood. They can design the car with more focus so that an owner can enjoy what extreme performance sports cars are about...DRIVING.
I also feel that the Camaro is being allowed to get so close to the current Corvette in spec and performance so that when the switch is made to mid engine the Camaro can be positioned as the hot GT car with more day to day usability in GM's stable.
I also feel that the Camaro is being allowed to get so close to the current Corvette in spec and performance so that when the switch is made to mid engine the Camaro can be positioned as the hot GT car with more day to day usability in GM's stable.
Your supposition that they will build significantly fewer Corvettes and just "price them up" is naive, because that type of car, IS NOT WORTH GM SHAREHOLDER'S INVESTMENT. Acura is losing their tail trying to build 3500 NSX's each year using only 175 people in Marysville, OH, and only selling ~1500. The reason is because they cost too much, (over $150K) for an Acura, and (maybe) its only got a V-6. (REAL sport cars have V-8's or V-12's, (except for Porsches that have flat 6's)).
Any one who thinks Chevy can sell more than a couple thousand Corvettes over $150K is an idiot, no matter how fast they are. It will not happen - there is too much competition above $150K for a market that craves exclusivity above all else. You'll never buy exclusivity at a GM dealership.
#25
Team Owner
So why, exactly, did they just spend over $1B on Bowling Green ? The business case doesn't close unless they keep the plant at full capacity - 33,000 cars a year. They can't build anything but aluminum frame / composite body panel cars. Will they build Camaros there ? They don't have a stamping shop nearby and not near enough robot welders - the Corvette is a unique structure, requiring a unique plant. They employ 1000 people there.
Your supposition that they will build significantly fewer Corvettes and just "price them up" is naive, because that type of car, IS NOT WORTH GM SHAREHOLDER'S INVESTMENT. Acura is losing their tail trying to build 3500 NSX's each year using only 175 people in Marysville, OH, and only selling ~1500. The reason is because they cost too much, (over $150K) for an Acura, and (maybe) its only got a V-6. (REAL sport cars have V-8's or V-12's, (except for Porsches that have flat 6's)).
Any one who thinks Chevy can sell more than a couple thousand Corvettes over $150K is an idiot, no matter how fast they are. It will not happen - there is too much competition above $150K for a market that craves exclusivity above all else. You'll never buy exclusivity at a GM dealership.
Your supposition that they will build significantly fewer Corvettes and just "price them up" is naive, because that type of car, IS NOT WORTH GM SHAREHOLDER'S INVESTMENT. Acura is losing their tail trying to build 3500 NSX's each year using only 175 people in Marysville, OH, and only selling ~1500. The reason is because they cost too much, (over $150K) for an Acura, and (maybe) its only got a V-6. (REAL sport cars have V-8's or V-12's, (except for Porsches that have flat 6's)).
Any one who thinks Chevy can sell more than a couple thousand Corvettes over $150K is an idiot, no matter how fast they are. It will not happen - there is too much competition above $150K for a market that craves exclusivity above all else. You'll never buy exclusivity at a GM dealership.
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Zaro Tundov (11-03-2018)
#27
Race Director
Yep as it is a nice looking car it is heavy. It would have been better if it wasn’t hybrid and lighter weight. Hybrid is cool if it helps to extreme performance like the P1 or the LA Ferrari but the NSX isn’t at a level that the hybrid tech is making it special. No one pays $150k for a car and worries if it gets 20% better fuel economy than its competition.
#28
Safety Car
The major problem with the NSX was that it took roughly 15 years to develop it, with constantly changing priorities and consequent expensive components. In the end, they developed a really good car, but overpriced it by $40K — creating their current abysmal sales numbers.
From what I have heard from two sources, GM is actutely aware of vehicle unit cost vs sales factors, and is confident that the ME will be priced right, e.g., finally obtainable for most sports car purchasers — not exclusive to the top few percenters.
From what I have heard from two sources, GM is actutely aware of vehicle unit cost vs sales factors, and is confident that the ME will be priced right, e.g., finally obtainable for most sports car purchasers — not exclusive to the top few percenters.
#30
Drifting
Don't forget, there will be FRONT Storage! but based on the pics of the camo'ed prototype, this car has a much bigger *** than it really needs and most of that will be TRUNK space, Don't forget the transmission will be froward for balance...
#31
Team Owner
The transmission will be mounted BEHIND the differential. According to the CAD drawings, the engine air breather/filter will be above the transaxle taking up the space where a rear mounted trunk would be.
Last edited by JoesC5; 05-08-2018 at 01:20 PM.
#32
Safety Car
Back to the thread title/focus on ME storage/cargo capacity:
“envisi0n91,” addressed this question by saying, “My ME Ferrari has more storage space than my FE Vette.” I needed to be convinced of that. However, to learn more, I contacted someone who knows a lot about such things, wcody111, and he sent me the below two pictures, first of a Ferrari 458 frunk and second of its rear shelf in its HT Spyder version.
Which got me to thinking, as our C7 came with an optional luggage, and since we have heard from several, including “-vet” & “Fasttoys1” (thank you both ) sharing that GM will be giving us many more ME options (a la the Porsche way), we probably will see a similar option of custom-sized luggage for the ME.
Seeing this Ferrari HT Spyder, with its custom two duffel bags designed for that shelf, perhaps also part of the optional Corvette’s ME luggage option could instead be a custom sized, hard-sided suitcase could go on that shelf, maybe only 2/3’s as “thick” as a typical airline overhead bin bag, to put in dress clothes and similar items that need crushing protection.
It appears that the 2020 ME Corvette is of similar size and proportions as the Ferrari 488. If we similarly get a frunk and an “iShelf” (inside behind-the-seat shelf), we will be taking cross country trips in our 2020 ME.
Bob Lutz said in an article interview years ago, that the ME luggage space has been solved. Whether that includes a golf bag or two capability, we will probably not know until the reveal. But it is appearing that a HT convertible ME Corvette could have a good amount of cargo carrying capacity.
“envisi0n91,” addressed this question by saying, “My ME Ferrari has more storage space than my FE Vette.” I needed to be convinced of that. However, to learn more, I contacted someone who knows a lot about such things, wcody111, and he sent me the below two pictures, first of a Ferrari 458 frunk and second of its rear shelf in its HT Spyder version.
Which got me to thinking, as our C7 came with an optional luggage, and since we have heard from several, including “-vet” & “Fasttoys1” (thank you both ) sharing that GM will be giving us many more ME options (a la the Porsche way), we probably will see a similar option of custom-sized luggage for the ME.
Seeing this Ferrari HT Spyder, with its custom two duffel bags designed for that shelf, perhaps also part of the optional Corvette’s ME luggage option could instead be a custom sized, hard-sided suitcase could go on that shelf, maybe only 2/3’s as “thick” as a typical airline overhead bin bag, to put in dress clothes and similar items that need crushing protection.
It appears that the 2020 ME Corvette is of similar size and proportions as the Ferrari 488. If we similarly get a frunk and an “iShelf” (inside behind-the-seat shelf), we will be taking cross country trips in our 2020 ME.
Bob Lutz said in an article interview years ago, that the ME luggage space has been solved. Whether that includes a golf bag or two capability, we will probably not know until the reveal. But it is appearing that a HT convertible ME Corvette could have a good amount of cargo carrying capacity.
Last edited by elegant; 05-08-2018 at 10:10 PM.
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sdurg24 (05-09-2018)
#33
Burning Brakes
Back to the thread title/focus on ME storage/cargo capacity:
“envisi0n91,” addressed this question by saying, “My ME Ferrari has more storage space than my FE Vette.” I needed to be convinced of that. However, to learn more, I contacted someone who knows a lot about such things, wcody111, and he sent me the below two pictures, first of a Ferrari 458 frunk and second of its rear shelf in its HT Spyder version.
Which got me to thinking, as our C7 came with an optional luggage, and since we have heard from several, including “-vet” & “Fasttoys1” (thank you both ) sharing that GM will be giving us many more ME options (a la the Porsche way), we probably will see a similar option of custom-sized luggage for the ME.
Seeing this Ferrari HT Spyder, with its custom two duffel bags designed for that shelf, perhaps also part of the optional Corvette’s ME luggage option could instead be a custom sized, hard-sided suitcase could go on that shelf, maybe only 2/3’s as “thick” as a typical airline overhead bin bag, to put in dress clothes and similar items that need crushing protection.
It appears that the 2020 ME Corvette is of similar size and proportions as the Ferrari 488. If we similarly get a frunk and an “iShelf” (inside behind-the-seat shelf), we will be taking cross country trips in our 2020 ME.
Bob Lutz said in an article interview years ago, that the ME luggage space has been solved. Whether that includes a golf bag or two capability, we will probably not know until the reveal. But it is appearing that a HT convertible ME Corvette could have a good amount of cargo carrying capacity.
“envisi0n91,” addressed this question by saying, “My ME Ferrari has more storage space than my FE Vette.” I needed to be convinced of that. However, to learn more, I contacted someone who knows a lot about such things, wcody111, and he sent me the below two pictures, first of a Ferrari 458 frunk and second of its rear shelf in its HT Spyder version.
Which got me to thinking, as our C7 came with an optional luggage, and since we have heard from several, including “-vet” & “Fasttoys1” (thank you both ) sharing that GM will be giving us many more ME options (a la the Porsche way), we probably will see a similar option of custom-sized luggage for the ME.
Seeing this Ferrari HT Spyder, with its custom two duffel bags designed for that shelf, perhaps also part of the optional Corvette’s ME luggage option could instead be a custom sized, hard-sided suitcase could go on that shelf, maybe only 2/3’s as “thick” as a typical airline overhead bin bag, to put in dress clothes and similar items that need crushing protection.
It appears that the 2020 ME Corvette is of similar size and proportions as the Ferrari 488. If we similarly get a frunk and an “iShelf” (inside behind-the-seat shelf), we will be taking cross country trips in our 2020 ME.
Bob Lutz said in an article interview years ago, that the ME luggage space has been solved. Whether that includes a golf bag or two capability, we will probably not know until the reveal. But it is appearing that a HT convertible ME Corvette could have a good amount of cargo carrying capacity.
I know that not too many track rats are really thinking about this issue, BUT people like to haul stuff around in their Corvettes, and Ferrari 458 / 488 type and volume of storage space is going to be deal-breaker for a lot of potential customers. Even a 911 has better storage space and storage access than this.
ME's sacrifice a lot of practicality for handling dynamics....that may be why the total worldwide market sales for ALL ME's are still less than Corvette annual sales. Unless Harlan Charles has figured out a 2-model strategy to address this issue, I think he may have a big headache coming in 2020.
#34
Team Owner
Back to the thread title/focus on ME storage/cargo capacity:
“envisi0n91,” addressed this question by saying, “My ME Ferrari has more storage space than my FE Vette.” I needed to be convinced of that. However, to learn more, I contacted someone who knows a lot about such things, wcody111, and he sent me the below two pictures, first of a Ferrari 458 frunk and second of its rear shelf in its HT Spyder version.
Which got me to thinking, as our C7 came with an optional luggage, and since we have heard from several, including “-vet” & “Fasttoys1” (thank you both ) sharing that GM will be giving us many more ME options (a la the Porsche way), we probably will see a similar option of custom-sized luggage for the ME.
Seeing this Ferrari HT Spyder, with its custom two duffel bags designed for that shelf, perhaps also part of the optional Corvette’s ME luggage option could instead be a custom sized, hard-sided suitcase could go on that shelf, maybe only 2/3’s as “thick” as a typical airline overhead bin bag, to put in dress clothes and similar items that need crushing protection.
It appears that the 2020 ME Corvette is of similar size and proportions as the Ferrari 488. If we similarly get a frunk and an “iShelf” (inside behind-the-seat shelf), we will be taking cross country trips in our 2020 ME.
Bob Lutz said in an article interview years ago, that the ME luggage space has been solved. Whether that includes a golf bag or two capability, we will probably not know until the reveal. But it is appearing that a HT convertible ME Corvette could have a good amount of cargo carrying capacity.
“envisi0n91,” addressed this question by saying, “My ME Ferrari has more storage space than my FE Vette.” I needed to be convinced of that. However, to learn more, I contacted someone who knows a lot about such things, wcody111, and he sent me the below two pictures, first of a Ferrari 458 frunk and second of its rear shelf in its HT Spyder version.
Which got me to thinking, as our C7 came with an optional luggage, and since we have heard from several, including “-vet” & “Fasttoys1” (thank you both ) sharing that GM will be giving us many more ME options (a la the Porsche way), we probably will see a similar option of custom-sized luggage for the ME.
Seeing this Ferrari HT Spyder, with its custom two duffel bags designed for that shelf, perhaps also part of the optional Corvette’s ME luggage option could instead be a custom sized, hard-sided suitcase could go on that shelf, maybe only 2/3’s as “thick” as a typical airline overhead bin bag, to put in dress clothes and similar items that need crushing protection.
It appears that the 2020 ME Corvette is of similar size and proportions as the Ferrari 488. If we similarly get a frunk and an “iShelf” (inside behind-the-seat shelf), we will be taking cross country trips in our 2020 ME.
Bob Lutz said in an article interview years ago, that the ME luggage space has been solved. Whether that includes a golf bag or two capability, we will probably not know until the reveal. But it is appearing that a HT convertible ME Corvette could have a good amount of cargo carrying capacity.
#35
Team Owner
Cute but hardly one contiguous volume of 15 cu. ft. If you are headed to the airport with a laptop case and a roll-aboard bag, you are probably covered, but two sets of golf clubs in an ME Ferrari won't fit unless you put them on a roof rack.
I know that not too many track rats are really thinking about this issue, BUT people like to haul stuff around in their Corvettes, and Ferrari 458 / 488 type and volume of storage space is going to be deal-breaker for a lot of potential customers. Even a 911 has better storage space and storage access than this.
ME's sacrifice a lot of practicality for handling dynamics....that may be why the total worldwide market sales for ALL ME's are still less than Corvette annual sales. Unless Harlan Charles has figured out a 2-model strategy to address this issue, I think he may have a big headache coming in 2020.
I know that not too many track rats are really thinking about this issue, BUT people like to haul stuff around in their Corvettes, and Ferrari 458 / 488 type and volume of storage space is going to be deal-breaker for a lot of potential customers. Even a 911 has better storage space and storage access than this.
ME's sacrifice a lot of practicality for handling dynamics....that may be why the total worldwide market sales for ALL ME's are still less than Corvette annual sales. Unless Harlan Charles has figured out a 2-model strategy to address this issue, I think he may have a big headache coming in 2020.
No one is racing (banging fenders) their Corvette when they go to the track and the first guy over the finish line is not a trophy winner. HPDEs are a form of parade laps where it is permissible to pass, if the car in front of you gives you the wave by(otherwise you have to ride behind that slow Mustang, whether you are in a FE Corvette or a ME Corvette). Not every car on the track at a HPDE is the "fastest" car on the track and you can't give them the bumper to move them out of the way. Running a 2.17 second lap in a ME Corvette doesn't get you any more trophies than running a 2.18 second lap in a FE Corvette(or a 2.45 lap because you were caught behind some slower cars whether in a FE or a ME Corvette).
And driving the tight twisties here in the Ozarks, I bet I have just as much fun driving my FE 64 Corvette as a guy does driving his ME Cayman. Plus, virtually every one of my Corvette friends, do not drive their Corvettes at 10/10, either on the street or on the track, so pulling 1.09g's vs 1.08g's doesn't mean a thing..
Last edited by JoesC5; 05-09-2018 at 07:31 AM.
#36
Burning Brakes
What do you think the percentage is for track rats vs everyday owners that drive their cars on road trips? Very low, I bet. Actually, I can take my Z06 to the track one weekend AND take it on a long road trip the next two weeks. It's that versatile. I drive 577 miles to Talladega on Friday, drive around the track on Saturday, and then drive 577 miles back home on Sunday. Then the next week I might drive 6,418 miles to California and back in 16 days, and not have to do laundry in a motel during the trip. Driving the speed limits(well, maybe a tad over), a mid engine Corvette isn't going to get from Albuquerque, NM to Laughlin, NV(502 miles) any quicker than me in my FE Z06, and instead of watching my clothes get washed and dried in the motel laundry, I'll be in the casino having fun that evening. Or after driving from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge along Hwy 1 and US101 to Eureka, CA(300 miles) and taking my time driving 30-45 MPH enjoying the scenery and stopping at pull offs to see the ocean views(might even see a whale), I can relax that evening in Eureka while enjoying a nice evening meal without being rushed for time, instead of washing dirty underwear in the motel.
No one is racing (banging fenders) their Corvette when they go to the track and the first guy over the finish line is not a trophy winner. HPDEs are a form of parade laps where it is permissible to pass, if the car in front of you gives you the wave by(otherwise you have to ride behind that slow Mustang, whether you are in a FE Corvette or a ME Corvette). Not every car on the track at a HPDE is the "fastest" car on the track and you can't give them the bumper to move them out of the way. Running a 2.17 second lap in a ME Corvette doesn't get you any more trophies than running a 2.18 second lap in a FE Corvette(or a 2.45 lap because you were caught behind some slower cars whether in a FE or a ME Corvette).
And driving the tight twisties here in the Ozarks, I bet I have just as much fun driving my FE 64 Corvette as a guy does driving his ME Cayman. Plus, virtually every one of my Corvette friends, do not drive their Corvettes at 10/10, either on the street or on the track, so pulling 1.09g's vs 1.08g's doesn't mean a thing..
No one is racing (banging fenders) their Corvette when they go to the track and the first guy over the finish line is not a trophy winner. HPDEs are a form of parade laps where it is permissible to pass, if the car in front of you gives you the wave by(otherwise you have to ride behind that slow Mustang, whether you are in a FE Corvette or a ME Corvette). Not every car on the track at a HPDE is the "fastest" car on the track and you can't give them the bumper to move them out of the way. Running a 2.17 second lap in a ME Corvette doesn't get you any more trophies than running a 2.18 second lap in a FE Corvette(or a 2.45 lap because you were caught behind some slower cars whether in a FE or a ME Corvette).
And driving the tight twisties here in the Ozarks, I bet I have just as much fun driving my FE 64 Corvette as a guy does driving his ME Cayman. Plus, virtually every one of my Corvette friends, do not drive their Corvettes at 10/10, either on the street or on the track, so pulling 1.09g's vs 1.08g's doesn't mean a thing..
By, the way, I am a native St. Louisan, and you are right about the Ozark roadways. I went to school in Rolla and Route 19 from Cuba down through Steelville is as good a twisty as they come.
#37
Serious question for guys who never run their Corvette beyond a leisurely cruise or "parade lap" as another poster phrased it....
Why does the Corvette need to be anything more than a run of the mill sports car that looks sexy? This board is chock full of you guys wanting the Corvette to be faster, stop quicker, handle better than xxx Porsche yet you have zero intention of using the performance when Chevy delivers on the request. If your never gonna tap the performance your asking for...why have it? Wouldnt a front engine, big cargo bay, all season tire equipped Corvette with a 300hp 5.3L V8 be fine, or maybe even a v6 with the same power?
Why does the Corvette need to be anything more than a run of the mill sports car that looks sexy? This board is chock full of you guys wanting the Corvette to be faster, stop quicker, handle better than xxx Porsche yet you have zero intention of using the performance when Chevy delivers on the request. If your never gonna tap the performance your asking for...why have it? Wouldnt a front engine, big cargo bay, all season tire equipped Corvette with a 300hp 5.3L V8 be fine, or maybe even a v6 with the same power?
Last edited by 70Apollostaged; 05-09-2018 at 11:08 PM. Reason: Grammar
#38
Burning Brakes
While your question is quite logical, the answer is not. People like to own the big dog. They may not use all its capability but they want it. (Just like buying
an AR-15 when the same money spent on a Benelli shotgun might be a lot more fun and useful for shooting skeet and trap). I’m not saying it’s exactly the same thing, but people forget that a base or Z51 Corvette is more car than most folks need. The Z06 and ZR-1 are just over the top. But then who am I
to argue with the great philosopher Mick Jagger who said “Too much is never enough”, but also wrote “I can’t get no satisfaction !”
There is an argument that Mazda Miata is exactly what people really need vs. a Corvette, but when GM tried to compete with it with a Saturn and a Pontiac roadster - they couldn’t compete.
an AR-15 when the same money spent on a Benelli shotgun might be a lot more fun and useful for shooting skeet and trap). I’m not saying it’s exactly the same thing, but people forget that a base or Z51 Corvette is more car than most folks need. The Z06 and ZR-1 are just over the top. But then who am I
to argue with the great philosopher Mick Jagger who said “Too much is never enough”, but also wrote “I can’t get no satisfaction !”
There is an argument that Mazda Miata is exactly what people really need vs. a Corvette, but when GM tried to compete with it with a Saturn and a Pontiac roadster - they couldn’t compete.
#39
Since it will be a DD for me, I am with you, no clubs no Vette. Will get the new NSX. I know clubs fit since I test fit my bag without removing any clubs. The NSX is a great car but waiting anxiously for the new Vette.
#40
Race Director
It is to GM/Chevy's credit that the Vette is the very best at what it does, with sales figures to prove it.
I am really curious at to how all this plays out. I really believe that they will do the C7 and C8 together for a few years as they learn how to navigate the ME world. I owned a little ME car for a year and it was a blast, but similar-sized front-engine sports cars I've owned were a lot more "well-rounded" if that makes sense...
Last edited by Rapid Fred; 05-09-2018 at 11:33 PM.