ME's Built Today
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
ME's Built Today
Allegedly, some ME test mules were built alongside (or between, actually) a few C7s today at Bowling Green. Done on a Friday, while only supervisors and other senior folks were there (full staff is Mon-Thurs).
Or so the internet says, so it must be true.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/pre-produ...161509734.html
Or so the internet says, so it must be true.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/pre-produ...161509734.html
Last edited by gbranham; 08-10-2018 at 09:06 PM.
Popular Reply
08-11-2018, 12:10 AM
Safety Car
There is no second production line at BGA now, nor will there be. The FE and the ME’s will be built nose-to-tail on the same, single assembly line.
The increased space by the Plant expansion was/will be taken up by a much larger paint shop, by the expansion of the Powertrain Build Center, and by the manifold building (which is an inside receiving dock area — NOT an assembly area).
The two assembly line was a wrong concept from the beginning, based on the erroneous assumption that an FE and an ME could not be built on the same line.
I helped put myself through college working on a Ford assembly line 50 years ago, and even then, we were putting together, back-to-back, the following vehicles in order: a pickup truck, a school bus, a van, an ambulance, a medium-duty military truck and full sized sedans.
Let’s please stop repeating a massively incorrect assumption that there need to be two assembly lines for a FE Corvette and a separate one for a ME Corvette.
As to the source of the thesis in this thread, I was the one who first posted a thread last night with the confirmed info of ME’s being built within BGA today, so ask away via a PM should you wish to know more.
The increased space by the Plant expansion was/will be taken up by a much larger paint shop, by the expansion of the Powertrain Build Center, and by the manifold building (which is an inside receiving dock area — NOT an assembly area).
The two assembly line was a wrong concept from the beginning, based on the erroneous assumption that an FE and an ME could not be built on the same line.
I helped put myself through college working on a Ford assembly line 50 years ago, and even then, we were putting together, back-to-back, the following vehicles in order: a pickup truck, a school bus, a van, an ambulance, a medium-duty military truck and full sized sedans.
Let’s please stop repeating a massively incorrect assumption that there need to be two assembly lines for a FE Corvette and a separate one for a ME Corvette.
As to the source of the thesis in this thread, I was the one who first posted a thread last night with the confirmed info of ME’s being built within BGA today, so ask away via a PM should you wish to know more.
#2
Race Director
Thought the ME had its own separate assembly line, that was the reason for the plant expansion.
EDIT: should have read articles first as it does not say anything about alongside or in between. My bad.
EDIT: should have read articles first as it does not say anything about alongside or in between. My bad.
Last edited by Tom73; 08-10-2018 at 11:24 PM.
#3
Safety Car
There is no second production line at BGA now, nor will there be. The FE and the ME’s will be built nose-to-tail on the same, single assembly line.
The increased space by the Plant expansion was/will be taken up by a much larger paint shop, by the expansion of the Powertrain Build Center, and by the manifold building (which is an inside receiving dock area — NOT an assembly area).
The two assembly line was a wrong concept from the beginning, based on the erroneous assumption that an FE and an ME could not be built on the same line.
I helped put myself through college working on a Ford assembly line 50 years ago, and even then, we were putting together, back-to-back, the following vehicles in order: a pickup truck, a school bus, a van, an ambulance, a medium-duty military truck and full sized sedans.
Let’s please stop repeating a massively incorrect assumption that there need to be two assembly lines for a FE Corvette and a separate one for a ME Corvette.
As to the source of the thesis in this thread, I was the one who first posted a thread last night with the confirmed info of ME’s being built within BGA today, so ask away via a PM should you wish to know more.
The increased space by the Plant expansion was/will be taken up by a much larger paint shop, by the expansion of the Powertrain Build Center, and by the manifold building (which is an inside receiving dock area — NOT an assembly area).
The two assembly line was a wrong concept from the beginning, based on the erroneous assumption that an FE and an ME could not be built on the same line.
I helped put myself through college working on a Ford assembly line 50 years ago, and even then, we were putting together, back-to-back, the following vehicles in order: a pickup truck, a school bus, a van, an ambulance, a medium-duty military truck and full sized sedans.
Let’s please stop repeating a massively incorrect assumption that there need to be two assembly lines for a FE Corvette and a separate one for a ME Corvette.
As to the source of the thesis in this thread, I was the one who first posted a thread last night with the confirmed info of ME’s being built within BGA today, so ask away via a PM should you wish to know more.
The following 8 users liked this post by elegant:
ANTIVNOM (08-12-2018),
Bajaholic (08-13-2018),
dcbingaman (08-11-2018),
dmaxx3500 (08-11-2018),
firstvettesoon (08-12-2018),
and 3 others liked this post.
#5
Safety Car
Member Since: Aug 2004
Location: SouthEast PA
Posts: 3,966
Received 1,293 Likes
on
722 Posts
Unmodified C8 of the Year 2021 Finalist
2018 C7 of Year Finalist
Allegedly, some ME test mules were built alongside (or between, actually) a few C7s today at Bowling Green. Done on a Friday, while only supervisors and other senior folks were there (full staff is Mon-Thurs).
Or so the internet says, so it must be true.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/pre-produ...161509734.html
Or so the internet says, so it must be true.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/pre-produ...161509734.html
#6
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Oct 2005
Location: Hailing From The Mean Streets Of Irvine, California
Posts: 3,100
Received 4,153 Likes
on
1,314 Posts
Here's hoping they don't accidentally mix up the two assemblies. Wouldn't want to see some 'Bastardized' Corvettes rolling around......
Save The Wave,
Corvette_Nut
Save The Wave,
Corvette_Nut
#7
Le Mans Master
There is no second production line at BGA now, nor will there be. The FE and the ME’s will be built nose-to-tail on the same, single assembly line.
The increased space by the Plant expansion was/will be taken up by a much larger paint shop, by the expansion of the Powertrain Build Center, and by the manifold building (which is an inside receiving dock area — NOT an assembly area).
The two assembly line was a wrong concept from the beginning, based on the erroneous assumption that an FE and an ME could not be built on the same line.
I helped put myself through college working on a Ford assembly line 50 years ago, and even then, we were putting together, back-to-back, the following vehicles in order: a pickup truck, a school bus, a van, an ambulance, a medium-duty military truck and full sized sedans.
Let’s please stop repeating a massively incorrect assumption that there need to be two assembly lines for a FE Corvette and a separate one for a ME Corvette.
As to the source of the thesis in this thread, I was the one who first posted a thread last night with the confirmed info of ME’s being built within BGA today, so ask away via a PM should you wish to know more.
The increased space by the Plant expansion was/will be taken up by a much larger paint shop, by the expansion of the Powertrain Build Center, and by the manifold building (which is an inside receiving dock area — NOT an assembly area).
The two assembly line was a wrong concept from the beginning, based on the erroneous assumption that an FE and an ME could not be built on the same line.
I helped put myself through college working on a Ford assembly line 50 years ago, and even then, we were putting together, back-to-back, the following vehicles in order: a pickup truck, a school bus, a van, an ambulance, a medium-duty military truck and full sized sedans.
Let’s please stop repeating a massively incorrect assumption that there need to be two assembly lines for a FE Corvette and a separate one for a ME Corvette.
As to the source of the thesis in this thread, I was the one who first posted a thread last night with the confirmed info of ME’s being built within BGA today, so ask away via a PM should you wish to know more.
Last edited by Michael A; 08-11-2018 at 01:16 PM.
#8
Allegedly, some ME test mules were built alongside (or between, actually) a few C7s today at Bowling Green. Done on a Friday, while only supervisors and other senior folks were there (full staff is Mon-Thurs).
Or so the internet says, so it must be true.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/pre-produ...161509734.html
Or so the internet says, so it must be true.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/pre-produ...161509734.html
#9
Race Director
No FE and ME being built together once C8 production goes online. This is the ONLY time we will see a FE and ME production in the plant at the same time. ALL C8s will be MEs and the only FEs left will be sitting on dealer lots with huge discounts on them.......
#10
Race Director
Member Since: Jun 2006
Location: Lawton, OK
Posts: 10,297
Received 9,512 Likes
on
2,317 Posts
C7 & C8 Events Correspondent
Tech Contributor
2020 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year (track prepared)
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C7 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
2017 C7 of Year Finalist
2015 C7 of the Year
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
John is correct. There is only one vehicle assembly line in the Bowling Green plant.
#11
Allegedly, some ME test mules were built alongside (or between, actually) a few C7s today at Bowling Green. Done on a Friday, while only supervisors and other senior folks were there (full staff is Mon-Thurs).
Or so the internet says, so it must be true.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/pre-produ...161509734.html
Or so the internet says, so it must be true.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/pre-produ...161509734.html
#12
How about a down market FE car built in Bowling Green called whatever? Not like likely soon as said, but still, what does the future hold?
#13
Race Director
^^^^^
The original fixed roof coupe C5 (1999-2000) was SUPPOSED to be a "down market" Corvette. It was a failure, but went on to become the C5 Z06 (2001). I would think GM will be VERY careful about trying such a thing as retail mentality has shown that the high end usually doesn't drag the low end UP, but the low end always drags the high end DOWN.
PS. I'm not totally (!) convinced that the front engine Corvette is dead. It would be a fiscally easy process to do a refresh on the C7 chassis (think C5 to C6) and come out with a front engine Corvette in 2021 or 2022. Not as a "down market" car but as an alternative for folks that want or need the better utility of a front engine platform. After all, Porsche makes 25 (TWENTY FIVE) variants of the 911!
I HAVE ZERO INFORMATION THAT SUGGESTS THIS WILL HAPPEN!
Just bench racing on a Sunday morning!
The original fixed roof coupe C5 (1999-2000) was SUPPOSED to be a "down market" Corvette. It was a failure, but went on to become the C5 Z06 (2001). I would think GM will be VERY careful about trying such a thing as retail mentality has shown that the high end usually doesn't drag the low end UP, but the low end always drags the high end DOWN.
PS. I'm not totally (!) convinced that the front engine Corvette is dead. It would be a fiscally easy process to do a refresh on the C7 chassis (think C5 to C6) and come out with a front engine Corvette in 2021 or 2022. Not as a "down market" car but as an alternative for folks that want or need the better utility of a front engine platform. After all, Porsche makes 25 (TWENTY FIVE) variants of the 911!
I HAVE ZERO INFORMATION THAT SUGGESTS THIS WILL HAPPEN!
Just bench racing on a Sunday morning!
Last edited by jimmyb; 08-12-2018 at 10:56 AM.
The following users liked this post:
JustinStrife (08-13-2018)
#14
You wonder if ME Corvette will have the same acceptance as Porsche did with FE sports cars. Sure they sold lots but they never endured, never became part of the family. Porsche crept from Rear Engine to ME successfully because they are so similar in concept, looks and performance.
I think changing the breed is a real long shot.
I think changing the breed is a real long shot.
Last edited by wilfie; 08-12-2018 at 11:05 AM.
#15
Race Director
^^^^
Sadly, Porsche's FE cars were NOT what they should have been (at least initially), so I'm not sure that's a fair comparison. Ferrari's FE GT's do fine in the market, although they take a BIG hit on depreciation compared to the 360/430/458/488.
Sadly, Porsche's FE cars were NOT what they should have been (at least initially), so I'm not sure that's a fair comparison. Ferrari's FE GT's do fine in the market, although they take a BIG hit on depreciation compared to the 360/430/458/488.
#16
Racer
Yeah but the 928 eventually evolved into the Panamera, and that sedan is a staple in Porsche’s portfolio. The market dictates product lifecycle.
The ME Corvette is a bit different. Corvette’s charter has always been to be a world-class sports car built in the USA. Chevrolet doesn’t care about legacy - ie whether or not their platform is FE or ME - they want a sports car that can tango with exotic cars from across the pond.
The ME Corvette is a bit different. Corvette’s charter has always been to be a world-class sports car built in the USA. Chevrolet doesn’t care about legacy - ie whether or not their platform is FE or ME - they want a sports car that can tango with exotic cars from across the pond.
#17
[QUOTE=jimmyb;1597776687]^^^^^
.
I'm not totally (!) convinced that the front engine Corvette is dead. It would be a fiscally easy process to do a refresh on the C7 chassis (think C5 to C6) and come out with a front engine Corvette in 2021 or 2022. Not as a "down market" car but as an alternative for folks that want or need the better utility of a front engine platform.
.
I'm not totally (!) convinced that the front engine Corvette is dead. It would be a fiscally easy process to do a refresh on the C7 chassis (think C5 to C6) and come out with a front engine Corvette in 2021 or 2022. Not as a "down market" car but as an alternative for folks that want or need the better utility of a front engine platform.
The following users liked this post:
Rapid Fred (08-12-2018)
#18
Drifting
The way i see it, the FE Y platform is dead once it goes ME. I believe this because I doubt the money is there to justify engineering a new FE car after the move to ME is done. Also, the Camaro, whether you like it or not, has become so capable a platform it could satisfy the FE crowd (in GM's eyes). I suspect GM will keep the F body as your FE choice and the Y body your ME choice. This configuration re-establishes separation in the product lines in regard to price, performance, configuration, utility, styling, etc. I believe these will be the offerings going forward.
#19
Race Director
Member Since: Jun 2006
Location: Lawton, OK
Posts: 10,297
Received 9,512 Likes
on
2,317 Posts
C7 & C8 Events Correspondent
Tech Contributor
2020 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year (track prepared)
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C7 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
2017 C7 of Year Finalist
2015 C7 of the Year
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
Production MEs and FEs will be built together on the same line for at least one year.
The following users liked this post:
jagamajajaran (08-13-2018)