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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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
As elegant posted previously he expected this could happen this past Friday. One detail from above did catch my attention (‘between a few C7’s). Makes sense to me. My question is whether they were C7 PRODUCTION ORDERS built. If so, i’d have mixed emotions if the VINs could be id’d and one of them was mine. A rare event for sure.
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.
This actually would make sense. They would be much more flexible with regard to FE and ME product demand. It would also keep startup costs down for the ME.
Last edited by Michael A; Aug 11, 2018 at 01:16 PM.
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).
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.......
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).
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.......
Still you have to imagine on someone's list of possibilities in marketing is that they will bring out a FE again sometime. What if ME sales are a little slow? Once they bring out the ME will Corvette stay ME like FOREVER?
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?
^^^^^
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!
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.
^^^^
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.
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.
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 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.
ME's Built Today
