Is the C8 engine going to be visible.....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 290
Likes: 66
From: Chicago Illinois
Is the C8 engine going to be visible.....
I’m looking at these spy pics and wondering if the motor is going to be visible. If you look at a Ferrari the motor is like a piece of art under glass. How is Chevy going to do that with a plastic cover? I am in love with this car in camo BTW and I am excited to see how it ends up so I am hoping that I am blown away by everything when I see it. The LT1 cover looks good in my C7 but how is it going to look sitting under glass in the C8?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 10,084
Likes: 3,055
From: CA
I think the engine will be exposed. They certainly have done a lot of work blacking out the rear window, so you can't see in there.
Now will GM have the foresight to remove the ugly slabs of plastic used as covers, and dress the engine properly to make it something to be admired? I sure hope so.
Now will GM have the foresight to remove the ugly slabs of plastic used as covers, and dress the engine properly to make it something to be admired? I sure hope so.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 2,689
From: Pacific Northwest
If the engine were visible, and GM were to offer a standard grey/black plastic engine cover, and a gorgeous, metal, jewelry-level optional engine cover — even if somewhat expensive, that engine cover option would probably be the first one I would select.
Second option I probably would choose would be the “front axle lift system.”
Second option I probably would choose would be the “front axle lift system.”
Last edited by elegant; Sep 8, 2018 at 05:36 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,311
Likes: 399
From: North Haven, CT
My theory is the engine will not be exposed. I think the entire rear hatch, which now appears to be one-piece, opening like a C7 from the spy photos, will be used for storage above the engine. I'm picturing a shallow storage shelf (ala 570GT) above the engine and then it drops deeper behind the engine for more storage (ala NSX). This, combined with the frunk, will allow them to tout more storage space than the C7. How they handle the removal of the storage cover to get the engine will be interesting, but no matter what, working on this car won't be as easy as previous generations.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 574
Likes: 37
If the engine were visible, and GM were to offer a standard grey/black plastic engine cover, and a gorgeous, metal, jewelry-level optional engine cover — even if somewhat expensive, that engine cover option would probably be the first one I would select.
Second option I probably would choose would be the “front axle lift system.”
Second option I probably would choose would be the “front axle lift system.”
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,979
Likes: 4,141
From: Kansas City, MO
My theory is the engine will not be exposed. I think the entire rear hatch, which now appears to be one-piece, opening like a C7 from the spy photos, will be used for storage above the engine. I'm picturing a shallow storage shelf (ala 570GT) above the engine and then it drops deeper behind the engine for more storage (ala NSX). This, combined with the frunk, will allow them to tout more storage space than the C7. How they handle the removal of the storage cover to get the engine will be interesting let the waxers show off their engine dress up kits at car shows, but no matter what, working on this car won't be as easy as previous generations.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 1,294
From: SouthEast PA
Unmodified C8 of the Year 2021 Finalist
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My theory is the engine will not be exposed. I think the entire rear hatch, which now appears to be one-piece, opening like a C7 from the spy photos, will be used for storage above the engine. I'm picturing a shallow storage shelf (ala 570GT) above the engine and then it drops deeper behind the engine for more storage (ala NSX). This, combined with the frunk, will allow them to tout more storage space than the C7. How they handle the removal of the storage cover to get the engine will be interesting, but no matter what, working on this car won't be as easy as previous generations.
With the suspected Targa Top ME could have a similar rear clear hatch like the C7 to see the engine, but also a vertical rear window positioned like with a C3 for sound isolation. NOW THAT WOULD BE UNIQUE. The analogy to a new NSX where rear storage is behind the engine is, I feel, correct except. The NSX rear hatch is not near as wide as the MEs appears thus the trunk is not wide but deep throughout. With the ME the rear trunk will be stepped, deep in the middle (A to B) with shallow ledges on either end of the width (C and D). This to accommodate the outbound exhaust.
EDIT: This would explain the hatch engine compartment ventilation and keep the cabin isolated.
Last edited by CRABBYJ; Sep 10, 2018 at 02:18 PM.