What's the REAL reason for a motor in the back???
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
What's the REAL reason for a motor in the back???
What's the REAL reason for putting the motor in the back of a Corvette? .. I mean, ... 99% of all other vehicles have the engine where it belongs, .. *In the front*! This just seems like some novelty at it's core, to me. I know the claims of better handling, ..but the current Vette handles SO awesomely, ... what more is needed? 51/49 front bias, as opposed to 51/49 rear bias, ... really??? The generated talk might gen up some addiional sales, .. so I guess so!
#2
More handling
More traction
More weight saving
better performance while less design effort
You can exceed the limit of FE cars capability with low resources.
More traction
More weight saving
better performance while less design effort
You can exceed the limit of FE cars capability with low resources.
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JerriVette (09-10-2018)
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#5
Drifting
I'm no engineer, but I've read the whole 50/50 thing being ideal is not true. Formula 1 cars are ~55% to the rear. I assume having less weight over the wheels that steer makes it more nimble. I assume more over the wheels that push gives better traction. If the FE Vette is "good enough" then there are plenty to buy. For those that want even more, the ME Vette is the way to go.
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elegant (09-09-2018)
#6
Safety Car
Thanks mitchydkid! You are correct that 50/50 was never correct to begin with. Many exotics go up to 58% of their weight on their rear wheels.
#7
Do a Google search for the science and then drive a ME car. There is a difference in rear end grip, balance and capability all things equal. GM wouldn't invest this much money in just a novelty concept. They are doing it to continue the evolution of the Corvette platform beyond what they can reasonably accomplish with a FE design.
Last edited by gthal; 09-09-2018 at 08:11 PM.
#8
Pro
Thread Starter
I'm no engineer, but I've read the whole 50/50 thing being ideal is not true. Formula 1 cars are ~55% to the rear. I assume having less weight over the wheels that steer makes it more nimble. I assume more over the wheels that push gives better traction. If the FE Vette is "good enough" then there are plenty to buy. For those that want even more, the ME Vette is the way to go.
P.S., .. That video of the ME running at the Nurburgring didn't *appear* to be handling any faster than any other Vette or Camaro I've seen there.
Last edited by Stew24; 09-09-2018 at 08:24 PM.
#9
What's the REAL reason for putting the motor in the back of a Corvette? .. I mean, ... 99% of all other vehicles have the engine where it belongs, .. *In the front*! This just seems like some novelty at it's core, to me. I know the claims of better handling, ..but the current Vette handles SO awesomely, ... what more is needed? 51/49 front bias, as opposed to 51/49 rear bias, ... really??? The generated talk might gen up some addiional sales, .. so I guess so!
I have been waiting for a mid engine Corvette since 1973 when the mid engine Wankel Corvette was supposed to come out!
Last edited by PurpleLion; 09-09-2018 at 08:30 PM.
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#10
#11
Pro
Thread Starter
Well, with a little research, I guess I've answered my own question. The fastest 4 do all seem to be mid engined cars ....
Fastest Nurburgring lap times 2018
Fastest Nurburgring lap times 2018
- Lamborghini Aventador SVJ - 6:44.97s.
- Porsche 911 GT2 RS - 6:47.3s.
- Lamborghini Huracan Performante - 6:52:01s.
- Porsche 918 Spyder (Weissach Package) - 6:57s.
- Dodge Viper ACR - 7:01.03s.
- Nissan GT-R Nismo - 7:08.59s.
- Mercedes AMG GT R - 7:10.92s.
- Gumpert Apollo Sport - 7:11.57s.
#12
Instructor
[QUOTE
Drove a McLaren 720s and compared to my C6, the turn in was much better, the front of the car was there, immediately. Wherever you pointed it, the front went. Actually was a little uncomfortable for me, didn’t have time to get used to it. And the traction for acceleration was great. Still a FE fan, but it is personal preference.
Drove a McLaren 720s and compared to my C6, the turn in was much better, the front of the car was there, immediately. Wherever you pointed it, the front went. Actually was a little uncomfortable for me, didn’t have time to get used to it. And the traction for acceleration was great. Still a FE fan, but it is personal preference.
#13
Safety Car
You get more space in the cabin because there is no transtube hump.
No need to run pipes back to the rear.
Easier to drop the motor and transaxle.
I'm sure the parasitic HP loss is less too.
I love my mid-engine Toyota MR2 Spyder.
No need to run pipes back to the rear.
Easier to drop the motor and transaxle.
I'm sure the parasitic HP loss is less too.
I love my mid-engine Toyota MR2 Spyder.
#14
Le Mans Master
What's the REAL reason for putting the motor in the back of a Corvette? .. I mean, ... 99% of all other vehicles have the engine where it belongs, .. *In the fro nt*! This just seems like some novelty at it's core, to me. I know the claims of better handling, ..but the current Vette handles SO awesomely, ... what more is needed? 51/49 front bias, as opposed to 51/49 rear bias, ... really??? The generated talk might gen up some addiional sales, .. so I guess so!
Last edited by range96; 09-09-2018 at 08:59 PM.
#16
Pro
Thread Starter
Fastest Nurburgring lap times 2018
- Lamborghini Aventador SVJ - 6:44.97s.
- Porsche 911 GT2 RS - 6:47.3s.
- Lamborghini Huracan Performante - 6:52:01s.
- Porsche 918 Spyder (Weissach Package) - 6:57s.
- Dodge Viper ACR - 7:01.03s.
- Nissan GT-R Nismo - 7:08.59s.
- Mercedes AMG GT R - 7:10.92s.
- Gumpert Apollo Sport - 7:11.57s.
Last edited by Stew24; 09-09-2018 at 09:20 PM.
#17
Melting Slicks
I've never driven a Lambo, Ferrari or Mclaren. My C7 GS handles like nothing I've ever experienced, and wonder how much better it can get? I assume, as do you ... having less weight over the wheels that steer makes it more nimble, but is that better? Nimble can be thought of as nervous, at times. If a motor in the back has all these positive virtues, it would seem you'd see it applied far more in the marketplace.
P.S., .. That video of the ME running at the Nurburgring didn't *appear* to be handling any faster than any other Vette or Camaro I've seen there.
P.S., .. That video of the ME running at the Nurburgring didn't *appear* to be handling any faster than any other Vette or Camaro I've seen there.
Last edited by fasttoys; 09-10-2018 at 11:55 AM.
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ByByBMW (09-09-2018)
#18
Burning Brakes
Stew24, i have owned many ME and driven some of the fastest production cars. Had a 15/Z06 and felt the HP overwhelmed the rear under hard acceleration, could not imagine a new ZR1. If GM does it correctly and your looking for balance and performance you won’t look back with the ME.
Sometimes it is just a matter of picking your compromises. Like the FE, the ME will have its own compromises.
#19
Drifting
IIRC... current racing rules doesn't allow a manufacturer enter their race version car if they move the engine to the rear... if the designed OEM passenger version wasn't that way to begin with (In other words... why the C7.R is currently restricted ... however the hypothetical C8.R will not).
#20
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Dec 2005
Location: Port Arthur, Texas 77642
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Stew24, i have owned many ME and driven some of the fastest production cars. Had a 15/Z06 and felt the HP overwhelmed the rear under hard acceleration, could not imagine a new ZR1. If GM does it correctly and your looking for balance and performance you won’t look back with the ME.