A thought that could work for selling the C7 next to the C8
12-02-2018, 10:18 PM
#1
A thought that could work for selling the C7 next to the C8
Though I really enjoy the idea of a mid-engined Corvette coming out one of the things I enjoy most about a Corvette is how practical they are as daily drivers. I've been DDing Corvettes for the past 5 years now and no other car has come close to it in terms of offering a great deal of practicality and performance. I remember driving an R8 for a weekend, which is supposed to be the "practical" supercar available and it wasn't 1/10th as practical as my current C7 is. It became tedious to drive, had little trunk space, poor visibility, and really would be something harder to drive when just going about your daily routine. Corvettes on the other hand have been comfortable, fuel efficient, their huge trunks absolutely amazing, and all around they can be perfectly suitable cars to drive on a daily basis.
Where I think the C8 might run into problems is that mid-engine cars are inherently less practical than the current front-mid coupe setup. GM can get creative with how they package the engine, but also risk minimizing some of the "cool" factor of a mid-engine car, which is seeing a nice engine strapped to the back of the vehicle. Likewise, though the Corvette has been a very capable performer it has always walked a very fine line between sports car and a Gran Turismo. To move to mid-engine is going to be a jump to make a big play in the "sports-car" and "performance" lineage of Corvettes but it is likely going to be at the expense of what makes the car a capable Gran Turismo.
I think there's some logic in refreshing/updating the C7 with a minor facelift, updated electronics/drivers aids, giving the platform a DCT option, while also introducing the new C8 lineup. They could call the refreshed C7, the Corvette GT series, while the newer Vettes could be called Corvette Sports series (or some other flashier/better name)
In doing this, GM would have a very broad breadth of performance models available. Starting with the Camaro from $25K-$70K. Corvette GT 55K-90K, Corvette Sports series 80K-150K.
I honestly think everyone would be happy with something like this. The front engine Corvette would exist as we know and love it, while a more performance oriented version could be accessible and able to really push the performance boundary, without needing to worry about alienating customers who love the comfort and practicality that a Corvette also offers.
Probably won't happen! But as someone who daily drives their Corvette and is used to the large trunk, easy driving style, etc. I'd be less enthused about getting a C8 if it meant living with it day to day would be harder. A C7 with a DCT and some other updated goodies, would be awesome though!
Where I think the C8 might run into problems is that mid-engine cars are inherently less practical than the current front-mid coupe setup. GM can get creative with how they package the engine, but also risk minimizing some of the "cool" factor of a mid-engine car, which is seeing a nice engine strapped to the back of the vehicle. Likewise, though the Corvette has been a very capable performer it has always walked a very fine line between sports car and a Gran Turismo. To move to mid-engine is going to be a jump to make a big play in the "sports-car" and "performance" lineage of Corvettes but it is likely going to be at the expense of what makes the car a capable Gran Turismo.
I think there's some logic in refreshing/updating the C7 with a minor facelift, updated electronics/drivers aids, giving the platform a DCT option, while also introducing the new C8 lineup. They could call the refreshed C7, the Corvette GT series, while the newer Vettes could be called Corvette Sports series (or some other flashier/better name)
In doing this, GM would have a very broad breadth of performance models available. Starting with the Camaro from $25K-$70K. Corvette GT 55K-90K, Corvette Sports series 80K-150K.
I honestly think everyone would be happy with something like this. The front engine Corvette would exist as we know and love it, while a more performance oriented version could be accessible and able to really push the performance boundary, without needing to worry about alienating customers who love the comfort and practicality that a Corvette also offers.
Probably won't happen! But as someone who daily drives their Corvette and is used to the large trunk, easy driving style, etc. I'd be less enthused about getting a C8 if it meant living with it day to day would be harder. A C7 with a DCT and some other updated goodies, would be awesome though!
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rmorin1249 (12-03-2018)
12-03-2018, 02:07 AM
#4
I've owned two new Corvettes in my life. A new C3, and a new C7. Both are/were practical, reliable, and comfortable cars to drive. The C8 is a big question mark. We'll just have to see if it's as desirable as the two I've bought new. As cars go, they were very affordable and a great value to spend money on as well.
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Last edited by Skid Row Joe; 12-03-2018 at 02:12 AM.
12-03-2018, 07:27 AM
#5
You do realize that the Corvette is one of the least "hardcore" and compromising sportscars out there right? Many things that come standard in the current C7 are pretty much expensive options everywhere else. Adding these luxuries would be very much in line with the Corvette team's current trend of making it a car that is easy to live with day to day.
12-03-2018, 08:45 AM
#6
Le Mans Master
Sport car, some say room for two and an envelope.
Coupe Vettes hatch does offer a lot of room for daily driving errands.
Even the Verts truck is fair sized.
There is demand for a C8 have room for golf clubs.
For me, room for a briefcase and two grocery bags is sufficient.
I can agree over the shoulder visibility could be an issue, with so many relying on "beeping" radar systems.
IMO We have lost that basis safety design and swayed away from thinking about driving while driving.
I think the C8 will be a great Vette; GM watch that cost to entry.
Coupe Vettes hatch does offer a lot of room for daily driving errands.
Even the Verts truck is fair sized.
There is demand for a C8 have room for golf clubs.
For me, room for a briefcase and two grocery bags is sufficient.
I can agree over the shoulder visibility could be an issue, with so many relying on "beeping" radar systems.
IMO We have lost that basis safety design and swayed away from thinking about driving while driving.
I think the C8 will be a great Vette; GM watch that cost to entry.
12-03-2018, 09:16 AM
#7
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I have been saying for quite a while now that when the mid-engine car debuts, that will be the end for front-engine Corvettes. GM will not build two Corvettes.
We'll see.
We'll see.
12-03-2018, 01:03 PM
#9
How many times do you need to have the same basic principles of supply and demand explained to you? Plant is under capacity because demand for the C7 is way down. You just don't build vehicles you can't sell.
Expectations for the new car are very high, and it is clear demand will be way up, bringing the plant up to capacity quickly. When the C7 debuted, the old plant was running at full capacity.
Expectations for the new car are very high, and it is clear demand will be way up, bringing the plant up to capacity quickly. When the C7 debuted, the old plant was running at full capacity.
Last edited by Foosh; 12-03-2018 at 01:08 PM.
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harley2 (12-03-2018)
12-03-2018, 01:20 PM
#10
BG operating at 27% capacity simply means that there is very little demand, at this point in time, for the 2019 C7 Corvette. Come next summer when production of the 2020 ME C8 Corvette begins, BG will be at 100% capacity for quite some time
12-03-2018, 02:41 PM
#11
Melting Slicks
You do realize that the Corvette is one of the least "hardcore" and compromising sportscars out there right? Many things that come standard in the current C7 are pretty much expensive options everywhere else. Adding these luxuries would be very much in line with the Corvette team's current trend of making it a car that is easy to live with day to day.
Even with space, The c7 is one of the purest examples of a sports car. How many other 'sports cars', as a percentage of the population, have the suggested additions? I'd like to compare and contrast them on the 'sport car scale' (my own creation :-) ) As such, the suggested additions would only detract.
Last edited by tcinla; 12-03-2018 at 07:04 PM.
12-03-2018, 05:23 PM
#13
You're worried about cargo space in the new ME Corvette? Have you seen the spy pictures? The car clearly has a good size cargo space "frunk" up front. And judging by the rear overhang, there may even be additional storage in the rear, a decent size storage area between the engine compartment and the end of the car.
12-03-2018, 06:37 PM
#14
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12-03-2018, 06:48 PM
#16
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12-04-2018, 12:43 AM
#20
You're worried about cargo space in the new ME Corvette? Have you seen the spy pictures? The car clearly has a good size cargo space "frunk" up front. And judging by the rear overhang, there may even be additional storage in the rear, a decent size storage area between the engine compartment and the end of the car.
If so, great! Just something that seems a little doubtful for me.