Am I crazy?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 235
Likes: 28
Am I crazy?
I love the C7, Had a 14' 1LT and a 16' 1LZ... I love these cars and I have been fanatically reading all the ZR1 info and C8 rumors and something strikes me as odd about the C8 ME idea.
It seems to me that everybody thinks the C8 is going to be mid engine...
But I'm under the impression that the C8 will be front engine with a new body style and the mid engine car will be a totally separate product standing as an answer to the Ford GT.
I mean if you look at the size of the new Bowling Green it appears to be big enough for two totally separate product assembly lines.... If every C8 was going to be ME why would you need 2X the factory size when your still only building one product? Just doesn't make sense to me.
Just my thoughts, but maybe I'm just crazy.
It seems to me that everybody thinks the C8 is going to be mid engine...
But I'm under the impression that the C8 will be front engine with a new body style and the mid engine car will be a totally separate product standing as an answer to the Ford GT.
I mean if you look at the size of the new Bowling Green it appears to be big enough for two totally separate product assembly lines.... If every C8 was going to be ME why would you need 2X the factory size when your still only building one product? Just doesn't make sense to me.
Just my thoughts, but maybe I'm just crazy.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 789
From: Hernando MS
I think the rear mid-engine car will share most of its center section, and some other parts with the C8/ successor to the C7.. but two separate and distinct models.
No way in hell they've almost doubled the size of the plant to build a single car that'll most likely sell in fractions compared to C7, C6, C5, etc.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 235
Likes: 28
I think the rear mid-engine car will share most of its center section, and some other parts with the C8/ successor to the C7.. but two separate and distinct models.
No way in hell they've almost doubled the size of the plant to build a single car that'll most likely sell in fractions compared to C7, C6, C5, etc.
Exactly!
I mean did they double the size of Bowling Green when they rolled out the C7 generation?
The only reason to double the Square footage of the facility would be because you are doubling your product lines.
I mean why on earth would GM roll out the ZR1 for 2019 then make all front engine corvettes obsolete the next year in 2020?
I suspect the ZR1 will roll out and be king for 3ish years starting 2019. The ME will roll out in 2020 as a low production (Or simply higher price point) Ford GT killer.
Then, a couple years later the C8 will roll out as a revamped front engine product.
Who wants to place bets?
Last edited by wv8090; Nov 18, 2017 at 11:16 PM.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 274
Likes: 86
From: Calgary
You are crazy but it's not a bad thing at all so consider it a compliment. It very well could end up that way however I hope not.
I love the C7, Had a 14' 1LT and a 16' 1LZ... I love these cars and I have been fanatically reading all the ZR1 info and C8 rumors and something strikes me as odd about the C8 ME idea.
It seems to me that everybody thinks the C8 is going to be mid engine...
But I'm under the impression that the C8 will be front engine with a new body style and the mid engine car will be a totally separate product standing as an answer to the Ford GT.
I mean if you look at the size of the new Bowling Green it appears to be big enough for two totally separate product assembly lines.... If every C8 was going to be ME why would you need 2X the factory size when your still only building one product? Just doesn't make sense to me.
Just my thoughts, but maybe I'm just crazy.
It seems to me that everybody thinks the C8 is going to be mid engine...
But I'm under the impression that the C8 will be front engine with a new body style and the mid engine car will be a totally separate product standing as an answer to the Ford GT.
I mean if you look at the size of the new Bowling Green it appears to be big enough for two totally separate product assembly lines.... If every C8 was going to be ME why would you need 2X the factory size when your still only building one product? Just doesn't make sense to me.
Just my thoughts, but maybe I'm just crazy.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 2,689
From: Pacific Northwest
wv8090, you are far from crazy. You are very sane.
However you are wrong, for the approximately $67K starting price, C8 ME will be the only Corvette produced for the 2020 MY and thereafter.
However you are wrong, for the approximately $67K starting price, C8 ME will be the only Corvette produced for the 2020 MY and thereafter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,956
Likes: 4,811
From: Camden SC
Last edited by LIE2ME; Nov 19, 2017 at 05:22 PM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 235
Likes: 28
I am just looking at it logically though...
If every C8 is a ME and BG is only making C8 vettes why do they need double the Square footage?
I also can't wrap my head around the ZR1 being a one year only car.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 27,567
Likes: 99
From: San Diego
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 854
Likes: 536
From: Florida
Judging by the size of the Bowling Green plant, the ME and the C8 will not be the same car. Porsche had the 928 and 944 alongside 911s because they needed volume sales to go alongside higher performing models. I believe GM will have the C8 Corvette in production by 2021 as a front engine, rear wheel drive car with its usual performance variations. By 2019 they’ll have the Mid-Engine Corvette (possibly called the Zora and the Z1 generation)in production as a true supercar to rival McLaren and Lamborghini, And its price range should be the same as the 911’s.
However, the front engine Corvette won’t be necessary if the Mid-engine model starts under $70,000. For that price, it’s sadly out of the price range of many hard working Corvette fans but still cheap enough to be the base model. The Camaro is moving upmarket and its outperforming Porsches and low end supercars, so the Vette has to move up at some point too. I’d be happy with either scenario, as long as a small block V8 is available.
And to the person who mentioned a Corvette wagon, I think that would be the best Corvette ever produced.
However, the front engine Corvette won’t be necessary if the Mid-engine model starts under $70,000. For that price, it’s sadly out of the price range of many hard working Corvette fans but still cheap enough to be the base model. The Camaro is moving upmarket and its outperforming Porsches and low end supercars, so the Vette has to move up at some point too. I’d be happy with either scenario, as long as a small block V8 is available.
And to the person who mentioned a Corvette wagon, I think that would be the best Corvette ever produced.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 235
Likes: 28
Ford screwed the pooch with the GT... 6 cylinder, $400,000 and only a select few are even "approved" to buy one.
GM is going to launch the ME with a V8, under $200,000 and available to everybody with the money to buy one.
Should give the GT a black eye.
Meanwhile the C8 will carry on with a front engine.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 235
Likes: 28
Judging by the size of the Bowling Green plant, the ME and the C8 will not be the same car. Porsche had the 928 and 944 alongside 911s because they needed volume sales to go alongside higher performing models. I believe GM will have the C8 Corvette in production by 2021 as a front engine, rear wheel drive car with its usual performance variations. By 2019 they’ll have the Mid-Engine Corvette (possibly called the Zora and the Z1 generation)in production as a true supercar to rival McLaren and Lamborghini, And its price range should be the same as the 911’s.
However, the front engine Corvette won’t be necessary if the Mid-engine model starts under $70,000. For that price, it’s sadly out of the price range of many hard working Corvette fans but still cheap enough to be the base model. The Camaro is moving upmarket and its outperforming Porsches and low end supercars, so the Vette has to move up at some point too. I’d be happy with either scenario, as long as a small block V8 is available.
And to the person who mentioned a Corvette wagon, I think that would be the best Corvette ever produced.
However, the front engine Corvette won’t be necessary if the Mid-engine model starts under $70,000. For that price, it’s sadly out of the price range of many hard working Corvette fans but still cheap enough to be the base model. The Camaro is moving upmarket and its outperforming Porsches and low end supercars, so the Vette has to move up at some point too. I’d be happy with either scenario, as long as a small block V8 is available.
And to the person who mentioned a Corvette wagon, I think that would be the best Corvette ever produced.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 11,905
Likes: 2,148
I love the C7, Had a 14' 1LT and a 16' 1LZ... I love these cars and I have been fanatically reading all the ZR1 info and C8 rumors and something strikes me as odd about the C8 ME idea.
It seems to me that everybody thinks the C8 is going to be mid engine...
But I'm under the impression that the C8 will be front engine with a new body style and the mid engine car will be a totally separate product standing as an answer to the Ford GT.
I mean if you look at the size of the new Bowling Green it appears to be big enough for two totally separate product assembly lines.... If every C8 was going to be ME why would you need 2X the factory size when your still only building one product? Just doesn't make sense to me.
Just my thoughts, but maybe I'm just crazy.
It seems to me that everybody thinks the C8 is going to be mid engine...
But I'm under the impression that the C8 will be front engine with a new body style and the mid engine car will be a totally separate product standing as an answer to the Ford GT.
I mean if you look at the size of the new Bowling Green it appears to be big enough for two totally separate product assembly lines.... If every C8 was going to be ME why would you need 2X the factory size when your still only building one product? Just doesn't make sense to me.
Just my thoughts, but maybe I'm just crazy.
GM is incredibly good at keeping info on the Corvette from being leaked.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 928
Likes: 633
I think you nailed it. The C8 is going to be mid engine; there may not be a front engine version.
I also think that the expansion is for a Corvette LINE, as well as some Cadillac variant of the ME car.
Fun to speculate, abut right now, that's all we have is speculation.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,071
Likes: 317
From: Central Florida
I think we have a lot of wishful thinking here about expanding the Corvette line. You will have the ME and you will have the Stingray/GS models for the C8. If Corvette was expanding to station wagons, SUVs etc. they would have to go through a series of Government DOT testing and certifications, this takes years, as when you change chassis or body styles you must undergo certification including crash tests. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED. So what you do have is what we know the ME and Stingray (front engine) at least for the next two years. I predict, you will have the ME, and you still have the Stingray. I do doubt about the wagons, SUVs and others. I also think in time Stingray will break away from Chevrolet, and become its own nameplate under GM. I would also predict a hybrid will be release for Corvette in the next two years, with all electric by 2024 as options of the C8. C7 will last two more years of production.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 419
Likes: 105
From: Winterville North Carolina
I think we have a lot of wishful thinking here about expanding the Corvette line. You will have the ME and you will have the Stingray/GS models for the C8. If Corvette was expanding to station wagons, SUVs etc. they would have to go through a series of Government DOT testing and certifications, this takes years, as when you change chassis or body styles you must undergo certification including crash tests. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED. So what you do have is what we know the ME and Stingray (front engine) at least for the next two years. I predict, you will have the ME, and you still have the Stingray. I do doubt about the wagons, SUVs and others. I also think in time Stingray will break away from Chevrolet, and become its own nameplate under GM. I would also predict a hybrid will be release for Corvette in the next two years, with all electric by 2024 as options of the C8. C7 will last two more years of production.