C8 Convertible...?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 346
Likes: 83
I did stir this up with my generalizations 
If you keep on saying "Targa" is "Convertible", "Why do you need a button", then I do like this
Most of my generalizations are actually accurate in the country I am in now. Dealer knows this, and never brings in 1LT Convertible. But too many 1LT Coupes.
Of course, USA would be different since there are more options available to everyone.
"Elegant" gave good stats. I wonder if we can get that by country as well. At least, USA vs International. And breakdown of Z06.
FYI: There was a special Corvette desk on the showroom with a dedicated Corvette specialist. Service Center had a Corvette corner as well. No more since last 3-4 years. Dealer saying it is not selling as much as C6 any more. This is the single GM/Chevrolet dealer for the entire country, it is not as if they can't afford it. I asked the number of sales last time, they did not give it.
If you keep on saying "Targa" is "Convertible", "Why do you need a button", then I do like this
Most of my generalizations are actually accurate in the country I am in now. Dealer knows this, and never brings in 1LT Convertible. But too many 1LT Coupes.
Of course, USA would be different since there are more options available to everyone.
"Elegant" gave good stats. I wonder if we can get that by country as well. At least, USA vs International. And breakdown of Z06.
FYI: There was a special Corvette desk on the showroom with a dedicated Corvette specialist. Service Center had a Corvette corner as well. No more since last 3-4 years. Dealer saying it is not selling as much as C6 any more. This is the single GM/Chevrolet dealer for the entire country, it is not as if they can't afford it. I asked the number of sales last time, they did not give it.
Last edited by MaryAnnB; Feb 26, 2018 at 12:25 AM.
16 Vettes and counting…..
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,811
Likes: 1,146
16 Vettes and counting…..
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,811
Likes: 1,146
I did stir this up with my generalizations
If you keep on saying "Targa" is "Convertible", "Why do you need a button", then I do like this
Most of my generalizations are actually accurate in the country I am in now. Dealer knows this, and never brings in 1LT Convertible. But too many 1LT Coupes.
Of course, USA would be different since there are more options available to everyone.
"Elegant" gave good stats. I wonder if we can get that by country as well. At least, USA vs International. And breakdown of Z06.
FYI: There was a special Corvette desk on the showroom with a dedicated Corvette specialist. Service Center had a Corvette corner as well. No more since last 3-4 years. Dealer saying it is not selling as much as C6 any more. This is the single GM/Chevrolet dealer for the entire country, it is not as if they can't afford it. I asked the number of sales last time, they did not give it.
If you keep on saying "Targa" is "Convertible", "Why do you need a button", then I do like this
Most of my generalizations are actually accurate in the country I am in now. Dealer knows this, and never brings in 1LT Convertible. But too many 1LT Coupes.
Of course, USA would be different since there are more options available to everyone.
"Elegant" gave good stats. I wonder if we can get that by country as well. At least, USA vs International. And breakdown of Z06.
FYI: There was a special Corvette desk on the showroom with a dedicated Corvette specialist. Service Center had a Corvette corner as well. No more since last 3-4 years. Dealer saying it is not selling as much as C6 any more. This is the single GM/Chevrolet dealer for the entire country, it is not as if they can't afford it. I asked the number of sales last time, they did not give it.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 346
Likes: 83
Actually, this is EXACTLY fitting my narrative that:
1) Convertible buyers are the loaded ones.
52% of Base Coupes are 1LT
23% of Base Convertibles are 1LT
This becomes more evident in more expensive Z06:
21% of Coupes are 1LZ
1% of Convertibles are 1LZ
2) GM realized this opportunity and made whole C7-platorm to accommodate Convertible buyers.
For 2, 15% of Z06 buyers are Convertibles. So they managed to suck more money out of those that would have gone to base model. 61% of this group went to 3LZ (compared to 43% of Coupes).
So they know where the money is. There is no way in hell C8 platform will be any different.
Why you are getting disturbed over these facts is beyond me. Just because someone is buying a more expensive car does not mean they have more money than you. It simply means that manufacturer makes more profit and hence... C8 will not be any different.
16 Vettes and counting…..
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,811
Likes: 1,146
Actually, this is EXACTLY fitting my narrative that:
1) Convertible buyers are the loaded ones.
52% of Base Coupes are 1LT
23% of Base Convertibles are 1LT
This becomes more evident in more expensive Z06:
21% of Coupes are 1LZ
1% of Convertibles are 1LZ
2) GM realized this opportunity and made whole C7-platorm to accommodate Convertible buyers.
For 2, 15% of Z06 buyers are Convertibles. So they managed to suck more money out of those that would have gone to base model. 61% of this group went to 3LZ (compared to 43% of Coupes).
So they know where the money is. There is no way in hell C8 platform will be any different.
Why you are getting disturbed over these facts is beyond me. Just because someone is buying a more expensive car does not mean they have more money than you. It simply means that manufacturer makes more profit and hence... C8 will not be any different.
1) Convertible buyers are the loaded ones.
52% of Base Coupes are 1LT
23% of Base Convertibles are 1LT
This becomes more evident in more expensive Z06:
21% of Coupes are 1LZ
1% of Convertibles are 1LZ
2) GM realized this opportunity and made whole C7-platorm to accommodate Convertible buyers.
For 2, 15% of Z06 buyers are Convertibles. So they managed to suck more money out of those that would have gone to base model. 61% of this group went to 3LZ (compared to 43% of Coupes).
So they know where the money is. There is no way in hell C8 platform will be any different.
Why you are getting disturbed over these facts is beyond me. Just because someone is buying a more expensive car does not mean they have more money than you. It simply means that manufacturer makes more profit and hence... C8 will not be any different.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 1,906
To many the Ferrari 488 spyder is a convertible.
I am sure GM will protect its 25 percent of corvettes and continue convertible models
Is the top fabric or not...that is to be determined at a later date...
I just want the option of an open roof..either targa or convertible...
I don't care which.
Money is no object on that capability of my next corvette...
Open air motoring is when I get most of my tan each year...
I enjoy driving up in the mountains and seven lakes in the corvette with the roof off ...
Just a wonderful driving experience...
Just seems the lift off and push a button fold back solid roof like the Ferrari 488 seems more likely...
I am sure GM will protect its 25 percent of corvettes and continue convertible models
Is the top fabric or not...that is to be determined at a later date...
I just want the option of an open roof..either targa or convertible...
I don't care which.
Money is no object on that capability of my next corvette...
Open air motoring is when I get most of my tan each year...
I enjoy driving up in the mountains and seven lakes in the corvette with the roof off ...
Just a wonderful driving experience...
Just seems the lift off and push a button fold back solid roof like the Ferrari 488 seems more likely...
What about the LaFerrari? Their convertible solution is a piece of rolled up fabric you can remove or install in case of inclement weather...
Imagine... a $4 million dollar car...
Look how simple...fast and efficient they made it!
You can only get away with this design on a $4mil car and have the buyer "think" oh...so cool!
...If you did this on a $25k car people would say WTF! That's the best they could do!
But to be fair, for the $4 mil, they also have those two guys follow you around to change it for you.!
I think the C8-ME will have a 488 type top...but we shall see.
Last edited by firstvettesoon; Feb 26, 2018 at 11:24 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4,980
Likes: 3,826
From: Bainbridge Island WA
But am I correct you are talking about a Vette canvas vert, no? I’m just exploring the pros and cons of the non-canvas vert using a panel and pop-out-lowerable rear window vs. the whole mess being mechanized. Surely that decision has already been made and GM & the Vette community will live with the outcome!
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
Exactly. We don't like Coupe at all. Never liked it. If there was not the Convertible shape, we wouldn't have purchased any of our Vettes.
This is a big deal actually. We don't want Targa or Manual or whatnot. If I am paying $100K for a car, I can afford $4K or $10K repairs. Besides, it is under warranty, isn't it? Why would I care if it broke?
25% of Corvette sales are Convertibles. Many of us who bought stock Convertibles could also afford and like a Z06 and ZR1 Convertibles as well. This option was not available in this past, so we settled with stock. GM lost money that it could have sucked from us.
GM realized that, albeit a bit late, and they developed their entire platform based on that premise with C7. Both Z06 and ZR1 available as convertibles now.
It would be crazy to imagine C8 would be any different.
This is a big deal actually. We don't want Targa or Manual or whatnot. If I am paying $100K for a car, I can afford $4K or $10K repairs. Besides, it is under warranty, isn't it? Why would I care if it broke?
25% of Corvette sales are Convertibles. Many of us who bought stock Convertibles could also afford and like a Z06 and ZR1 Convertibles as well. This option was not available in this past, so we settled with stock. GM lost money that it could have sucked from us.
GM realized that, albeit a bit late, and they developed their entire platform based on that premise with C7. Both Z06 and ZR1 available as convertibles now.
It would be crazy to imagine C8 would be any different.
Last edited by JoesC5; Feb 26, 2018 at 01:14 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
The best comparison that I could come up with-------powered soft top vs powered hardtop, in two very similar cars was the XLR, which weighed 3840 pounds and the C6 427 Convertible which weighed 3355 pounds.
Even though the XLR was the "premium" car it had problems with the retractable hardtop that the retractable soft top Corvette didn't have.
That's a heavy penalty to pay for a hardtop top vs a soft top. Nearly 500 pounds difference in their curb weight.
I'm not saying a mid engine Corvette with a retractable hardtop would weigh 500 pounds more than a soft top version, but it's something to consider in a "performance" car.
Even though the XLR was the "premium" car it had problems with the retractable hardtop that the retractable soft top Corvette didn't have.
That's a heavy penalty to pay for a hardtop top vs a soft top. Nearly 500 pounds difference in their curb weight.
I'm not saying a mid engine Corvette with a retractable hardtop would weigh 500 pounds more than a soft top version, but it's something to consider in a "performance" car.
Last edited by JoesC5; Feb 26, 2018 at 01:26 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
The best comparison that I could come up with-------powered soft top vs powered hardtop, in two very similar cars was the XLR, which weighed 3840 pounds and the C6 427 Convertible which weighed 3355 pounds.
Even though the XLR was the "premium" car it had problems with the retractable hardtop that the retractable soft top Corvette didn't have.
That's a heavy penalty to pay for a hardtop top vs a soft top. Nearly 500 pounds difference in their curb weight.
I'm not saying a mid engine Corvette with a retractable hardtop would weigh 500 pounds more than a soft top version, but it's something to consider in a "performance" car.
Even though the XLR was the "premium" car it had problems with the retractable hardtop that the retractable soft top Corvette didn't have.
That's a heavy penalty to pay for a hardtop top vs a soft top. Nearly 500 pounds difference in their curb weight.
I'm not saying a mid engine Corvette with a retractable hardtop would weigh 500 pounds more than a soft top version, but it's something to consider in a "performance" car.
Now, like you I doubt the penalty for mechanization is anywhere near 500 lbs. But, what if it is 200 lbs?
Last edited by Rapid Fred; Feb 26, 2018 at 01:54 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
Yes. I've had both. The SL's are all metal. But in the Vette this is not our Dads' ragtop. It feels solid (just like a Boxster.) The practical difference is a different cleaning method. I admit the solid metal roofs on verts look a bit better in the up position. I would be cool with a metal (errr, I mean plastic) version if that's what they do.
16 Vettes and counting…..
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,811
Likes: 1,146
The best comparison that I could come up with-------powered soft top vs powered hardtop, in two very similar cars was the XLR, which weighed 3840 pounds and the C6 427 Convertible which weighed 3355 pounds.
Even though the XLR was the "premium" car it had problems with the retractable hardtop that the retractable soft top Corvette didn't have.
That's a heavy penalty to pay for a hardtop top vs a soft top. Nearly 500 pounds difference in their curb weight.
I'm not saying a mid engine Corvette with a retractable hardtop would weigh 500 pounds more than a soft top version, but it's something to consider in a "performance" car.
Even though the XLR was the "premium" car it had problems with the retractable hardtop that the retractable soft top Corvette didn't have.
That's a heavy penalty to pay for a hardtop top vs a soft top. Nearly 500 pounds difference in their curb weight.
I'm not saying a mid engine Corvette with a retractable hardtop would weigh 500 pounds more than a soft top version, but it's something to consider in a "performance" car.
Ugh.....Joe. Don't let the facts get your way. The reason the XLR weighed more than the Vette was not merely because it had a hard convertible roof. It had heavier seats, the body is actually a thicker composite than for Vettes (3 mil vs. 5 mil), metal & wood trim instead of just plastic, Northstar engine weighed more, stock wheels weighed more, engine cover adds a little bit, sound deadening material, etc...... all the kinds of things GM focuses on now to cut every gram of weight it can.
The XLR was more focused on being a premium luxury car that did not sacrifice creature comforts for a few ticks on the track.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
Ugh.....Joe. Don't let the facts get your way. The reason the XLR weighed more than the Vette was not merely because it had a hard convertible roof. It had heavier seats, the body is actually a thicker composite than for Vettes (3 mil vs. 5 mil), metal & wood trim instead of just plastic, Northstar engine weighed more, stock wheels weighed more, engine cover adds a little bit, sound deadening material, etc...... all the kinds of things GM focuses on now to cut every gram of weight it can.
The XLR was more focused on being a premium luxury car that did not sacrifice creature comforts for a few ticks on the track.
The XLR was more focused on being a premium luxury car that did not sacrifice creature comforts for a few ticks on the track.
How much more did the 4.6L V8 in the XLR weigh over the 7L V8 in the 427 Convertible?
How much more did the body panel on the XLR weigh over the body panels of the 427 Convertible?
How much more did the seats in the 2005 XLR weigh over the seats in the 2013 427 Convertible?
How much more did the sound deadening material in the XLR weigh over the sound deadening material in the 2013 427 Convertible?
Come on man....post up your facts....
Last edited by JoesC5; Feb 26, 2018 at 05:22 PM.
16 Vettes and counting…..
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,811
Likes: 1,146
You really do have a problem handling any thing I say. I'm really in your head. The 427 Convertible also had much larger brake rotors and calipers from the Z06, and much heavier tires form the Z06, and a much heavier drivetrain from the Z06.
How much more did the 4.6L V8 in the XLR weigh over the 7L V8 in the 427 Convertible?
How much more did the body panel on the XLR weigh over the body panels of the 427 Convertible?
How much more did the seats in the 2005 XLR weigh over the seats in the 2013 427 Convertible?
How much more did the sound deadening material in the XLR weigh over the sound deadening material in the 2013 427 Convertible?
Come on man....post up your facts....
How much more did the 4.6L V8 in the XLR weigh over the 7L V8 in the 427 Convertible?
How much more did the body panel on the XLR weigh over the body panels of the 427 Convertible?
How much more did the seats in the 2005 XLR weigh over the seats in the 2013 427 Convertible?
How much more did the sound deadening material in the XLR weigh over the sound deadening material in the 2013 427 Convertible?
Come on man....post up your facts....
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
You like facts so much, and you made some specific claims, now back them up with numbers and then back up the numbers with links.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 13,934
Likes: 4,257
From: NC
Really off topic.
But....regarding the XLR and 427 Convertible
The hard top roof and the motors and pumps did not add almost 500 pounds all by itself on the XLR. The LS7, while 7L, was still a small block Chevy (identical physical size to the LS3) so there's no doubt the twin cam Northstar was heavier. Add all the other luxury stuff, and there you go. I can't believe this is an argument.
For a REAL apples to apples comparison, look at the weight of the Ferrari 488 GTB vs. the 488 Spyder. The Spyder is 110 pounds heavier.
PS. 2009 Cadillac XLR listed weight is 3,647 pounds
2009 Cadillac XLR-V listed weight is 3,810 pounds
But....regarding the XLR and 427 Convertible
The hard top roof and the motors and pumps did not add almost 500 pounds all by itself on the XLR. The LS7, while 7L, was still a small block Chevy (identical physical size to the LS3) so there's no doubt the twin cam Northstar was heavier. Add all the other luxury stuff, and there you go. I can't believe this is an argument.
For a REAL apples to apples comparison, look at the weight of the Ferrari 488 GTB vs. the 488 Spyder. The Spyder is 110 pounds heavier.
PS. 2009 Cadillac XLR listed weight is 3,647 pounds
2009 Cadillac XLR-V listed weight is 3,810 pounds
Last edited by jimmyb; Feb 26, 2018 at 06:03 PM.
16 Vettes and counting…..
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,811
Likes: 1,146
Look it up yourself. Some of us have a life beyond listening your arteries harden.
Last edited by VETTE-NV; Feb 26, 2018 at 08:06 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 16,067
Likes: 4,150
From: Bergen county NJ
Really off topic.
But....regarding the XLR and 427 Convertible
The hard top roof and the motors and pumps did not add almost 500 pounds all by itself on the XLR. The LS7, while 7L, was still a small block Chevy (identical physical size to the LS3) so there's no doubt the twin cam Northstar was heavier. Add all the other luxury stuff, and there you go. I can't believe this is an argument.
For a REAL apples to apples comparison, look at the weight of the Ferrari 488 GTB vs. the 488 Spyder. The Spyder is 110 pounds heavier.
PS. 2009 Cadillac XLR listed weight is 3,647 pounds
2009 Cadillac XLR-V listed weight is 3,810 pounds
But....regarding the XLR and 427 Convertible
The hard top roof and the motors and pumps did not add almost 500 pounds all by itself on the XLR. The LS7, while 7L, was still a small block Chevy (identical physical size to the LS3) so there's no doubt the twin cam Northstar was heavier. Add all the other luxury stuff, and there you go. I can't believe this is an argument.
For a REAL apples to apples comparison, look at the weight of the Ferrari 488 GTB vs. the 488 Spyder. The Spyder is 110 pounds heavier.
PS. 2009 Cadillac XLR listed weight is 3,647 pounds
2009 Cadillac XLR-V listed weight is 3,810 pounds
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/mazda...t-test-review/
Last edited by JerriVette; Feb 26, 2018 at 09:12 PM.