C8 Convertible...?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 346
Likes: 83
Smart move.
19.5% of Z06'es were Convertibles in 2016, which proves my point. No need to prove actually, we know we settled with C6 Convertible instead of getting a C6 Z06.
You can also see that Convertible buyers spend more, which is what GM cares:
21% of Z06 Coupes are 1LZ
1% of Z06 Convertibles are 1LZ
I also did not mean to sound arrogant but I got pissed off by secondhand Coupe buyers telling us "Why you need a button, you can remove it by hand", "It costs a lot to repair it", "Targa is the same as convertible" and whatnot.
Target demographics can afford it, and they do as in the Z06 example above.
However, I do agree that a soft top would look awful as in Huracan.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 346
Likes: 83
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 110
Likes: 71
The number of 100ish lbs penalty for the convertible sounds right to me. Though for the c7 z06 it was only 58 lbs difference, 3524 vs 3582 lbs). I also thought some of that weight adder was structural stiffening due to the lack of a fixed roof (perhaps the fact the z06 roof was removable meant the coupe needed stiffening anyway reducing the convertible weight penalty)
I would also put myself in the convertible demographic where I would always add lots of options (went with 2lz plus extras since I basically did not care about the extra leather that was most of the 3lz cost). My corvettes are always my daily driver (except when it snows or drops below freezing) so I want my creature comforts :-)
I too rejected the more expensive z06 not because of the cost but because it did not have a convertible option and went with c5 vert then c6 vert and then a c6 GS vert before i switched to the c7 zo6 vert. If there was no c8 looming I would switch to a zr1 vert next year, but I'm waiting to see whether the ME is available as a convertible first
I would also put myself in the convertible demographic where I would always add lots of options (went with 2lz plus extras since I basically did not care about the extra leather that was most of the 3lz cost). My corvettes are always my daily driver (except when it snows or drops below freezing) so I want my creature comforts :-)
I too rejected the more expensive z06 not because of the cost but because it did not have a convertible option and went with c5 vert then c6 vert and then a c6 GS vert before i switched to the c7 zo6 vert. If there was no c8 looming I would switch to a zr1 vert next year, but I'm waiting to see whether the ME is available as a convertible first
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 16,067
Likes: 4,150
From: Bergen county NJ
What difference does it make? I quoted 25% from the top of my head. Main point was that GM designed C7 platform so that it could sell us more of premium cars instead of getting us settled with the stock.
Smart move.
19.5% of Z06'es were Convertibles in 2016, which proves my point. No need to prove actually, we know we settled with C6 Convertible instead of getting a C6 Z06.
You can also see that Convertible buyers spend more, which is what GM cares:
21% of Z06 Coupes are 1LZ
1% of Z06 Convertibles are 1LZ
I also did not mean to sound arrogant but I got pissed off by secondhand Coupe buyers telling us "Why you need a button, you can remove it by hand", "It costs a lot to repair it", "Targa is the same as convertible" and whatnot.
Target demographics can afford it, and they do as in the Z06 example above.
However, I do agree that a soft top would look awful as in Huracan.
Smart move.
19.5% of Z06'es were Convertibles in 2016, which proves my point. No need to prove actually, we know we settled with C6 Convertible instead of getting a C6 Z06.
You can also see that Convertible buyers spend more, which is what GM cares:
21% of Z06 Coupes are 1LZ
1% of Z06 Convertibles are 1LZ
I also did not mean to sound arrogant but I got pissed off by secondhand Coupe buyers telling us "Why you need a button, you can remove it by hand", "It costs a lot to repair it", "Targa is the same as convertible" and whatnot.
Target demographics can afford it, and they do as in the Z06 example above.
However, I do agree that a soft top would look awful as in Huracan.
Discounts in options including the convertible in general has been quite attractive.
The c7 and c7 z06 are quite different than previous generations in greenhouse appearance....
That can't really been said about the convertible c7 and c7 z06...
Option discounts are used to sell the vehicles these days..
I believe GM did option pack discounts on all c7 z06s with that expensive brake package offered which retailed at 7 grand for free...for quite some time....
Added value to move slower selling vehicles like the convertible c7 s...
Not sure how profitable giving options at great discounts or even as far as free...option pack.
The c8 might take a turn like ferraris where the convertibles actually outsell the coupes,
Now that would make GM happy....even if it required a 108 lb increase in weight of a hard top convertible over a coupe
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 103
Likes: 17
From: Cornelius NC
Agreed! Plus if you have to put the top in the "frunk" space then it basically means I and my wife cannot head up to the Rocky Mountains with the roof down for a weekend away (assuming we can get grandma to look after the children). Needs to have a button to remove the roof without losing storage space for an overnight bag or two (or just groceries which I sometimes get with the roof down)
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 13,934
Likes: 4,257
From: NC
The number of 100ish lbs penalty for the convertible sounds right to me. Though for the c7 z06 it was only 58 lbs difference, 3524 vs 3582 lbs). I also thought some of that weight adder was structural stiffening due to the lack of a fixed roof (perhaps the fact the z06 roof was removable meant the coupe needed stiffening anyway reducing the convertible weight penalty)
I would also put myself in the convertible demographic where I would always add lots of options (went with 2lz plus extras since I basically did not care about the extra leather that was most of the 3lz cost). My corvettes are always my daily driver (except when it snows or drops below freezing) so I want my creature comforts :-)
I too rejected the more expensive z06 not because of the cost but because it did not have a convertible option and went with c5 vert then c6 vert and then a c6 GS vert before i switched to the c7 zo6 vert. If there was no c8 looming I would switch to a zr1 vert next year, but I'm waiting to see whether the ME is available as a convertible first
I would also put myself in the convertible demographic where I would always add lots of options (went with 2lz plus extras since I basically did not care about the extra leather that was most of the 3lz cost). My corvettes are always my daily driver (except when it snows or drops below freezing) so I want my creature comforts :-)
I too rejected the more expensive z06 not because of the cost but because it did not have a convertible option and went with c5 vert then c6 vert and then a c6 GS vert before i switched to the c7 zo6 vert. If there was no c8 looming I would switch to a zr1 vert next year, but I'm waiting to see whether the ME is available as a convertible first
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
Agree. This has been true for the C5, C6, and C7 convertibles. In fact, I believe the frame in my 1964 Corvette coupe is the same as for a 1964 convertible.
Last edited by JoesC5; Feb 27, 2018 at 09:26 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
The number of 100ish lbs penalty for the convertible sounds right to me. Though for the c7 z06 it was only 58 lbs difference, 3524 vs 3582 lbs). I also thought some of that weight adder was structural stiffening due to the lack of a fixed roof (perhaps the fact the z06 roof was removable meant the coupe needed stiffening anyway reducing the convertible weight penalty)
I would also put myself in the convertible demographic where I would always add lots of options (went with 2lz plus extras since I basically did not care about the extra leather that was most of the 3lz cost). My corvettes are always my daily driver (except when it snows or drops below freezing) so I want my creature comforts :-)
I too rejected the more expensive z06 not because of the cost but because it did not have a convertible option and went with c5 vert then c6 vert and then a c6 GS vert before i switched to the c7 zo6 vert. If there was no c8 looming I would switch to a zr1 vert next year, but I'm waiting to see whether the ME is available as a convertible first
I would also put myself in the convertible demographic where I would always add lots of options (went with 2lz plus extras since I basically did not care about the extra leather that was most of the 3lz cost). My corvettes are always my daily driver (except when it snows or drops below freezing) so I want my creature comforts :-)
I too rejected the more expensive z06 not because of the cost but because it did not have a convertible option and went with c5 vert then c6 vert and then a c6 GS vert before i switched to the c7 zo6 vert. If there was no c8 looming I would switch to a zr1 vert next year, but I'm waiting to see whether the ME is available as a convertible first
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Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
I also did not mean to sound arrogant but I got pissed off by secondhand Coupe buyers telling us "Why you need a button, you can remove it by hand", "It costs a lot to repair it", "Targa is the same as convertible" and whatnot
However, I do agree that a soft top would look awful as in Huracan.
However, I do agree that a soft top would look awful as in Huracan.
(b) so you CAN’T remove it by hand?
(c) you think $4K is cheap? (see (a) above)
(d) I NEVER said targa is same as convertible...reread what I said. Did you ever see the gen II RX7 Vert? A true Vert WITH a removable hard panel, which is what I’ve been discussing. So sorry if mentioning such a common-sense concept in a SPORTS CAR offends your sensibilities...
(e) Agree about the Huracan...
16 Vettes and counting…..
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,811
Likes: 1,146
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,446
Likes: 314
From: Tarpon Springs FL
FL Events Coordinator
How does the 488 spider solve the issue? Just curious.
As with art...GM should steel from the best!
Top down at 5:30...pretty sweet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqxIu1cyRfk
As with art...GM should steel from the best!
Top down at 5:30...pretty sweet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqxIu1cyRfk
All I can say is WOW>>>WOW...WOW
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 2,689
From: Pacific Northwest
Thank you FVS, for another highly skilled rendering. That would be one gorgeous version!
For those who are wanting to see and/or save it as individual pictures, took FVS’s work and....
For those who are wanting to see and/or save it as individual pictures, took FVS’s work and....
Last edited by elegant; Mar 2, 2018 at 11:02 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 16,067
Likes: 4,150
From: Bergen county NJ
(Kidding) sure hope that top doesn't squeak!
That's what I envision is the c8 hardtop convertible and unfortunately doubtful there will be a lift off targa which I happen to enjoy...
I'll suffer the advancement of the proposed hardtop convertible corvette and worth the extra 100 lbs
Roof off driving is a must have for many corvette buyers...cost is not an issue.....
Solid roof non-targa or non-retractable hardtop or soft top is a deal breaker for many of us
I like the manual targa top in previous gen corvettes but it looks like the rear mid engine design does away with a lift off targa top...there doesn't seem a place to put a manual take off roof targa panel ...
I could see a manual retractable folding targa top as in the Gif but the most likely is a powered version which I'd line up to buy either. I'd be the only person to save a few bucks as well as want to save a few lbs and do a manual retractable top like the gif...it'll be power only and that's fine....I get I'm the last of the breed...the weight of the motors to power the roof isn't that much these days and the added cost is minimal too..(I think Mazda charges an extra 2 or 3 grand for the powered retractable hardtop version of the mx5 compared to the fabric top version...
The one thing I would never buy is the solid roof again as in my last z06...which at the time I loved and never thought I was missing anything...I loved that car...but then having my next new vette c6 with the ability to take the roof off.....that's something I'd never give up again...that's something I need on every future sports car I own...I get people and I mean a ton of guys never take their targa roofs off their present corvettes....and that's cool..there just is a subset of guys that just got to have the sun shinning in open air style for maximum driving fun.
Just love the roof off motoring thing ..targa, soft top seems to be a thing of the past with the rear mid engine...although a few exotics like the Lamborghini, Audi R8 offer soft tops...while Ferrari and mclaren are doing folding hardtop rear mid engine cars...
I personally don't care if it's targa, soft top or folding hard top...just got to have open air capability...anyone that's available will do and being that I'm a cheap bastard
the least expensive open air choice would be the one I'd pick...
Driving with the roof off is just too enjoyable to pass up on..
That's one of the primary reasons I have stayed with corvettes...for two decades now...
Can't give up that solid roof yet open capability that's so simple and light...
Haven't been a fan of fabric tops for several reasons....with places I used to travel to more often.,,
In a selfish note....
In NYC fabric tops just invite slice and dice ..just a fact of life even on the upper east side.
Lift off targas or folding hard roofs are the design of choice....
Powered if they must be is fine,
That's what I envision is the c8 hardtop convertible and unfortunately doubtful there will be a lift off targa which I happen to enjoy...
I'll suffer the advancement of the proposed hardtop convertible corvette and worth the extra 100 lbs
Roof off driving is a must have for many corvette buyers...cost is not an issue.....
Solid roof non-targa or non-retractable hardtop or soft top is a deal breaker for many of us
I like the manual targa top in previous gen corvettes but it looks like the rear mid engine design does away with a lift off targa top...there doesn't seem a place to put a manual take off roof targa panel ...
I could see a manual retractable folding targa top as in the Gif but the most likely is a powered version which I'd line up to buy either. I'd be the only person to save a few bucks as well as want to save a few lbs and do a manual retractable top like the gif...it'll be power only and that's fine....I get I'm the last of the breed...the weight of the motors to power the roof isn't that much these days and the added cost is minimal too..(I think Mazda charges an extra 2 or 3 grand for the powered retractable hardtop version of the mx5 compared to the fabric top version...
The one thing I would never buy is the solid roof again as in my last z06...which at the time I loved and never thought I was missing anything...I loved that car...but then having my next new vette c6 with the ability to take the roof off.....that's something I'd never give up again...that's something I need on every future sports car I own...I get people and I mean a ton of guys never take their targa roofs off their present corvettes....and that's cool..there just is a subset of guys that just got to have the sun shinning in open air style for maximum driving fun.
Just love the roof off motoring thing ..targa, soft top seems to be a thing of the past with the rear mid engine...although a few exotics like the Lamborghini, Audi R8 offer soft tops...while Ferrari and mclaren are doing folding hardtop rear mid engine cars...
I personally don't care if it's targa, soft top or folding hard top...just got to have open air capability...anyone that's available will do and being that I'm a cheap bastard
the least expensive open air choice would be the one I'd pick...Driving with the roof off is just too enjoyable to pass up on..
That's one of the primary reasons I have stayed with corvettes...for two decades now...
Can't give up that solid roof yet open capability that's so simple and light...
Haven't been a fan of fabric tops for several reasons....with places I used to travel to more often.,,
In a selfish note....
In NYC fabric tops just invite slice and dice ..just a fact of life even on the upper east side.
Lift off targas or folding hard roofs are the design of choice....
Powered if they must be is fine,
Last edited by JerriVette; Mar 3, 2018 at 04:18 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 13,934
Likes: 4,257
From: NC
(Kidding) sure hope that top doesn't squeak!
That's what I envision is the c8 hardtop convertible and unfortunately doubtful there will be a lift off targa which I happen to enjoy...
I'll suffer the advancement of the proposed hardtop convertible corvette and worth the extra 100 lbs
Roof off driving is a must have for many corvette buyers...cost is not an issue.....
Solid roof non-targa or non-retractable hardtop or soft top is a deal breaker for many of us
I like the manual targa top in previous gen corvettes but it looks like the rear mid engine design does away with a lift off targa top...there doesn't seem a place to put a manual take off roof targa panel ...
I could see a manual retractable folding targa top as in the Gif but the most likely is a powered version which I'd line up to buy either. I'd be the only person to save a few bucks as well as want to save a few lbs and do a manual retractable top like the gif...it'll be power only and that's fine....I get I'm the last of the breed...the weight of the motors to power the roof isn't that much these days and the added cost is minimal too..(I think Mazda charges an extra 2 or 3 grand for the powered retractable hardtop version of the mx5 compared to the fabric top version...
The one thing I would never buy is the solid roof again as in my last z06...which at the time I loved and never thought I was missing anything...I loved that car...but then having my next new vette c6 with the ability to take the roof off.....that's something I'd never give up again...that's something I need on every future sports car I own...I get people and I mean a ton of guys never take their targa roofs off their present corvettes....and that's cool..there just is a subset of guys that just got to have the sun shinning in open air style for maximum driving fun.
Just love the roof off motoring thing ..targa, soft top seems to be a thing of the past with the rear mid engine...although a few exotics like the Lamborghini, Audi R8 offer soft tops...while Ferrari and mclaren are doing folding hardtop rear mid engine cars...
I personally don't care if it's targa, soft top or folding hard top...just got to have open air capability...anyone that's available will do and being that I'm a cheap bastard the least expensive open air choice would be the one I'd pick...
Driving with the roof off is just too enjoyable to pass up on..
That's one of the primary reasons I have stayed with corvettes...for two decades now...
Can't give up that solid roof yet open capability that's so simple and light...
Haven't been a fan of fabric tops for several reasons....with places I used to travel to more often.,,
In a selfish note....
In NYC fabric tops just invite slice and dice ..just a fact of life even on the upper east side.
Lift off targas or folding hard roofs are the design of choice....
Powered if they must be is fine,
That's what I envision is the c8 hardtop convertible and unfortunately doubtful there will be a lift off targa which I happen to enjoy...
I'll suffer the advancement of the proposed hardtop convertible corvette and worth the extra 100 lbs
Roof off driving is a must have for many corvette buyers...cost is not an issue.....
Solid roof non-targa or non-retractable hardtop or soft top is a deal breaker for many of us
I like the manual targa top in previous gen corvettes but it looks like the rear mid engine design does away with a lift off targa top...there doesn't seem a place to put a manual take off roof targa panel ...
I could see a manual retractable folding targa top as in the Gif but the most likely is a powered version which I'd line up to buy either. I'd be the only person to save a few bucks as well as want to save a few lbs and do a manual retractable top like the gif...it'll be power only and that's fine....I get I'm the last of the breed...the weight of the motors to power the roof isn't that much these days and the added cost is minimal too..(I think Mazda charges an extra 2 or 3 grand for the powered retractable hardtop version of the mx5 compared to the fabric top version...
The one thing I would never buy is the solid roof again as in my last z06...which at the time I loved and never thought I was missing anything...I loved that car...but then having my next new vette c6 with the ability to take the roof off.....that's something I'd never give up again...that's something I need on every future sports car I own...I get people and I mean a ton of guys never take their targa roofs off their present corvettes....and that's cool..there just is a subset of guys that just got to have the sun shinning in open air style for maximum driving fun.
Just love the roof off motoring thing ..targa, soft top seems to be a thing of the past with the rear mid engine...although a few exotics like the Lamborghini, Audi R8 offer soft tops...while Ferrari and mclaren are doing folding hardtop rear mid engine cars...
I personally don't care if it's targa, soft top or folding hard top...just got to have open air capability...anyone that's available will do and being that I'm a cheap bastard
the least expensive open air choice would be the one I'd pick...Driving with the roof off is just too enjoyable to pass up on..
That's one of the primary reasons I have stayed with corvettes...for two decades now...
Can't give up that solid roof yet open capability that's so simple and light...
Haven't been a fan of fabric tops for several reasons....with places I used to travel to more often.,,
In a selfish note....
In NYC fabric tops just invite slice and dice ..just a fact of life even on the upper east side.
Lift off targas or folding hard roofs are the design of choice....
Powered if they must be is fine,
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 13,934
Likes: 4,257
From: NC
^^^^^
The convertibles are quieter (top up verses Targa top in place) because the trunk on a convertible is closed off from the passenger compartment. On the coupe, all that space behind the seats is one big resonant chamber, magnifying tire noise, etc....The interior noise level convertible verses coupe is very noticeable. I have a convertible, a good friend has a coupe, and I am always surprised how noticeably noisier his car is inside.
PS. If someone wants to just vandalize the car, obviously they can take a box cutter to the top and damage it. To actually break IN to car to steal something, breaking the window would be way faster. Cutting through a C7 convertible top would take a LONG time (it's 5 plies), and then you've got all the convertible metal structure to deal with.
The convertibles are quieter (top up verses Targa top in place) because the trunk on a convertible is closed off from the passenger compartment. On the coupe, all that space behind the seats is one big resonant chamber, magnifying tire noise, etc....The interior noise level convertible verses coupe is very noticeable. I have a convertible, a good friend has a coupe, and I am always surprised how noticeably noisier his car is inside.
PS. If someone wants to just vandalize the car, obviously they can take a box cutter to the top and damage it. To actually break IN to car to steal something, breaking the window would be way faster. Cutting through a C7 convertible top would take a LONG time (it's 5 plies), and then you've got all the convertible metal structure to deal with.
Last edited by jimmyb; Mar 10, 2018 at 04:08 PM.