2020 Corvette models
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,683
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2020 Corvette models
Now that we've seen what looks to be a base ME model, does this change the prediction of whether the FE will be sold alongside the ME for a year or few?
The rationale for selling both alongside was that the ME would be a halo model with FE being the more affordable version, but I can't see a halo car having what looks to be 245/285 tires, nor can I see FE hi-po variants successfully selling for much greater MSRP than even a base ME model.
This has me thinking that more likely the 2020 lineup will only have the base ME, sorta like 2014 had only the C7 Stingray and didn't sell C6 Z06's or ZR1's alongside.
The rationale for selling both alongside was that the ME would be a halo model with FE being the more affordable version, but I can't see a halo car having what looks to be 245/285 tires, nor can I see FE hi-po variants successfully selling for much greater MSRP than even a base ME model.
This has me thinking that more likely the 2020 lineup will only have the base ME, sorta like 2014 had only the C7 Stingray and didn't sell C6 Z06's or ZR1's alongside.
Popular Reply
Sep 4, 2018, 10:32 AM
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 435
Likes: 347
Well nobody who knows is gonna talk but there were lots of ways to rationalize the FE/ME debate either way.
Reasons the ME car is the only C8 and the C7 was the last FE Corvette:
Reasons the ME car is the only C8 and the C7 was the last FE Corvette:
- Corvette always has always been a single model with variants. Producing an ME car and an FE car would be a huge change.
- GM engineers have said they have gotten all they can out of the FE design.
- Zora always wanted the Corvette to be a ME car. The C7 was meant to be a ME car until bankruptcy changed plans.
- GM has figured out how to produce a "Corvette level" ME car at a FE price (as you say, the pics suggest this but we still have no price leaks)
- Market research has told GM that the Corvette market cannot support an ME and FE model at the same time
- Only ME mules have been seen
- An ME design usually means certain other design elements aren't possible. Things like lots (well, C7 levels) of cargo space or a traditional American convertible.
- Leaked CAD drawings say no manual transmission in the ME model. An FE model could offer that for the traditionalists / driver's car crowd.
- Switching from ME to FE for an iconic brand (instead of releasing a new model) is a scary thing and auto manufacturers are typically risk-averse.
- The Corvette buyers demographic is still biased heavily to the "old guy" side of things. Having both models would keep your old guys happy but hopefully attract a whole new demographic with an ME car.
- The plan could be ME next year, C8 FE two years after. This would explain the lack of FE mules.
- GM just dumped a ton of cash into the BG, KY plant. They can't expect ME sales to be 2x FE sales. So if not for two Corvette models then what was the plant expansion for?
Team Owner
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 34,551
Likes: 505
From: Auburn Hills MI
Now that we've seen what looks to be a base ME model, does this change the prediction of whether the FE will be sold alongside the ME for a year or few?
The rationale for selling both alongside was that the ME would be a halo model with FE being the more affordable version, but I can't see a halo car having what looks to be 245/285 tires, nor can I see FE hi-po variants successfully selling for much greater MSRP than even a base ME model.
This has me thinking that more likely the 2020 lineup will only have the base ME, sorta like 2014 had only the C7 Stingray and didn't sell C6 Z06's or ZR1's alongside.
The rationale for selling both alongside was that the ME would be a halo model with FE being the more affordable version, but I can't see a halo car having what looks to be 245/285 tires, nor can I see FE hi-po variants successfully selling for much greater MSRP than even a base ME model.
This has me thinking that more likely the 2020 lineup will only have the base ME, sorta like 2014 had only the C7 Stingray and didn't sell C6 Z06's or ZR1's alongside.
I would highly doubt there will be an FE car now, or the Corvette name is going away for FE and FE/Camaro are merged and moved down market.
Last edited by NoOne; Sep 4, 2018 at 10:30 AM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 435
Likes: 347
Well nobody who knows is gonna talk but there were lots of ways to rationalize the FE/ME debate either way.
Reasons the ME car is the only C8 and the C7 was the last FE Corvette:
Reasons the ME car is the only C8 and the C7 was the last FE Corvette:
- Corvette always has always been a single model with variants. Producing an ME car and an FE car would be a huge change.
- GM engineers have said they have gotten all they can out of the FE design.
- Zora always wanted the Corvette to be a ME car. The C7 was meant to be a ME car until bankruptcy changed plans.
- GM has figured out how to produce a "Corvette level" ME car at a FE price (as you say, the pics suggest this but we still have no price leaks)
- Market research has told GM that the Corvette market cannot support an ME and FE model at the same time
- Only ME mules have been seen
- An ME design usually means certain other design elements aren't possible. Things like lots (well, C7 levels) of cargo space or a traditional American convertible.
- Leaked CAD drawings say no manual transmission in the ME model. An FE model could offer that for the traditionalists / driver's car crowd.
- Switching from ME to FE for an iconic brand (instead of releasing a new model) is a scary thing and auto manufacturers are typically risk-averse.
- The Corvette buyers demographic is still biased heavily to the "old guy" side of things. Having both models would keep your old guys happy but hopefully attract a whole new demographic with an ME car.
- The plan could be ME next year, C8 FE two years after. This would explain the lack of FE mules.
- GM just dumped a ton of cash into the BG, KY plant. They can't expect ME sales to be 2x FE sales. So if not for two Corvette models then what was the plant expansion for?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,235
Likes: 1,160
From: montreal quebec
Now that we've seen what looks to be a base ME model, does this change the prediction of whether the FE will be sold alongside the ME for a year or few?
The rationale for selling both alongside was that the ME would be a halo model with FE being the more affordable version, but I can't see a halo car having what looks to be 245/285 tires, nor can I see FE hi-po variants successfully selling for much greater MSRP than even a base ME model.
This has me thinking that more likely the 2020 lineup will only have the base ME, sorta like 2014 had only the C7 Stingray and didn't sell C6 Z06's or ZR1's alongside.
The rationale for selling both alongside was that the ME would be a halo model with FE being the more affordable version, but I can't see a halo car having what looks to be 245/285 tires, nor can I see FE hi-po variants successfully selling for much greater MSRP than even a base ME model.
This has me thinking that more likely the 2020 lineup will only have the base ME, sorta like 2014 had only the C7 Stingray and didn't sell C6 Z06's or ZR1's alongside.
I don’t think they manage on an inning to inning basis...
But they don’t look ahead more then 3 to 5 years on their forcasts either.
Depends on how the market reacts ...
One thing is for sure the entry corvette for model year 2020 is going to be this mid engine.
Both in Covertible and Coupe.
Last edited by pietro c7; Sep 4, 2018 at 10:39 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 747
From: Keller Texas
I agree with the thoughts above. I was 'certain' they would maintain both the FE and ME, with the ME becoming a limited edition 'high end' halo model. After seeing the pictures from the Ring, it no longer looks that way to me. Disappointed? Yes! I'll still get a 'vert' when they come out but will likely use it sparingly to hold a place in my garage for the wide body version of the ME. Looks to me like a lot of the 'high tech' stuff we saw in the CADD drawings (and patent applications) will be loaded into later versions of the ME, as they move it up the performance and price ladder.
Unfortunately, by the time they get around to making the ME all it can be, I'll be too old to get into and out of it!
Unfortunately, by the time they get around to making the ME all it can be, I'll be too old to get into and out of it!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,789
Likes: 500
I agree with the thoughts above. I was 'certain' they would maintain both the FE and ME, with the ME becoming a limited edition 'high end' halo model. After seeing the pictures from the Ring, it no longer looks that way to me. Disappointed? Yes! I'll still get a 'vert' when they come out but will likely use it sparingly to hold a place in my garage for the wide body version of the ME. Looks to me like a lot of the 'high tech' stuff we saw in the CADD drawings (and patent applications) will be loaded into later versions of the ME, as they move it up the performance and price ladder.
Unfortunately, by the time they get around to making the ME all it can be, I'll be too old to get into and out of it!
Unfortunately, by the time they get around to making the ME all it can be, I'll be too old to get into and out of it!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 466
From: Long Island New York
After looking at all of the drawings and having only seen the coupe body, which with its high rear end, looks like adapting a full convertible wouldn't be easy, I wouldn't bet heavily on their being a convertible version.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,235
Likes: 1,160
From: montreal quebec
Cats out of the bag,there are videos and pictures everywhere .
Coupe is a targa top,
Convertible is a retractable hard top.
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Safety Car
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Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 539
Likes: 415
From: RS KY
Corvette is a huge brand with many people involved, strategic planning and precedent. Given that and what we’ve seen testing and leaked, and based on previous Corvette protocol:
- the C8 generation Corvette will be debuted at the Detroit show in January 2019
- it will be a mid engine car, 2020 model year
- coupe and roadster
- it will be at the Bash
- the plant will close in the summer for transition
- customer cars will start being produced in late summer/early fall
- Z06/Zora hi-perf track car will be shown late 2019/early 2020 along with the C8.R that will race in 2020
- etc, etc
i never have believed they would make both FE and ME concurrently. Imagine if they began C7 Stingray production alongside C6 ZR1’s back in 2013.
- the C8 generation Corvette will be debuted at the Detroit show in January 2019
- it will be a mid engine car, 2020 model year
- coupe and roadster
- it will be at the Bash
- the plant will close in the summer for transition
- customer cars will start being produced in late summer/early fall
- Z06/Zora hi-perf track car will be shown late 2019/early 2020 along with the C8.R that will race in 2020
- etc, etc
i never have believed they would make both FE and ME concurrently. Imagine if they began C7 Stingray production alongside C6 ZR1’s back in 2013.
Last edited by Latterlon; Sep 8, 2018 at 08:20 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 97
From: Palm Coast, FL
Now that we've seen what looks to be a base ME model, does this change the prediction of whether the FE will be sold alongside the ME for a year or few?
The rationale for selling both alongside was that the ME would be a halo model with FE being the more affordable version, but I can't see a halo car having what looks to be 245/285 tires, nor can I see FE hi-po variants successfully selling for much greater MSRP than even a base ME model.
This has me thinking that more likely the 2020 lineup will only have the base ME, sorta like 2014 had only the C7 Stingray and didn't sell C6 Z06's or ZR1's alongside.
The rationale for selling both alongside was that the ME would be a halo model with FE being the more affordable version, but I can't see a halo car having what looks to be 245/285 tires, nor can I see FE hi-po variants successfully selling for much greater MSRP than even a base ME model.
This has me thinking that more likely the 2020 lineup will only have the base ME, sorta like 2014 had only the C7 Stingray and didn't sell C6 Z06's or ZR1's alongside.
Safety Car
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From: SouthEast PA
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I don’t know if both the FE and ME will at least initially be produced side by side (actually front to back) but I’m predpared for either GM Corvette ‘Future Product’ plan for my absolute last new Corvette purchase at 75 to replace my ‘14 C7 3LT Base.
1) If there is a new FE alongside the new ME I will buy the FE if: A) it has at least a new body panel look (C7.5?), and B) the ME is >$10k over an about equivalent performance FE.
2) The same as #1 except I will will buy the new ME if: A) the same C7 is continued, and B) the ME is reasonably priced over the FE but not to exceed ~ $10k, equivalent performance to the FE.
3) Keep my current C7 and wait, but not too long. I hope I do #2.
1) If there is a new FE alongside the new ME I will buy the FE if: A) it has at least a new body panel look (C7.5?), and B) the ME is >$10k over an about equivalent performance FE.
2) The same as #1 except I will will buy the new ME if: A) the same C7 is continued, and B) the ME is reasonably priced over the FE but not to exceed ~ $10k, equivalent performance to the FE.
3) Keep my current C7 and wait, but not too long. I hope I do #2.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,886
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From: Carmel CA
The C8 ME Zora targa base model to now debut at Los Angeles with both targa and folding hard top base model at Detroit. Though Detroit could debut both without Los Angeles getting the first look. The higher performance wide body ME Zora will then debut at next years Pebble Beach Concour D'Elegance. Both ME targa and folding hard top models and future higher performance models will be both left hand and right hand drive for all world wide markets. England and Australia can then expand the Corvette marketing. The new C8 FE Stingray, Grand Sport, ZO6, and ZR1 models going forward will also be both left and right hand drive for all world wide markets. Therefore both ME and FE models will be left and right hand drives going forward by utilizing common left or right steering and control assemblies. The Zora name being trademarked world wide indicates this. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it !!
Last edited by skank; Sep 8, 2018 at 09:53 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Between Boston and the cape
Hard for me to believe Chevy will build a ME and FE corvette at the same time. Do you think that would be a profitable plan? I guess good for them if they feel they can sell enough of them. In business they say your either moving forward or your falling behind. I hope this is them moving forward.
BTW i love my c7 z06. The best corvette i have ever owned and i have had most of them.
BTW i love my c7 z06. The best corvette i have ever owned and i have had most of them.
Last edited by Basil2000; Sep 8, 2018 at 09:58 AM.
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Everybody has their own opinions, here are mine: No more FE cars once the ME is in production, and it will be a couple of years before all versions of the ME are available. Any predictions beyond that are just further opinion and speculation.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 16,067
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From: Bergen county NJ
January 24 th will begin the final 2020 model year of the short run of front mid engine cars and then all production will shift to rear midengine c8.
come january 2021 no front mid engine corvettes.
camaro which desperately needs to let go of its retro styling ...will move to a sleek new 2 plus 2 corvette look..on the alpha chassis which is a freat chassis. Gm design and marketing played it too safe with the styling on the sixth gen. Just didnt motivate enough fifth gen buyers into the showrooms amd the mustang gt did. The challenger is being given away except for hellcats etc..
the shift to rear mid engine will get owners of 190 mph , four second to sixty c6 s and also impressive performing c5 owners to leap amd sell their prized corvettes since the c8 is so new.
ferrari, lamborghini, mclaren and even pirsche owners will consider the c8 for a daily driver or track car while storing their present exotic for snob appeal.
the c8 might lose some traditional corvette buyers but most of the naysayers are really just gojng to be slow for the takeup and purchase of the c8.
we ve seen this with each new generation...
eventually 99 percent of the corvette loyalists come around or they hold onto and enjoy their now classic corvette..
nothing wrong with that....and with all that said...
no front engine corvette after model year 2020..
once the rear mid engine goes to prodiction the front engine will go the way of pop up headlights and round tail lights..
(kidding) but really rear mid engine knly as the 2 seat sports car market is too small to support two different engine placements in corvettes at this price range of 60 to 150 grand..
manual will make an appearance in the corvette c8 ...at the latest after the initial first year run...
23 percent of corvette buyers will make the jump when gm says they are offering it in the c8 because of consumer demand..if not at the launch as has been suggested...
come january 2021 no front mid engine corvettes.
camaro which desperately needs to let go of its retro styling ...will move to a sleek new 2 plus 2 corvette look..on the alpha chassis which is a freat chassis. Gm design and marketing played it too safe with the styling on the sixth gen. Just didnt motivate enough fifth gen buyers into the showrooms amd the mustang gt did. The challenger is being given away except for hellcats etc..
the shift to rear mid engine will get owners of 190 mph , four second to sixty c6 s and also impressive performing c5 owners to leap amd sell their prized corvettes since the c8 is so new.
ferrari, lamborghini, mclaren and even pirsche owners will consider the c8 for a daily driver or track car while storing their present exotic for snob appeal.
the c8 might lose some traditional corvette buyers but most of the naysayers are really just gojng to be slow for the takeup and purchase of the c8.
we ve seen this with each new generation...
eventually 99 percent of the corvette loyalists come around or they hold onto and enjoy their now classic corvette..
nothing wrong with that....and with all that said...
no front engine corvette after model year 2020..
once the rear mid engine goes to prodiction the front engine will go the way of pop up headlights and round tail lights..
(kidding) but really rear mid engine knly as the 2 seat sports car market is too small to support two different engine placements in corvettes at this price range of 60 to 150 grand..
manual will make an appearance in the corvette c8 ...at the latest after the initial first year run...
23 percent of corvette buyers will make the jump when gm says they are offering it in the c8 because of consumer demand..if not at the launch as has been suggested...
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2001
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From: Hamilton Square NJ, Ocean City N. J. Key Biscayne Fla.
IMO, the C8 will only be a ME. It will be "Corvette" affordable. Probably, MSRP 10-15% over the C7 base price. Goodbye, FE and manual. The end of the manual means the end of me buying a new Vette. 
MAGA.
MAGA.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,168
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From: FLL Florida
Well nobody who knows is gonna talk but there were lots of ways to rationalize the FE/ME debate either way.
Reasons there could be an C8 FE model in a few years:
Reasons there could be an C8 FE model in a few years:
- An ME design usually means certain other design elements aren't possible. Things like lots (well, C7 levels) of cargo space or a traditional American convertible.
- Leaked CAD drawings say no manual transmission in the ME model. An FE model could offer that for the traditionalists / driver's car crowd.
- Switching from ME to FE for an iconic brand (instead of releasing a new model) is a scary thing and auto manufacturers are typically risk-averse.
- The Corvette buyers demographic is still biased heavily to the "old guy" side of things. Having both models would keep your old guys happy but hopefully attract a whole new demographic with an ME car.
- The plan could be ME next year, C8 FE two years after. This would explain the lack of FE mules.
- GM just dumped a ton of cash into the BG, KY plant. They can't expect ME sales to be 2x FE sales. So if not for two Corvette models then what was the plant expansion for?
