Mid-Engine only
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,602
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From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
Mid-Engine only
I always believed that when the rumors started about the new Mid-Engine Corvette, that GM/Chevrolet would ease into it. I was thinking that it would be released as a special edition/model C7. After all, the C7 has only been out 5 years. Also the front of the mid-engine has a lot of the ZR1 look. That also brings up the point that all the work and engineering for a 1 year run of the ZR1 seems strange. there are so many hard core long time Corvette owners that are not sold on a mid-engine. Will they lose many of the their long time repeat buyers. I realize many of us are getting up there in age and GM is looking to the younger generation, but I am not sold that they will flock to the showrooms to grab one simply because it is all new. The C7 was designed for the younger generation yet almost all I see are driving my the older generation.
Just sitting here thinking which I realize is not a good idea many times.
Just sitting here thinking which I realize is not a good idea many times.
Popular Reply
May 28, 2019, 03:07 PM
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 592
From: Olathe KS
...this again?
C4 = "The Corvette is Dead, nobody wants a car with Euro design and a digital dashboard" ( Last year sales of C3 = 25,407 to first year sales of C4 = 51,547 )
C5 = "The Corvette is Dead, the seats are horrible and the interior is a plastic mess" ( Last year sales of C4 = 9,752, to first year sales of C5 = 31,904)
C6 = "The Corvette is Dead, they got rid of the pop-up headlights and it is no longer a "true" Corvette" ( Last year sales of C5 = 34,064, to first year sales of C6 = 37,372)
C7 = "The Corvette is Dead, they got rid of the round tail lights and it is no longer a "true" Corvette" ( Last year sales of C6 = 13,466, to first year sales of C7 = 37,288)
C8 = "The Corvette is Dead, they moved the engine and it is no longer a "true" Corvette" ( Do you see a trend here?)
C4 = "The Corvette is Dead, nobody wants a car with Euro design and a digital dashboard" ( Last year sales of C3 = 25,407 to first year sales of C4 = 51,547 )
C5 = "The Corvette is Dead, the seats are horrible and the interior is a plastic mess" ( Last year sales of C4 = 9,752, to first year sales of C5 = 31,904)
C6 = "The Corvette is Dead, they got rid of the pop-up headlights and it is no longer a "true" Corvette" ( Last year sales of C5 = 34,064, to first year sales of C6 = 37,372)
C7 = "The Corvette is Dead, they got rid of the round tail lights and it is no longer a "true" Corvette" ( Last year sales of C6 = 13,466, to first year sales of C7 = 37,288)
C8 = "The Corvette is Dead, they moved the engine and it is no longer a "true" Corvette" ( Do you see a trend here?)
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Witness Protection Program Somewhere, USA
2026 Restomod of the Year Finalist
I agree. A mid-engine only line will be interesting to watch develop. As I fit into the generation that Chevy seems to be writing off It will be interesting to see if the 40-50 somethings will jump on board for the ME. I am certainly hoping for the best with this strategy but my (aging) heart tells me differently.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,516
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From: One Hour From Boston!
Six years; 2014 (1st year), 2015 (2nd year), 2016 (3rd year), 2017 (4th year), 2018 (5th year) and 2019 (6th year).
Source? Exactly how many?
Source? Exactly how many?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,055
Likes: 864
From: So Cal
If that fat rear end allows enough storage for a 3-5 day road trip, maybe the FEs won’t be missed. If not, then there may be a bit of a marketing problem after the first year hype and fever begins to wear. The good news is that Corvette has the C7 that could easily be jazzed into an FE C9. The question is what respective sales volumes would be necessary to enable continuation of both platforms. I can’t see two Corvette platforms working out unless there is a significant price increase and that may not be marketable either. So, in the Corvette market segment, it’s either that the C8 ME succeeds or Corvette retreats to an FE C9 and allows maybe Cadillac to support a significantly improved C8 or that GM just dumps ME altogether.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,149
Likes: 1,349
From: Big D Dallas TEXAS
Corvette had gained a younger audience with the C7. I think the C8 will bring additional youthful buyers to the brand, at what % I am not sure. The Auto industry is going through major changes, with sports cars on the decline, SUVs on the rise and a new focus on electric vehicles. The days of producing 30 thousand Corvettes per year are numbered. Unfortunately, GM has to many C7s sitting on dealers lots. The concept of GM going to a mid-engine platform is not new or out from left field. The ME has been talked about for many decades, it's about time they take the concept and move it to production. I am excited they made the move and can't wait for the revealing.
I think many FE loyalist will be surprised when they drive the C8, with some changing their minds & deciding to make the switch. The one's that don't will be replaced with new buyers to take their place.
I think many FE loyalist will be surprised when they drive the C8, with some changing their minds & deciding to make the switch. The one's that don't will be replaced with new buyers to take their place.
Last edited by fasttoys; May 27, 2019 at 03:42 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 704
Likes: 407
From: St. Louis area
Chevrolet is all on the ME Corvette and from all indications, all in on developing EV and autonomous vehicles for thr near future. The new Cadillacs have the GM “Super Cruise” hands free system which is step one in the GM autonomous march.
There is simply not enough two seater market share for both ME and FE Corvette platforms. I would agree the C9 could go back to a FE platform, however I suspect ME or FE, the C9 could be all electric, but certainly hybrid.
Anecdotally, the C7 does not appear to have penetrated the younger segment of domestic buyers. While the C8 ME may loose a handfull of us dinosaurs, it may have a better chance of attracting younger buyers, and maybe it could be marketed internationally beyond North America and Europe.
There is simply not enough two seater market share for both ME and FE Corvette platforms. I would agree the C9 could go back to a FE platform, however I suspect ME or FE, the C9 could be all electric, but certainly hybrid.
Anecdotally, the C7 does not appear to have penetrated the younger segment of domestic buyers. While the C8 ME may loose a handfull of us dinosaurs, it may have a better chance of attracting younger buyers, and maybe it could be marketed internationally beyond North America and Europe.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,877
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I've been driving mid-engined Porsches since 2007. It's hard to believe that many people will prefer the engine in the front to middle. A mid-engined car just feels so much better balanced to ones with engines in the front or rear. The only downside is engine accessibility. Maybe it will be different on a C8, but I'd rather change the oil and plugs on a Porsche with the engine in the rear than in the middle. Other than that I expect most C8 owners will be very happy with the C8's mid-engined driving experience.
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 31,879
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From: Middle TN by way of KY, OH, VA, IL, CA, FL, NY, SC, HI
Whole lot of marketing conjecture, vice data, mixed with confirmation bias, vice market research, to drive personal conclusions that have nothing to do with anything other that "I wish, I want, I hope, I like, I don't want."
Realism is a bitch.
Hard truth coming: You all realize hat GM is not depending on your single maybe wanna be purchase, don't you?
Realism is a bitch.
Hard truth coming: You all realize hat GM is not depending on your single maybe wanna be purchase, don't you?
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 703
From: Raleigh, NC
Think lumping any age group as fixed in what they will buy is dumb. Bought my first new StingRay at 26. If I buy another one, looking forward to the ME but with DOHC V8, will be 78.
Kept the C2 for 28+ years as none of the newer generations interested me till now. Also for what its worth or not I believe slavish brand loyalty forever is not a good life plan.
Kept the C2 for 28+ years as none of the newer generations interested me till now. Also for what its worth or not I believe slavish brand loyalty forever is not a good life plan.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; May 27, 2019 at 03:42 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 239
Likes: 14
To me it’s got nothing to do with where the engine is placed on the chassis and it’s all about the looks.
Corvettes in my mind should have a long front end and fat/wide rear, that says Corvette to me. They are distinctly noticeable from other vehicles. The new C8 looks like an exotic and not American Muscle.
I get a mid engine is more balanced and probably makes a better track car, however the greater percentage of us use our cars for street use.
Props to Chevy for building this, but IMO make it an absolutely super car, call it something else, make it rare and price it huge, like the Ford GT.
Ill keep my C6 till the end or until I can afford a C7 ZR1 because that’s an amazing machine, and oh my, it’s front engine. How many mid-engine cars can hang with that beast. A few small mods and I’ve seen them run 8’s already. Crazy!!!
Corvettes in my mind should have a long front end and fat/wide rear, that says Corvette to me. They are distinctly noticeable from other vehicles. The new C8 looks like an exotic and not American Muscle.
I get a mid engine is more balanced and probably makes a better track car, however the greater percentage of us use our cars for street use.
Props to Chevy for building this, but IMO make it an absolutely super car, call it something else, make it rare and price it huge, like the Ford GT.
Ill keep my C6 till the end or until I can afford a C7 ZR1 because that’s an amazing machine, and oh my, it’s front engine. How many mid-engine cars can hang with that beast. A few small mods and I’ve seen them run 8’s already. Crazy!!!
Last edited by donny1; May 27, 2019 at 04:11 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
This was my hope for many reasons, not the least of which was the opportunity to watch "currently selling" Vettes race in 2 IMSA classes. Does not look like it will happen but, if the C8 is as awsome as the Vette team is capable of producing, I and most others will surely get over it...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,877
Likes: 531
To me it’s got nothing to do with where the engine is placed on the chassis and it’s all about the looks.
Corvettes in my mind should have a long front end and fat/wide rear, that says Corvette to me. They are distinctly noticeable from other vehicles. The new C8 looks like an exotic and not American Muscle.
I get a mid engine is more balanced and probably makes a better track car, however the greater percentage of us use our cars for street use.
Props to Chevy for building this, but IMO make it an absolutely super car, call it something else, make it rare and price it huge, like the Ford GT.
Ill keep my C6 till the end or until I can afford a C7 ZR1 because that’s an amazing machine, and oh my, it’s front engine. How many mid-engine cars can hang with that beast. A few small mods and I’ve seen them run 8’s already. Crazy!!!
Corvettes in my mind should have a long front end and fat/wide rear, that says Corvette to me. They are distinctly noticeable from other vehicles. The new C8 looks like an exotic and not American Muscle.
I get a mid engine is more balanced and probably makes a better track car, however the greater percentage of us use our cars for street use.
Props to Chevy for building this, but IMO make it an absolutely super car, call it something else, make it rare and price it huge, like the Ford GT.
Ill keep my C6 till the end or until I can afford a C7 ZR1 because that’s an amazing machine, and oh my, it’s front engine. How many mid-engine cars can hang with that beast. A few small mods and I’ve seen them run 8’s already. Crazy!!!
If you are just interested in straight line acceleration, there's no advantage in having the engine in the middle. I'd prefer the engine to be in the rear over the drive wheels, if I were just interested in acceleration. All three configurations, front, middle, and rear have their pros and cons.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: California
Some dealers have a long list of orders already. Chevy is adding 400 workers and a second shift. This car will sell like crazy the first year out. I'm tracking it on social media, and there is NO car with more hype right now.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,778
Likes: 902
So the younger generation is only into ME cars? I don't think so. Working on a ME is going to be a lot harder than working on a FE. For people who like working on their cars this will no doubt be a disadvantage.
Frankly I don't see or understand the hype of the new ME platform. Has everyone maxed out their driving potential of the FE? That figure is probably 0.001% of the population who drive a corvette.
Frankly I don't see or understand the hype of the new ME platform. Has everyone maxed out their driving potential of the FE? That figure is probably 0.001% of the population who drive a corvette.
Last edited by sprayer; May 27, 2019 at 06:20 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
So the younger generation is only into ME cars? I don't think so. Working on a ME is going to be a lot harder than working on a FE. For people who like working on their cars this will no doubt be a disadvantage.
Frankly I don't see or understand the hype of the new ME platform. Has everyone maxed out their driving potential of the FE? That figure is probably 0.001% of the population who drive a corvette.
Frankly I don't see or understand the hype of the new ME platform. Has everyone maxed out their driving potential of the FE? That figure is probably 0.001% of the population who drive a corvette.
And yet...
C8 will sell because it is the latest. If it is great, and offers superb performance and that distinctive mid-engine feel, while providing a decent level of "practicality," it will sell like hotcakes. For years...
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,778
Likes: 902
Based on your logic, nobody would buy more than a base Stingray.
And yet...
C8 will sell because it is the latest. If it is great, and offers superb performance and that distinctive mid-engine feel, while providing a decent level of "practicality," it will sell like hotcakes. For years...
And yet...
C8 will sell because it is the latest. If it is great, and offers superb performance and that distinctive mid-engine feel, while providing a decent level of "practicality," it will sell like hotcakes. For years...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,877
Likes: 531
I suspect that MEs are appreciated as much by the old as the young. The mid-engined Pontiac Fiero was offered for sale in 1983. and the mid-engined Toyota MR2 was first sold in 1984. So not exactly cutting edge technology.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,055
Likes: 864
From: So Cal
Very clever commentary on the evils of stereotypical thinking. Or, do you really feel that when you are an “Old Man” your taste in cars will devolve to an auto drive electric car with a recliner and a 3D video game set with VR capability as an upgrade? Or will you want the highest end performance car that you can afford exactly as you do today?