Z06 fixed roof
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,518
Likes: 1,170
From: Northern Wisconsin
Z06 fixed roof
Who here would like to see the Z06 as a fixed roof like the C6 was? I would for one. To me, a fixed roof promotes the race car spirit, and that is what a Z06 is all about, a race car tuned down enough for the street. The fixed roof may add a little stiffness regardless of how the framework is designed, and the car can't be too stiff. It may also reduce the weight of the car a bit, and that reduction comes at the very top of the car, which is the best place to lose weight.
I don't think we will see the fixed roof, though. Those of you that prefer the removable top or convertible are safe.
I don't think we will see the fixed roof, though. Those of you that prefer the removable top or convertible are safe.
Popular Reply
Sep 23, 2019, 10:06 AM
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 397
From: Madison Wi
The C5 FRC was designed initially to be a low cost offering. The vision was that with the less expensive roof/rear window and fewer options a more entry level car could be offered. It ended up evolving into the Z06.
The *only* reason the C6 Z06 cars had a fixed roof was because it was necessary for chassis rigidity. While base model and Grand Sport cars got a steel frame, the new aluminum frame for the Z06 was not strong enough for a removable roof or convertible.
The C7 Chassis was engineered to be rigid enough in aluminum to have the roof removed and be used in all models.
The C8 chassis is also engineered to that standard. There is no reason to prevent the roof from being removed. If someone does not want the roof removed they can simply not remove it.
The *only* reason the C6 Z06 cars had a fixed roof was because it was necessary for chassis rigidity. While base model and Grand Sport cars got a steel frame, the new aluminum frame for the Z06 was not strong enough for a removable roof or convertible.
The C7 Chassis was engineered to be rigid enough in aluminum to have the roof removed and be used in all models.
The C8 chassis is also engineered to that standard. There is no reason to prevent the roof from being removed. If someone does not want the roof removed they can simply not remove it.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 244
Likes: 91
From: Batavia ILL
Fixed roof is a non starter for me. I am a convertible guy though. I ordered the removable roof c8 to get as soon as possible . I am on list for Z06 but will wait for Z06 Convertible.
I can see track guys wanting the fixed roof but doubt there would be enough demand for it.Remember there was a fixed roof c5 before they introduced the z06 so they didn't do a special body for it.
I can see track guys wanting the fixed roof but doubt there would be enough demand for it.Remember there was a fixed roof c5 before they introduced the z06 so they didn't do a special body for it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,979
Likes: 4,145
From: Kansas City, MO
GM porked up the Z06 for C7 and sold a ton of them. They're not going to go backwards and do a de-contented race car again. If anything they'll find a way to add even more $1000 carbon fiber trim bits to bulk up the option sheet.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,909
Likes: 2,701
From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
Someone had posted a while back that GM will keep the removable roof because a fixed roof car must have a side airbag that is in the roof according to federal regulations. A removable roof car can have the side airbag in the seat as the C6 & C7 does and the C8 will. Not sure how the C6 ZO6 bypassed that regulation if that was true.
Having said that, I also would like to have a non-removable roof option.
Having said that, I also would like to have a non-removable roof option.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 397
From: Madison Wi
The C5 FRC was designed initially to be a low cost offering. The vision was that with the less expensive roof/rear window and fewer options a more entry level car could be offered. It ended up evolving into the Z06.
The *only* reason the C6 Z06 cars had a fixed roof was because it was necessary for chassis rigidity. While base model and Grand Sport cars got a steel frame, the new aluminum frame for the Z06 was not strong enough for a removable roof or convertible.
The C7 Chassis was engineered to be rigid enough in aluminum to have the roof removed and be used in all models.
The C8 chassis is also engineered to that standard. There is no reason to prevent the roof from being removed. If someone does not want the roof removed they can simply not remove it.
The *only* reason the C6 Z06 cars had a fixed roof was because it was necessary for chassis rigidity. While base model and Grand Sport cars got a steel frame, the new aluminum frame for the Z06 was not strong enough for a removable roof or convertible.
The C7 Chassis was engineered to be rigid enough in aluminum to have the roof removed and be used in all models.
The C8 chassis is also engineered to that standard. There is no reason to prevent the roof from being removed. If someone does not want the roof removed they can simply not remove it.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 259
Likes: 145
From: Missouri City Texas
This is what I believe to be true as well, airbag safety regulations drive the decision not performance or structural rigidity targets. I would like to see the regulation code if anyone knows where to find it. The Wrangler and Gladiator would fall into this roof category as well, and of course actual convertibles.
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 701
Fixed roof is a non starter for me. I am a convertible guy though. I ordered the removable roof c8 to get as soon as possible . I am on list for Z06 but will wait for Z06 Convertible.
I can see track guys wanting the fixed roof but doubt there would be enough demand for it.Remember there was a fixed roof c5 before they introduced the z06 so they didn't do a special body for it.
I can see track guys wanting the fixed roof but doubt there would be enough demand for it.Remember there was a fixed roof c5 before they introduced the z06 so they didn't do a special body for it.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 388
Likes: 41
C7 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
A fixed roof could result in deleting the rear trunk so the car would be shorter and lighter. Loose a couple of hundred pounds and 10 inches for a stripped down track version and put in a 5.5 L flat crank with 600 hp. Now we're talking some serious performance. Not going to happen.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 39
Likes: 36
Who here would like to see the Z06 as a fixed roof like the C6 was? I would for one. To me, a fixed roof promotes the race car spirit, and that is what a Z06 is all about, a race car tuned down enough for the street. The fixed roof may add a little stiffness regardless of how the framework is designed, and the car can't be too stiff. It may also reduce the weight of the car a bit, and that reduction comes at the very top of the car, which is the best place to lose weight.
I don't think we will see the fixed roof, though. Those of you that prefer the removable top or convertible are safe.
I don't think we will see the fixed roof, though. Those of you that prefer the removable top or convertible are safe.
Unfortunately, the realities of a mass-market sports car sold in the US with US safety regs makes the car you want out of reach for the manufacturer, even if they wanted to build it.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 39
Likes: 36
A fixed roof could result in deleting the rear trunk so the car would be shorter and lighter. Loose a couple of hundred pounds and 10 inches for a stripped down track version and put in a 5.5 L flat crank with 600 hp. Now we're talking some serious performance. Not going to happen.
1.) Economies of scale dictate that all the cars be produced with as close to a common chassis as possible, so no one-offs.
2.) The golf-club set would still want the space for their golf-clubs.
3.) The proportions would be blown out of the water and the car would have to be redesigned. Ie the car was styled with the trunk in place. Removing it requires restyling the car to make it not look 'chopped'.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 39
Likes: 36
This is what I believe to be true as well, airbag safety regulations drive the decision not performance or structural rigidity targets. I would like to see the regulation code if anyone knows where to find it. The Wrangler and Gladiator would fall into this roof category as well, and of course actual convertibles.
The reg:
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) regulation #226.
The phase-in was 2017. Most manufacturers took steps to get there in one form or another in their cars years ago, but everybody that did a refresh or new-generation had to implement it.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,518
Likes: 1,170
From: Northern Wisconsin
It seems to me that since the removable roof and convertibles are exempted from air bag requirements, then it is just a matter of time until that exemption is eliminated in favor of safety. The only option left at that point is a fixed roof. In that scenario, the challenge will be to make the roof as thin as possible while still housing an air bag.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 39
Likes: 36
It seems to me that since the removable roof and convertibles are exempted from air bag requirements, then it is just a matter of time until that exemption is eliminated in favor of safety. The only option left at that point is a fixed roof. In that scenario, the challenge will be to make the roof as thin as possible while still housing an air bag.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 844
Likes: 729
From: Desert
Who here would like to see the Z06 as a fixed roof like the C6 was? I would for one. To me, a fixed roof promotes the race car spirit, and that is what a Z06 is all about, a race car tuned down enough for the street. The fixed roof may add a little stiffness regardless of how the framework is designed, and the car can't be too stiff. It may also reduce the weight of the car a bit, and that reduction comes at the very top of the car, which is the best place to lose weight.
I don't think we will see the fixed roof, though. Those of you that prefer the removable top or convertible are safe.
I don't think we will see the fixed roof, though. Those of you that prefer the removable top or convertible are safe.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,518
Likes: 1,170
From: Northern Wisconsin
The only way to eliminate the exemption is to eliminate convertibles. The Feds have come close a time or two, but so far there's been enough pressure from enthusiasts to prevent it from happening. I could see an environment where they make them put the bag in the door. The Ferrari convertibles and Alfa 4c have them there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 805
From: Argyle, Texas
A fixed roof could result in deleting the rear trunk so the car would be shorter and lighter. Loose a couple of hundred pounds and 10 inches for a stripped down track version and put in a 5.5 L flat crank with 600 hp. Now we're talking some serious performance. Not going to happen.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 39
Likes: 36
I don't think your statement is quite true. For many years in the 70's and 80's, all U.S. manufacturers eliminated convertibles from their lineup due to safety concerns even though there was no federal requirement to do so. If a federal requirement for the elimination of convertibles were actually put in place these days, it would happen in a heartbeat. Not saying I want to see that, but it's just reality.
The Feds were talking, at one point, about making modified cars illegal in their entirety, but there was enough pressure that they backed off.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,108
Likes: 755
From: Bridgewater NJ
Who here would like to see the Z06 as a fixed roof like the C6 was? I would for one. To me, a fixed roof promotes the race car spirit, and that is what a Z06 is all about, a race car tuned down enough for the street. The fixed roof may add a little stiffness regardless of how the framework is designed, and the car can't be too stiff. It may also reduce the weight of the car a bit, and that reduction comes at the very top of the car, which is the best place to lose weight.
I don't think we will see the fixed roof, though. Those of you that prefer the removable top or convertible are safe.
I don't think we will see the fixed roof, though. Those of you that prefer the removable top or convertible are safe.
