Saw this today... from the Motor Trend

The Z51 Performance Package is a $5,000 option, bringing the base model to just below $65,000 when so equipped. It is available on any trim, and Chevy says models with the package can hit 60 mph in under 3 seconds. This package adds a performance exhaust and suspension, electronic limited slip differential, front splitter, rear spoiler, larger disc brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer only performance tires, updated axle ratio, enhanced cooling, and front brake cooling inlets.

anyone know what an updated axle ratio could be... what do they use in the base -- Old Axle ratios???

 

I too want to know this. They said they were doing 3.42 for the base. The top speed drops by 10mph(which would seem to be drag limit from aero, however, if they are gong to a higher ratio, that would also explain it. I have a question out to the corvette concierge to get that answered.

 

I think I read 3.80 on the Z51.

 

I'm willing to bet the "below 3 seconds 0-60" fine print also requires the FE4 option's Performance Traction Management.

 

whether it is 3:80 , 3:42 or 4:11 - how is it Updated -- ??? it is not computer controlled where you need Ver 2.10 to get the ratio to work.

 

Perhaps by inferring an updating, GM in reality should have stated something like " a performance enhancement ratio " versus the stock C8 ratio.

 

Love the z51 with the available options! All for 65k isn’t bad. However the z51 should have a manual option just to keep it real with the corvette and what z51 meant as a race package! Nice car one less sale !

 

I hope not because with the z51 + that cost which I think was 1800, thats Supercharger territory

 

There will be no manual transmission it's DCS all the way.

 

If the new dual clutch 8sp can do milli second shifts as claimed, both up and down, an has active engine braking in manual mode if not auto mode also, then it makes the C8 competitive track wise with the high dollar European sports that have been using Dual Clutch transmissions in them for 3-4 or mores years now. Right now the Corvette is not as competitive in their class as they use to be a few years back partly because of this.. Both hands on the wheel, instead of one on wheel an one on the shift lever going into and coming out of curves.

I also know the benefit of an automatic that can shift through 6 gears with milli seconds shifts in auto mode or manual paddle shift mode, an its not a Late model GM slow shifting 6sp transmissions. Just wish controller could have been programed to engine brake.

I'm 75 almost 76 an grew up with 3 sp manuals, then 4 sp. Even saw automatic cars back in the day, start dominating manual shift ones at drag strip because they completed shift quicker and didn't miss a shift like manual shifting can.

The C8 is a breath of fresh air for this old man, even if I will never be able to drive it to it potential.

I had to give up manual shift cars back in 1994 due to knee injury. The C8 gives me the ability to decide when I want to manual up shift or down shift while playing around at times, an in stop an go traffic have the benefit of a fully automatic trans without LEFT leg fatigue, an we have plenty of that, an will continue to have even more as they try to improve just the interstate bottle necks through town, along with increased main road traffic as the area I live in continues to out grow those.

I've never lived in the past, There is no future in that. Sort of like looking in the rear view mirror, while trying to drive straight ahead. You can never move forward.

Might be better to wait until next year to buy one as there are probably bugs that need to be worked out if nothing else with the electronic control programing.

For me the C8 will not be a garage Queen.

It will probably replace my 6 month a year weekend car below also.

 

Sweet C2!

 

I wouldn’t be trading that in for a c8!

 

Wise words sir. I always appreciate hearing from the more experienced crowd. Beautiful C2 you have there.

 

stunning !!

 

"Race package" today is a DCT. No one runs a 3 pedal manual in any racing class that allows DCTs. On the track, a DCT is superior in every way. Unarguable.

I really like manuals. I've always driven manuals. Only owned one A/T in my life, and that's an SUV (just try to find an SUV with a manual). But the take rate for manuals on the C7 has dropped to less than 20%. Competing with a DCT, it would probably be even lower. The cost of designing an building a manual for such a limited audience would be impossible for GM to make a profit on. No one would pay $5,000 tor an optional manual.

 

C2 Coupe is my all time #1 favorite car. It has been since my next door neighbor had one when I was 5. Your C2 is truly a beautiful car, I will forgive the 3rd tail light, maybe I should forget about a C8 and finally buy my real dream car.

 

Well, I"ll forgive you for not understanding why that car has the 3rd tail light. It's easy to think the C2 Designers only designed it with two in mind, as 2 only made it into the only 5 years the C2 was produced....LOL



Designers like things to look in-balance with car other features... In the C2's case,it rear end design an it's bumper length and taillight spacing.



If you do a little research on, Corvette prototypes, you will find that every Prototype using the base body-lines the C2 has, including the last for the 67 model will find all have 3 taillights on each side.
Why? Look at the rear split bumper design length. Designer(S) liked the balance look that 3 tailligths gave, in comparison to length of LH/RH bumpers.



Now your GM/Chevrolet. Your producing a Limited Production Car. They want to keep build cost down, in relationships to units they expected to sale, so one of the few things they could have a decent savings on was, cost of the 3rd taillight and it's install time. So third taillight never made it into production cars.


But guess what, people had seen in-person or pictures of the Prototypes the C2 was based off over the preceding years before it went into production. SO Guess what, people mainly on the West Coast started buying inner taillight assembles an installing them. How big a trend on the West Coast was that, biggest Corvette dealership started modifying some cars as they recieved them in. You could even buy aftermarket mounting so you could install them in a bonded on mounting bucket. Note: Go to C2 Forum, do a search on six taillights or click on my icon, go to post stats, posted on, look down the list till you find six taillight find my post, that has Prototype pictures of all the C2 thur 1966. The car above is 2,5" Body Flared. Frist attempt I made trying to prove Chevy Colud have produce a Grand Sports production cC2 both they and guys that raced the C2 did not have to butcher to run wider tires and rins, Second attempt was to 2 1/2' body flare fenders that looked almost stock, Project JimmyJoe Loud Proud and Ugly... You can search for it.



NOW bare in mind the bumper on SUGIDAD is wider than stock one on SUGADAD.



Hope Y'all forgive this redneck for cluttering up thread, but like most C2 owners/lovers, just because it was produced a certain way doesn't mean it must have been better looks wise.

Getting ready to scan left side car to machine molds to produce light weight panels for Jimmy JOE, like his owner, "Loud, Proud an Ugly" 2 1/2" flared fender..

 

Per info in the Chevy tent at Corvettes at Carlisle the z51 performance ration is....5.17:1. That's a huge change from the c7

 

^^
That "huge difference" means nothing without knowing the gear ratio's, which GM is not releasing.

Just posted on another Tread that our Nissan Murano with a CVT had a 5.17:1 dif! Means nothing until you have the gear ratio's. I showed that in a C7 Z51 with a 2.97:1 first gear, if it had a 5.17:1 dif and used a 2.07:1 first gear the torque multiplication would be the same.

The Nissan Murano used it to match the Continuously Variable Transmission. The C8 may use it for the comment in the GM patent that they can use fewer gear pairs than a conventional DCT. Also reduces the diameter of that 1st gear from needing to be 2.97 times bigger than the smallest gear that can viably fit on a shaft to only 2.07 times bigger. It's not like putting a "stump puller" 5.17:1 dif in a C7!

 

Just saying, the difference between the current stock Sting Ray & the z51 Sting Ray diff's is small : 2.41 vs 2.73 (Z51). This small difference in the ratios results in slightly better performance for the z51 & but 2-3 mpg less, with the same trans ratios.

I suspect the trans ratios for the stock vs z51 Ray will be the same so a much higher (numerically) rear end on the z51 c-8. could result in a slightly quicker car than the stock version,