Corvette Acceleration Testing [Video]
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Corvette Acceleration Testing [Video]
GM Authority got a hold of a video of the C8 mule doing some acceleration testing, take a look:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2018/06/...e-track-video/
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2018/06/...e-track-video/
A new video obtained by GM Authority shows the forthcoming mid-engine Corvette under acceleration testing at the track. The clip shows three launches of the future Corvette, which is still wearing plenty of camouflage, in different weather conditions, giving us our best look yet at how the upcoming sports car sounds at wide-open throttle while potentially revealing and/or confirming some juicy details.
From the sound of it, we’d say there is a healthy V8 engine under the hood, though it’s unclear whether the engine is of the Overhead Valve “push-rod” variety or a Dual OverHead Cam (DOHC) design (our bet is on the latter). Whatever the engine, the speed of the upshifts make it rather clear that a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is doing the shifting, as the developmental prototype runs through the first four gears during this run.
As such, we can see one or a combination of the following scenarios playing out:
In contrast to the first launch, the pilot enables the left hand turn signal indicator shortly after beginning the acceleration, and changes one lane to the left, continuing the remainder of the acceleration in the middle of the three lanes. Sadly, the testing model then goes out of range of our spy shooter, cutting the video.
First Launch
During the first launch, the mid-engine Corvette comes to a complete stop, shows off more of its LED taillight design in the process, turns off the right lane change indicator (blinker), and launches. There is no audible or noticeable wheel slip as the prototype rockets forward.From the sound of it, we’d say there is a healthy V8 engine under the hood, though it’s unclear whether the engine is of the Overhead Valve “push-rod” variety or a Dual OverHead Cam (DOHC) design (our bet is on the latter). Whatever the engine, the speed of the upshifts make it rather clear that a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is doing the shifting, as the developmental prototype runs through the first four gears during this run.
Second Launch
The second launch, which starts at 0:18 in the video, is more dramatic than the first. Due to the wet road conditions, the mid-engine Corvette sees some audible wheel slip in first gear before shifting into second gear. A detailed analysis of the video seems to indicate that the rear wheels were the ones that slipped, potentially indicating that the model seen in the clip is rear-wheel-drive. By contrast, various rumors about the mid-engine Corvette have indicated that the upcoming sports car will be all-wheel-drive.As such, we can see one or a combination of the following scenarios playing out:
- The prototype seen here is a base rear-drive model and the mid-engine Corvette will have rear-wheel-drive standard, while offering all-wheel-drive as an option, potentially on higher-performing model variants
- The mid-engine Corvette will feature an advanced drivetrain that enables the driver to select between RWD and AWD, much like the new BMW M5 or Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
- The mid-engine Corvette will not offer all-wheel-drive whatsoever, and stick to a rear-drive setup
Third Launch
Taking place at 0:32 into the video, the third launch mimics the turn signal indicator actions of the first run: the driver comes to a complete stop, disables the right hand turn signal indicator, and launches the Vette tester.In contrast to the first launch, the pilot enables the left hand turn signal indicator shortly after beginning the acceleration, and changes one lane to the left, continuing the remainder of the acceleration in the middle of the three lanes. Sadly, the testing model then goes out of range of our spy shooter, cutting the video.
The GM Authority Take
It would seem that the focus of these runs was not only to test out the huge acceleration of the mid-engine Corvette, but also to trial the car’s stability, traction and launch control systems – as indicated by the various degrees of wheel slip as a result of 1) different road (wet/dry) conditions and 2) potentially different stability and traction control settings.
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#3
Melting Slicks
I guess the V6 theory is completely out the window...
Thats small block grunt I here...
short, with mountains of torque.
Very Very Americana.
Kudos to GM for making it their way and not going with the mid engine flow ...
looks like we we got something very unique.
Thats small block grunt I here...
short, with mountains of torque.
Very Very Americana.
Kudos to GM for making it their way and not going with the mid engine flow ...
looks like we we got something very unique.
#4
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
to me, that didn't sound like redline shifting. am I wrong?
#8
... none of you engineers have estimated the 0-60mph based on the road lines and signs and frame time yet! ??
Last edited by firstvettesoon; 06-21-2018 at 10:44 AM.
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#9
#10
The Consigliere
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Pretty tame launches.
#11
Burning Brakes
That was definitely a Stingray with the LT1. It looks like they launched it in wet conditions, which will obviously cause wheelspin. As GM Authority said, GM wanted us to see that. I wonder what they’ll show us next...
#12
Or,just read the black signs to the right of the car. 0.0, 0.1, 0.2 ...
All 3 runs a distance of .2 in about 9 seconds.He cheats a bit on the second run with a rolling start before putting in the gas.
A mind is terrible thing to waste!
The Mechanical Engineer that can read a road sign.
Last edited by warhawkmcdaniel; 06-21-2018 at 10:37 AM.
#13
May be harder to estimate the correct line as the car crosses the 0.1-0.2 signs due to perspective.
The lines "should be standard 40 foot spacing. 10 foot line- 30 foot space. and the car in right on top of them. Easier to count.
My initial calculations are an abysmal 0-60 - 5.8- 6.2 sec!
I know theses are not full on speed tests...right...
To be competitive, the car would need to be at 60mph by the time it crossed the yellow sign...more or less.
Last edited by firstvettesoon; 06-21-2018 at 10:41 AM.
#14
The Consigliere
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No, these are not full throttle launches. These are relatively slow, mild launches. Launching hard and running up thru the tach aggressively does not result in 3 shifts before 60 mph, all three of which executed in the lower half of the rpm range.
These launches are pretty mundane.
#15
No, these are not full throttle launches. These are relatively slow, mild launches. Launching hard and running up thru the tach aggressively does not result in 3 shifts before 60 mph, all three of which executed in the lower half of the rpm range.
These launches are pretty mundane.
These launches are pretty mundane.
and we got relatively clear sound... !
#16
Racer
Yeah I saw the headline and was excited, but I was a little disappointed these weren’t real 0-60 tests.
Either way it was awesome to see and I can’t wait to hear more.
Either way it was awesome to see and I can’t wait to hear more.
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#19
Safety Car
Lights out for the six cylinder theorists.
#20
Advanced
With my lack of production for the day, I have to disagree with the analysis of the video, specifically the second launch. Looking at the front and rear wheels, to me it appears that the front start spinning faster than the rear at the launch. Maybe I am just seeing something I want to see, but this could be the electric front with engine driving the rear. Again, my mind may be seeing something I want to see.
Also look at the back window, it looks narrower than previous images in my opinion. But could be the angle.
We are getting closer!!!!!
Also look at the back window, it looks narrower than previous images in my opinion. But could be the angle.
We are getting closer!!!!!