Jim Mero responds to podcast related C8 articles
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Jim Mero responds to podcast related C8 articles
https://jimmero.com/mid-engine-c8-co...jims-response/
Mid Engine C8 Corvette – Jim’s Response
Hello everyone.
Originally, I was just going to keep my mouth shut relative to reports about my comments on the mid-engine platform in general and the challenges the C8 will need to overcome to be the best Vette yet.
I believe those who have listened to both podcasts realize that, in my mind, every generation of corvette was better than the generation before, and the C8 will be no different.
On the Overcrest podcast, I will admit I could have used a better word than “worried”. But in an interview, you can’t cut and paste. Naturally, I listened to the podcast several times and until yesterday had no idea it would generate so much publicity. I’ll try to go through my thought process at the time of the Overcrest Podcast then forever hold my peace.
When I said I was worried about the C8, every example I gave was for every mid-engine car I drove except the C8. I said I told my boss we would have to reinvent the wheel and do it better. I never alluded to the fact we didn’t.
I also mentioned to Tadge when the conception of the C8 was in process, as far as I can recall, the C7 beat most if not all the mid-engine cars with comparable weight and HP it was pitted against. Again, the need to engineer the car better than its competitors, with no reference to the fact we didn’t.
During my 15 years on the Corvette, I’ve attended countless shootouts. One example was the 2017 Road and Track Performance Car of the Year with the C7 Grand Sport. The competition was stiff. It included:
The 911 was the final car driven, let me tell you, I can’t remember how many laps he did, but 10 or 15 is not an exaggeration. He would run 1 or 2, then cool down and go back at it. Clearly, he felt the 911 Turbo S should theoretically beat the Grand Sport. Finally it did, by a few hundredths of a second.
I felt compelled to provide this example just to put into context my thought process leading to my opinion of having to engineer the C8 better than its competition. I will say again, never stating that it didn’t.
And…..Relative to the golf clubs, really, that’s just a personal preference for Jim Mero. It’s no different than saying I prefer a Silverado over a Colorado because it has better utility. It was not a dig on the C8, it was simply a statement of what I desire in a sports car for me. Nothing more, nothing less.
I’m not sure if this provided clarity for any of you. I would encourage you to listen to both podcasts, Overcrest episode 110 starting at about 53 minutes and Speed Secrets episode 123 starting at about 43 minutes. I hope then things will become clear.
I will reiterate one more time, each generation of the Corvette has been better than the generation before, and the C8 will be no different.
Thank you for your time,
Jim
Originally, I was just going to keep my mouth shut relative to reports about my comments on the mid-engine platform in general and the challenges the C8 will need to overcome to be the best Vette yet.
I believe those who have listened to both podcasts realize that, in my mind, every generation of corvette was better than the generation before, and the C8 will be no different.
On the Overcrest podcast, I will admit I could have used a better word than “worried”. But in an interview, you can’t cut and paste. Naturally, I listened to the podcast several times and until yesterday had no idea it would generate so much publicity. I’ll try to go through my thought process at the time of the Overcrest Podcast then forever hold my peace.
When I said I was worried about the C8, every example I gave was for every mid-engine car I drove except the C8. I said I told my boss we would have to reinvent the wheel and do it better. I never alluded to the fact we didn’t.
I also mentioned to Tadge when the conception of the C8 was in process, as far as I can recall, the C7 beat most if not all the mid-engine cars with comparable weight and HP it was pitted against. Again, the need to engineer the car better than its competitors, with no reference to the fact we didn’t.
During my 15 years on the Corvette, I’ve attended countless shootouts. One example was the 2017 Road and Track Performance Car of the Year with the C7 Grand Sport. The competition was stiff. It included:
- The Acura NSX
- Audi R8 V10 plus
- BMW M4 GTS
- Jaguar F-type SVR
- Lotus Evora 400
- Mercedes AMG C63 S
- Nissan GT-R Nismo
- Porsche 911 Turbo S
The 911 was the final car driven, let me tell you, I can’t remember how many laps he did, but 10 or 15 is not an exaggeration. He would run 1 or 2, then cool down and go back at it. Clearly, he felt the 911 Turbo S should theoretically beat the Grand Sport. Finally it did, by a few hundredths of a second.
I felt compelled to provide this example just to put into context my thought process leading to my opinion of having to engineer the C8 better than its competition. I will say again, never stating that it didn’t.
And…..Relative to the golf clubs, really, that’s just a personal preference for Jim Mero. It’s no different than saying I prefer a Silverado over a Colorado because it has better utility. It was not a dig on the C8, it was simply a statement of what I desire in a sports car for me. Nothing more, nothing less.
I’m not sure if this provided clarity for any of you. I would encourage you to listen to both podcasts, Overcrest episode 110 starting at about 53 minutes and Speed Secrets episode 123 starting at about 43 minutes. I hope then things will become clear.
I will reiterate one more time, each generation of the Corvette has been better than the generation before, and the C8 will be no different.
Thank you for your time,
Jim
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Popular Reply
06-26-2019, 11:32 AM
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Comments like yours are what quells the willingness of those in the know to relate to all of us things in which we are interested. Please try to restrain yourself. I would much rather hear from Jim than you. Mero is the man. Thanks for ALL of your input, Jim.
#2
Melting Slicks
In 2019 it's exhausting to hear anyone say that they weren't aware their controversial comments in a podcast wouldn't be heard by anyone. Really? Negative comments by a former top employee wouldn't generate a viral result? Give us all a break Jim.
#3
Race Director
As always, it's what you don't say that causes problems.
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#4
Melting Slicks
If the C8 does not offer the LT4 at launch and instead has only the ~500 hp LT2, the FE Grand Sport is going to beat it on the track just as Mero said it beat all the other MEs at NCM. The Lightning Lap results from last year confirm that the GS will beat any ME under $200K.
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#5
AGAIN, too much defensive information.
Just say, I mis-spoke. no explaining please
Just say, I mis-spoke. no explaining please
Last edited by Steve Garrett; 06-26-2019 at 02:29 PM.
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#6
Race Director
Jim Mero is a corvette driver hero.
Each new generation corvette is an improved evolution of the brand.
thats part of the iconic nature of corvettes...
Each new generation corvette is an improved evolution of the brand.
thats part of the iconic nature of corvettes...
#7
Le Mans Master
The more he talks, the more it reinforces my belief that the car did not need to go mid-engine for any technical or performance reason.
They did it because, after 65+ years, they needed something crazy and new. Not because the previous cars were somehow inferior.
They did it because, after 65+ years, they needed something crazy and new. Not because the previous cars were somehow inferior.
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#8
^
I think that's right. We're at the point where the majority of potential customers EXPECT a world class sports car to be mid-engined. I'm not talking about Corvette fans here, but the entire sports car buying demographic.
The significant departure from tradition is all about expanding well beyond the traditional Corvette buyer base.
I think that's right. We're at the point where the majority of potential customers EXPECT a world class sports car to be mid-engined. I'm not talking about Corvette fans here, but the entire sports car buying demographic.
The significant departure from tradition is all about expanding well beyond the traditional Corvette buyer base.
Last edited by Foosh; 06-26-2019 at 11:15 AM.
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#9
Burning Brakes
If the C8 does not offer the LT4 at launch and instead has only the ~500 hp LT2, the FE Grand Sport is going to beat it on the track just as Mero said it beat all the other MEs at NCM. The Lightning Lap results from last year confirm that the GS will beat any ME under $200K.
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#11
LOL, you don't recognize the truth when it smacks you in the face.
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#13
Burning Brakes
The Boss wanted mid-engine, so the car will be mid-engine. Kudos for having the ballz to stake the franchise on this - we will see how that works out. For now, I have my and I am content to view the results from the driver's seat of my '19 M7 Z06. The real results of this experiment will be in the 2nd and 3rd years, after the first "gotta haves" get their car, when more is known about the cost/performance and general public desire to buy.
Should be interesting...
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#14
Race Director
Just another C8 post to keep things alive for the next 3 weeks.
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#15
Banned Scam/Spammer
If the C8 does not offer the LT4 at launch and instead has only the ~500 hp LT2, the FE Grand Sport is going to beat it on the track just as Mero said it beat all the other MEs at NCM. The Lightning Lap results from last year confirm that the GS will beat any ME under $200K.
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Rapid Fred (06-28-2019)
#16
Burning Brakes
Not so much anymore. No one can live decently on SS alone. And the time of generous corporate pensions for most employees are long gone. ANd the Govt has a quasi-governmental agency dedicated to trying to harvest remnants of scores of former corporate pension plans that crashed and burned, so at least some portion of the original benefits can be paid to retirees. Today, most pensions are based on how well employees handle investment potential of their 401ks. It is not a secret, that the majority do not do well managing theirs...
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#17
Race Director
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Comments like yours are what quells the willingness of those in the know to relate to all of us things in which we are interested. Please try to restrain yourself. I would much rather hear from Jim than you. Mero is the man. Thanks for ALL of your input, Jim.
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#18
I think both Tadge and Lutz has said that they "had" to go to ME to improve performance because the FE platform had reached its limit with the ZR1.
They "could not" eek out any more performance with the FE. C7 ZR! is the pinnacle of Corvette FE design. The only way to compete with higher end Ferrari, Lambo, Mclaren head to head is to go ME ITO.
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#19
Banned Scam/Spammer
I think both Tadge and Lutz has said that they "had" to go to ME to improve performance because the FE platform had reached its limit with the ZR1.
They "could not" eek out any more performance with the FE. C7 ZR! is the pinnacle of Corvette FE design. The only way to compete with higher end Ferrari, Lambo, Mclaren head to head is to go ME ITO.
They "could not" eek out any more performance with the FE. C7 ZR! is the pinnacle of Corvette FE design. The only way to compete with higher end Ferrari, Lambo, Mclaren head to head is to go ME ITO.
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#20
Le Mans Master
I know what they said. I also know see how well the front engine cars stack up against competition that's often mid engined and many multiples more expensive.
It was primarily a marketing decision.
It was primarily a marketing decision.
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