C-7 Corvette Changes

[Stuart F.]

Interesting article at the following:

Subject: C-7 Corvette changes

http://autos.yahoo.com/news/next-corvette-will-be-powered-by-small--high-revving-turbo-v-8.html

[Don L.]

Re: C-7 Corvette Changes

Saw this yesterday too, Stu. Thanks for posting. I understand from industry contacts that this will be matched up with a 7 speed manual transmission.

Fun, eh?

[Duke W.]

Re: C-7 Corvette Changes

There are several recent Web articles floating around about the C7, and some of the speculation seems very inconsistent to me.

One articles says ( http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...-3-0-liter-v-8 ) that the base engine will be a twin-turbo 3.0L V-8 that might turn as high as 10000 revs, and the article referenced by Stu goes on to say:

"Significantly, Corvette won’t abandon its more classic powertrain roots entirely. There will be several different types of engines offered for the C7, including a more classic, big-block OHV V-8 designed to appeal to traditionalists."

A 3.0L twin-turbo DOHC 4-valve per cylinder V-8 would likely be much more costly to produce compared to the current LS or a follow-on large displacement pushrod V-8, which I would rather have, although package volume and weight might be in the same ballpark, so both architectures could fit the same compact chassis.

The claim is that this "C7" will be introduced as a 2014 model in mid 2013, so it's about two years away, and, if that is the case, we should be seeing some spy photos of prototypes running at Milford and public highways pretty soon.

At least we can be reasonably assured that there will be a C7. Given GM's bankruptcy a couple of years ago I don't think I would have bet that GM would invest any more in the low volume Corvette, especially considering the new, onerous CAFE requirements that go into effect in 2016 that would have eventually killed the current design.

Duke

[Stuart F.]

Re: C-7 Corvette Changes

Some items that were speculated on like a "mid engine" configuration and the "split window" design are probably less likely to appear. The latter has been kicked around a lot lately, most likely due to the show model.

Stu Fox

[Michael J.]

Re: C-7 Corvette Changes

I think a key operative phrase is here: "
“We have to target a very different sort of buyer.”

I guess that means us old, dedicated Corvette guys are out??? Seriously though, in my case, unless it looks alot like the C2 (as the new Camaro does the '69), I will let pass yet another new Corvette generation without buying a new one.

[Clem Z.]

Re: C-7 Corvette Changes

I think a key operative phrase is here: "


I guess that means us old, dedicated Corvette guys are out??? Seriously though, in my case, unless it looks alot like the C2 (as the new Camaro does the '69), I will let pass yet another new Corvette generation without buying a new one.

a C-2 would make a poor race car for le mans because of the aero. no sense having a corvette sports car that can't be raced and win in worldwide competition.

[Michael J.]

Re: C-7 Corvette Changes

a C-2 would make a poor race car for le mans because of the aero. no sense having a corvette sports car that can't be raced and win in worldwide competition.

You are probably right, though I didn't mean exactly like a C2, more like inspired by the C2, like the 2010 Camaro is of the '69. But frankly, I had no idea they race new Corvettes in stock configuration, I just don't follow racing at all. They could always just slap a cheap, aero body on it, like NASCAR does for all their racers, and be done with it. Do Corvettes win any big races these days?

[Clem Z.]

Re: C-7 Corvette Changes

You are probably right, though I didn't mean exactly like a C2, more like inspired by the C2, like the 2010 Camaro is of the '69. But frankly, I had no idea they race new Corvettes in stock configuration, I just don't follow racing at all. They could always just slap a cheap, aero body on it, like NASCAR does for all their racers, and be done with it. Do Corvettes win any big races these days?

racing is the only reason to own a corvette. if i did not race back in the day in would not have ever bought a corvette. all we did back then was drag race,auto cross and track days. i am too old and too slow to do it these days.

[Michael J.]

Re: C-7 Corvette Changes

racing is the only reason to own a corvette. if i did not race back in the day in would not have ever bought a corvette. all we did back then was drag race,auto cross and track days. i am too old and too slow to do it these days.

Well, to each his own. I have never raced or gone to many except drag races when I was a teenager, but I do love driving a fast, good looking car, and you never get too old for that

[Steve D.]

Re: C-7 Corvette Changes

well am glad to see that they will offer the more traditional power plants. If I wanted a Porsche or a Lambo I would not want a copy.
As far as styling, I would love to see asplit window. But safety concerns killed the original and might kill this one. But by all that is holey and sacred, can we please return to hide away headlights. That feature is what drew me to vettes as a kid. Now I can`t afford a C2 which is what first captivated me. But my 70 fits the bill.

[Joe L.]

Re: C-7 Corvette Changes

well am glad to see that they will offer the more traditional power plants. I i wanted a porsche or a Lambo i would not want aa copy.
As far as styling, I would love to see asplit window. But safety concerns killed the original and might kill this one. But by all that is holey and sacred, can we please return to hide away headlights. That feature is what drew me to vettes as a kid. Now I can`t afford a C2 which is what first captivated me. But my 70 fits the bill.

Steve------


Regardless of what the article says, it's hard for me to imagine that the C7 Corvette will have different families of engines offered (e.g. a traditional OHV, large displacement V-8 as well as a new, small displacement OHC V-8), especially if they go to a mid-engine design. In this day-and-age, the car will pretty much have to be "designed around the drivetrain" (including the engine). Plus, I can't see GM keeping multiple families of engines, especially V-8 engines, in production.

I've been expecting a new, smaller V-8 engine to come along and phase out the larger displacement V-8. So, that part of this information seems "right on track" to me.

[John H.]

Re: C-7 Corvette Changes

I can't imagine GM developing an entirely new 3.0L DOHC V-8 for the Corvette without it having a higher-volume usage (to pay for it) in another car line. That engine would now be in its final development stage, with the production tooling already being built (and nearly finished), ready for installation in the engine plant. I haven't seen any information on any GM investment for a new V-8 engine in any of their Powertrain plants, either, and don't expect to.

[Clem Z.]

Re: C-7 Corvette Changes

In June 2012, the plant will start making the new Ecotec engine, with the Chevrolet Malibu as the first application. GM will make upgrades elsewhere in the Tonawanda complex to produce a "Generation V" small block V-8 engine, with production set to begin in March 2013.

[Clem Z.]

Re: C-7 Corvette Changes

In June 2012, the plant will start making the new Ecotec engine, with the Chevrolet Malibu as the first application. GM will make upgrades elsewhere in the Tonawanda complex to produce a "Generation V" small block V-8 engine, with production set to begin in March 2013.

i wonder if this is GM answer to fords twin turbo V-6 in their pickups a small TT V-8 ???

[John H.]

Re: C-7 Corvette Changes

Oops, must have missed it - GM announced the $890 million next-generation V-8 program in April, 2010:

$400 million for Tonawanda

$235 million for St. Catherines

$115 million for the Defiance, Ohio aluminum foundry

$111 million for the Bedford, Indiana aluminum foundry

$32 million for the Bay City components plant

However, this is NOT a 3.0L V-8; its primary application is light trucks.