Corvette Idea for GM

[Arkaign]

I am a big fan of the Vettes, particularly the ramp-up at the tail end of C4, the massive improvements that made the C5, and the world-class C6.

I do see a tiny problem, though. The price keeps going up, along with the excellent performance of course, but the attainability of the thing is slipping a lot.

I don't think they should change anything about the 2008 models, or the incredible Z06 model, but it would be very nice to see :

A base model vette for $34-36k or so. Manual tranny only, and maybe a 350hp V8. I'd even welcome a 300+hp supercharged 3800. Either way, you're probably looking at a 0-60 time of 5.0-5.2, and I think you'd satisfy a lot of people who would otherwise be buying the higher-end Mustangs, etc. In a way, you could look at it the way Ford does the Mustang, sell tons of them to lower costs on the production as a whole, and keep the high end ones truly exceptional.

Thoughts / Ideas?

Final note on this, I think we can thank the Dodge Viper for Chevy's continual ratcheting-up of the Vette. Without that monster V10 to compete with, I doubt they would have gone so far so fast. Previously, the Corvette's stock numbers were comfortably behind a number of other cars, particularly around 90-92. Besides the rare ZR-1 model, the Vette was a weaker performer than the VR-4, Supra TT, etc. Totally different story now, as the new 350Z is about the only remote challenger, and it's so much slower and cheaper, you can't really compare them. The Vette owns the hell out of the 4cyl turbos as well. It's like Japan just gave up on sports cars entirely.

 

[Nyati13]

You mean something like a Camaro?

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: Nyati13

You mean something like a Camaro?

Yeah, sounds more or less like the idea behind the Z28.

 

[Zenmervolt]

I like the idea of going back to the 1960's and 1970's where there were 5 or more engine options for any one car from Detroit. Probably too much cost now though.

ZV

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: Nyati13

You mean something like a Camaro?

No,

I mean something like the Vette was in the 80s, only with more selection :

Base model : mid-$30k price, as fast/faster than any non-special-edition Camaro/Mustang
Midrange model : mid/high-$40k price, 400+hp, awesome performance, etc
High-end / Z06 model : $50k+ price, 500+hp, supercar performance

The Corvette has always had a much better chassis, power-to-weight ration, weight distribution, etc, than the Camaro, with the possible exception of the nasty 70s vettes.

The Camaro, if priced sanely, won't really overlap with this Vette idea, other than special edition models (SS, etc). Should be launched like this :

Camaro base : just under $20k, high output V6, decent options
Camaro midrange : mid to high $20k, decent 320hp V8, better exhaust, wheels
Camaro highend : low to mid $30k, rare model, same motor as the entry vette, special badges/emblems

 

[Nyati13]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
I like the idea of going back to the 1960's and 1970's where there were 5 or more engine options for any one car from Detroit. Probably too much cost now though.

ZV

I wish they would too. But they probably won't, and even if they did the engine choice would depend more on the trim level you're willing to pay for, not on what engine you want.

 

[Ktulu]

I like that idea. Except I'd go with the DI v6 in the 2008 CTS. In the much lighter Corvette body you're looking at 0-60 in <5 sec. and Mileage in the low 30's if geared correctly.

 

[exdeath]

I agree, but also in general with all the new cars coming out. First of all they are heavy. GT500 = 4,000 lbs, Charger & Challenger = 4,100 lbs, Camaro will probably be the same judging by how big it is and it's 20+ inch rims.

With the resurgence of American Muscle, one critical part of the classic muscle car formula has been left out: the average Joe actually being able to own one. Cheap and nasty power is what it's all about, and $40,000+ for all these new performance cars does not fit the old muscle car formula of being affordable rather than an exotic dream.

 

[RU482]

attainability hasn't changed, the target market is making more money than they used to

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: redly1
attainability hasn't changed, the target market is making more money than they used to

:roll: