Would
I buy it? No. (not hate, just a general statement. fuck, I'm too poor, even if I wanted it)
But as a general idea? I like it. As the resident 'corvette-detractor,' I see them as effective track toys, and notsomuch as good daily drivers. A stripper model really embraces what I like most about the car and throws away the fluff that just annoys me.
Look at power to weight in your small cars: Miata is about 15:1 (pounds:hp), BRZ/FRS is about 14:1. That's the delicate end of the spectrum. The V6 Mustang that can be had with the decent handling package is 11.5:1. V6 Camaro is about the same.
So...throw something in the middle. Or at least match the 'pony' levels with the Corvette handling. Hmm, let's call worst case 3200 and 350hp...that's 9.1:1. Go (IMO) best case at 3000/400hp...7.5:1. Not playing on-paper racer here, but going off of my own experiences...300-350hp in even a 3500-3800lb car ain't no freakin' slouch. Ditch 500lbs, maybe even add some more power...that would be some fun shit. I don't think they want to 'sully' the Corvette name, though.
Hell, I'd take the Camaro V6 engine in a 'Vette chassis. Give it power-nothing (roll-up windows!), cheaper wheels...anything you could cut back on while maintaining handling, braking, and some semblance of an interior...I bet you could pass the 3000lb mark. Wonder how cheaply it could be built?
...what would you rather have for 30k; a nicely-equipped 200hp BR-Z, or a gutted 330hp Corvette?
The budget Corvette is the base Corvette. If people can't afford it, they can look at Camaro's. GM shouldn't be compromising with the Corvette brand. It's bad enough they offer a V6 Camaro.
You're old. ;P
The Camaro is a turd. The low price of the V6 model is its saving grace. And I don't see the Corvette as some kind of sacred nameplate. Wouldn't they have already sullied it...I dunno, over thirty years ago? When they sold it as a
3500lb car with a 165hp V8?