C7 Corvette Update in March 2011 Car and Driver

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C7 Corvette Update in March 2011 Car and Driver

Car and Driver magazine has the following update on the next-generation C7 Corvette:

“The Corvette continues as front-engine, V-8 powered, but GM is reportedly working to reduce mass (or at least hold the line) to maintain C6 performance. Slightly longer than before, the C7 will have styling allegedly inspired by the split-widow ’63 Sting Ray. Interior quality, not a Corvette strength, is now a high priority, and GM has set Audi as the benchmark for materials and fits. Three versions will be offered: base, Z06 and ZR1 (base versions may be called Grand Sport). At launch, the V-8 portfolio will mirror today’s, ranging from 430 to 638 horsepower. Later, all three engines will undergo displacement reductions to improve fuel economy.”

We find it interesting that C&D says the C7 will be launched with engines ranging in similar horsepower output to the current LS3, LS7 and LS9 and then will undergo a reduction to smaller displacements to improve fuel economy. Other sources including Motor Trend say the C7 Corvette will be one of the first GM models to feature the next-gen small block V8 that is currently under development. GM announced last year an investment of $890 million to develop and manufacture the new V8 engines and at this time we see no reason why the new powerplants will not be ready by 2013 when we expect the new Corvette.

Lastly, we are excited to hear that the Corvette’s interior is getting as much attention as the exterior design and engineering. Audi’s quality and workmanship is a worthy example to emulate.

Unfortunately, Corvette enthusiasts seem to be split on the return of the split-window for the C7 and the thread on the forum about this topic desolves into vitriol and name calling before being locked. C’mon, people, where’s the civility?


Source:
Car and Driver Magazine via Corvette Forum

Related:
Motor Trend: The C7 Corvette Body is Done!
Motor Trend: C7 Corvette to Debut with New 5.5L 440 hp V8 Powerplant
GM Executives Squash Latest C7 Corvette Rumors

 



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9 COMMENTS

  1. Why that topic wasn’t closed down way before it was, I don’t understand. It certainly did not make me want to revisit this Corvette blog. In any case, thanks for closing it.

  2. It’s a shame, but every time a discussion comes up about gas mileage, Joe Republican has to start spouting off about “Tree-hugging liberals” and cracking Obama jokes. It’s hard to hang out there at times.

  3. I personally like the retro idea (maybe I am just getting old). When thinking about all the Corvette body styles I personally think the C2 (1963 to 1967) Corvettes look the best. I personally currently own a C6 Z06 and a 1966 Corvette 427 Coupe. Whenever I am out with these cars, I have more people tell me that the C2 is the best looking Corvette ever. Take the Bill Mitchell lines, modernize it with wind tunnel testing, combined with today’s technology and you would have something to behold! I might have to go buy another new Vette!

  4. We’ll have to wait and see. GM has done a good job in keeping this under wraps. Split window had two stories, one safety (rear vision) and the other styling versus Duntov. Only mantra I believe in is waiting until the second year of any new generation to see what bugs need to be worked out, especially if GM decides to go with a new downsized engine lineup. Love my ’06 vert and am waiting for the C7. I figure I’ll be about 70 years old when it hits the dealers (and yes, my ’06 is a manual).

  5. I like everything I heard about the new car, except a longer wheelbase! You don’t make a car sportier by lengthening it. I think the wheelbase is fine where it is. The planed use of lighter materials is great, especially if they keep the current horsepower levels. More carbon components would be really nice; perhaps carbon wheels are feasible as an option, as they are available for motorcycles and add tremendously to the performance because of the dramatically reduced rotating mass that has to be stopped and started. It needs better seats too, but that is probably already being addressed. All in all though, an AWESOME car!!

  6. I have always loved the 63, one of my favorite classics of all time, and I have had a many sports cars…, owned and loved the C5 even though it was heavy and underpowered, owned and loved the C6 convertible. ….I think to really make the next vette epic, we should be influenced from the styling queues of the Ferrari 612 GTO, a fresh new look, this isn’t a real car, only a designers impression of what Ferrari should do, but have a real close look at this car design boys, go google this image, It’s outstandingly beautifully shaped, raked windows, silky lines and very shark like front end, ALOT like the image on this blog….This design is fresh, original, reminds me of many Ultra Uber cars, such as Aston One 77, and the Old Shelby hips, to name a few and shadows of corvette all over as well. Corvette can hold this title, that being the Sexyest Sports car in the world, so why not make this C* the ultimate title this time. Going retro is going to get tired quickly, sports cars are a statement in time, an expression of our level of creativity, engineering power, and looking ahead, we should be fresh, new, uber sexy, ultra beautiful and vivacious. the technology is already there, the C8 deserves to be beyond the best vette, the benchmark should be set to be the best looking/engineered sports car of them all. You can do it boys.

  7. I have always loved the 63, one of my favorite classics of all time, and I have had a many sports cars…, owned and loved the C5 even though it was heavy and underpowered, owned and loved the C6 convertible. ….I think to really make the next vette epic, we should be influenced from the styling queues of the Ferrari 612 GTO, a fresh new look, this isn’t a real car, only a designers impression of what Ferrari should do, but have a real close look at this car design boys, go google this image, It’s outstandingly beautifully shaped, raked windows, silky lines and very shark like front end, ALOT like the image on this blog….This design is fresh, original, reminds me of many Ultra Uber cars, such as Aston One 77, and the Old Shelby hips, to name a few and shadows of corvette all over as well. Corvette can hold this title, that being the Sexyest Sports car in the world, so why not make this C* the ultimate title this time. Going retro is going to get tired quickly, sports cars are a statement in time, an expression of our level of creativity, engineering power, and looking ahead, we should be fresh, new, uber sexy, ultra beautiful and vivacious. the technology is already there, the C8 deserves to be beyond the best vette, the benchmark should be set to be the best looking/engineered sports car of them all. You can do it boys and girls.

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