JohnA1078

Would you like to see a power converible top on the C6?

Personally, I like the manual top on my C5, seems faster to raise/lower than most power tops. However, when most people see it, their first comment is either "What? You didn't pay for the power top?" or "That's cheap".


[Modified by JohnA1078, 2:05 PM 5/31/2002]

Sanctuary

What?!! And make the convertible even heavier than it is now? It's already slower than the Coupe! If you want a power top go buy a Merc!

AP

Manual is the way to go ... less weight and less hassles ... :seeya

Tom/99

As quick and easy as the C5 top is now, why add more weight to the car.

Bwright

Actually the power-top Mercedes SLK 55 recently handed a Corvette convertible its head on a plate in a Car & Driver test. It's big brother, the power hardtop SL55 now hitting the streets, will clean the clock of a Z06 in a straight line. In fact, a Gen II Viper may be unable to keep this thing at bay. The Benz can do this because it has 469hp.

For the first time MB will allow a revision of the 155mph limiter chip to permit top speeds of 186mph, beyond the top end of any current C5. Please note that the Benz is actually capable of 203mph but MB was unable to locate tires to safely support the SL55's weight at that speed.

Word to the wise, if you have an unmodified C5 convertible and you run into either one of these cars, leave them alone.

Point is, a power hardtop/softop is an engineering refinement that can be integrated with performance by using appropriate levels of power, chassis refinement and grip. Many felt the C5 could not deliver its current performance without making significant compromises in livability. They were wrong as are those who thing it cannot be done with this feature whose day will come.

flipm

Bwright,

I read the Car&Driver review of the SLK32 vs. the C5, but haven't seen one of the SLK55. Keep in mind though, that the SLK32 starts at $55,565, so I am guessing that the SLK55 is probably even more expensive.

I think a power roof would be great, but I suspect that the need to stake out the price/performance point we have in the C5 makes it a bargain. Also, in the Car&Driver test versus the SLK32, the C5 more than help its own, by winning the overall comparison.

Bwright

:cry

I'm an idiot. I meant SLK32. You're right about the cost which is always a factor in MB's cars.

Once again you're right, by winning the overall comparison the C5 convertible showed that it takes more than sheer speed to be best in class.

:cheers:

flipm

Bwright,

No problem... I think the gist of what you're saying is true... the C5 isn't the "only kid on the block" in terms of performance. I think a lot of people lose sight of the fact that Corvettes and Vipers are only two of the high end hot cars out there. Porsche wins a lot of comparisons even with the relatively underpowered Boxster S. Heck, they came in #2, ahead of the SLK32, with a "mere" 250hp car. Also, the Boxster S definitely costs as much, if not more than the SLK32.

That said, given that we have a plasticy interior, a manual top, a notchy shifter, a subdued exhaust note (which, incidentally, I like), and a big *ss (on the car, that is :D ), I still love the C5. In fact, I am thinking hard about whether, for a future "track car" whether I would do better to buy a used C5 cheap when the C6 comes out and hot rod that, or get a C6. If the C6 borrows heavily from the C5, I'd be more likely to buy one for use at the track... Especially in a Z06 or whatever "high performance" trim they sell it in.

Sanctuary

One other thing. A power top (like in the MB) reduces the amount of storage space available. It's not just about weight. Simplicity has its benefits.

Jinx

Bwright is correct, a power top is not anathema to performance. It's just harder to do well than a manual top, and more costly. To put it on C5 probably would have increased the coupe-convertible gap or cut into GM's per-unit profits. We couldn't have that :)

Considering the Corvette's current and future buyers, I think a well-designed power top will help C6 sales more than hurt it.

But the performance gap between C5 and SLK32 in the referenced test was small enough that I wouldn't "leave them alone." It'd be fun to play with one in the mountains, just don't expect to pull it at the stoplight. You can bet every guy driving one knows he's "faster than a Corvette" because the salesman certainly told him if he didn't know already. I bet MB-USA Sales has selective reprints of the article and everything :)

.Jinx

Bwright

Test drove a Z06 the other day, it is one mean sounding cuss :yesnod:

You're right, C5 should take the MBs on a twisting route. After my test drive I feel a Z06 should be able to hold its own against those two heavy Benzes in a straight line and crush them on a road course. I bet the wags at MBs propaganda machine neglected to mention this to their buyers. Imagine their surprise. Relative to the Z06 I hope that GM can just match or improve the power-to-weight ratio in the C6.

C'mon GM! :chevy

copperhead

The Z06 is a 4.0 secs car and will beat any heavy butt SL55 AMG car. Look at the power to weight ratios...

A current C5 ragtop in 6 speed form will do mid to upper 4 secs, just like a SL55 or SLK32 AMG.

SLK32 AMG has crappy steering, and this car is getting redesigned soon, about the same time the C6 comes out.

The viper is faster and cheaper than both mercedes and has 500HP and a manual top.

I think the C6 needs to have a powered hardtop like in the Caddy SLR or Mercedes SL55. They can do it and still have the same curb weight of 3200 pounds. They can use aluminum hydroforming in the chassis...there was talk about them using this in the next C6.....

Jinx

Corvette is expected to be more refined than Viper.

C6 needs to have a fabric top, because Cadillac XLR has a folding powered hardtop. Sounds like you should be saving for the XLR, not C6.

C6 convertible shouldn't be heavier than coupe. It would be a shame to trade lighter frame for heavier top. Would you want your convertible to be slower than a coupe?

Anyway, latest rumors have it that aluminum hydroforming won't be ready for C6 introduction.

.Jinx

Doughan

Keep the manual. Less weight and one less than to break. :yesnod:

AP

Yeah ... forgot about that ..

Squareseven

i say keep it manual. the vette is a sports car, not a plushmobile!

JoeCon

I would like to see the manual top, its light and true to the roadster. If i want luxury over proformance, ill buy a SL.

AP

:yesnod::yesnod::yesnod::yesnod::yesnod: :yesnod::yesnod::yesnod::yesnod::yesnod: :yesnod::yesnod::yesnod::yesnod::yesnod:

Truck Guy

:nono: No power

AP

:yesnod: