gguillie

Is there a place for a Corvette that:

Doesn't have to do 0-60 in 3.8 seconds?
Doesn't have to exceed 180MPH?
Doesn't require premium gas?
Doesn't have harmonic balancer issues?
Doesn't have squealing brakes?
Doesn't wear tires out so quickly?
Doesn't have an air filter that cost more than two good steak dinners?

Some will argue that Corvette performance and body style comes with a price. Some will argue that if you want a lesser car, look elsewhere. But what about the driver that wants the Corvette look at a lower upfront and long term cost? Does that driver fall into the "wanna be" crowd or is there a market for a lower cost, lower performing Corvette? How many buyers would flock to an affordable, mid $40k Corvette versus other two seaters costing $20K to $60K more?

Or, has Chevrolet met its intent to produce a world class car for a small driver segment and those that want something else can look at something foreign or the fast regenerating muscle car community? Absolutely no offense to the muscle car folks intended -- who would pass on a new ZL1 or Z28? I've owned a Chevelle, two Camaros, a Trans Am -- been there and enjoyed it.

Concerned about differentiating between this lower level Corvette and others? Chevrolet has taken care of that already with Base, GS. ZO6 and ZO7, and ZR1 not to mention various trim levels.

I wouldn't trade my '13 GS Vert 60th Anniversary for anything (wife chuckles in the background) including a C7, but wonder if a less costly Corvette has a place in the lineup.

I'm not the first to have this epiphany, just though I'd solicit comments.

Huskerman

Wasn't that what the early C5 fixed roof coupe was supposed to be all about....? A less expensive alternative......I don't think it worked out that well.......

mcandrew67

I think if they did that they would dilute the brand "Corvette" so every teeny bopper would have one and it would rapidly become a Honda Civic.
So yes people would buy it, the people that could not afford $55-$120K
I used to be one....

SpeedUp

the Corvette is the king of the hill, why would you want to dumb it down? thats what Camaros are for

wayback

There will be if they keep raising the MSRP. Price themselves right out of the market like Toyota did with the Supra.

Maybe the mid engined C8 will offer 4,6 and 8 cylinder options.

Garry in AZ

GM tried this with the Cadillac brand a while ago... remember the Cimarron and Seville?
Bad idea for Caddy, and IMHO just as bad for Corvette.

I hope the lesson was learned back in the 80's.

Garry

dryadsdad

People buy Corvettes because they want the good which comes with the power and will accept the bad (short tire life) that comes with it.

I suppose GM could buy Miatas and badge engineer them into the Corvette-ette.

ZR1Cat

I think GM tried the lower cost and lower performing small sports car thing when they launched the Solstice and the Saturn cousin a few years ago. Yeah, remember how they worked out in the market?

I still remember my 1984 Pontiac Fiero 'sports' car, too.

dryadsdad

The bitch about the Fiero was that QA was lamentable for its early run. By the time it's rep had been ruined, GM got it right and the final year Fiero was a terrific and reliable car, but too late.

The Solstice and Saturn whatever were Lutz's babies and may have done well had they not appeared at the cusp of the BK. We know what happened to Pontiac and Saturn in that one.

unixcorn

Car sales, like every other product, are driven by what differentiates them from other makes and models. As discussed, even within the Corvette brand there are differentiators designed to cater to different segments. GM is perfectly capable of creating any sort of Corvette they think would sell but they would never dilute the brand because of its iconic status and dedicated following. It would be much smarter for them to bring back an old Pontiac Solstice or Oldsmobile F88 two seater brand and work from there should they want a cheaper alternative to the Vette.

WadeH

Huskerman has it right.

If I remember correctly, the early C5 fixed roof coupe had an MSRP just under 40K when it first came out. It did not sell well.

Chevy discontinued the fixed roof coupe and it became the basis for the C5 Z06, which was quite successful.

Corvette buyers want performance.

x88

Sounds like you are looking for a base model Camaro

Snowwolfe

NO, otherwise it wouldn't be a Corvette

Don-Vette

What kind of ridiculousness is this? My world is pretty much like my answers around here, black and white and to the point. Either you want a Corvette and all that comes with it. Or you want something less than a Corvette. It's really that simple.

Air filters,brakes and tires. Are part of maintenance on ANY automobile btw.

bhoch

I thought Chevy already did this with their current models. when you look at Base vs GS vs Z06 vs ZR1 in the C6 or Base vs Z06 in the C5 and base vs Z06 in the C7, they have the model differences.

I hope they NEVER go to less performance that what they are already doing. let' the muscle/pony, etc.. cars have the larger engine differences. Keep the Vette as performance oriented.

Last thing I want to pull up next to is a C7/C8 with only 300 HP unless it weighs in about 1000lb less then current.

hotmotorsports

I was a bit harsh, but there is NO room for a non-Corvette Corvette.

Chuck M

R&L's C6

I think it's too bad they gave up on the Solstice personally. Every time my wife see's one, she want's one.

If the Corvette keeps getting more expensive, I think it's time to bring it back, there would be a market for it.

gguillie

As I expected, the consensus is obvious and was anticipated. But, I did want to see if there were any differing opinions. GM take note!

As for "getting over it" . . . This isn't about what I want. I am fortunate enough to have a pretty nice '13 C6 that I bought for the same reasons all have expressed, and I bought it because my 2010 1LT base coupe didn't give me all I wanted. And, I have a k&N!

juanvaldez

You can get a C7 for around $50k.

hig4s

wait, this is the C6 forum.. And the comment was made about having a mid $40k Corvette??

I bought my 2011 coupe, new in 2011 for $41k.

So the answer is doh!!