AFVETTE

Any predictions on raw performance numbers?

Tom

m48xhp

base model, probably not.

z06 and zr1 will highly likely be faster, quicker, and handle better.

CPhelps

Too many variables about the C7 (and even the '13 GT500) are still up in the air to really say. A 400 hp LS2 Corvette beat the original 500hp GT500 in head to head same day testing in every performance category. Many assume the C7 will be lighter than the C6, and it would not be unreasonable to expect 450-480 hp from the Gen V small block in the C7. If I recall correctly they are saying the '13 GT500 will weigh in the neighborhood of 3850 lbs, and with 650 hp would still have a power:weight ratio advantage over a C7, however the original did over the LS2 C6 as well. I personally am expecting the MR dampers and PTM systems to be standard on the C7, depending on what Ford has done to put power to the pavement, it could be close, or even wind up with the C7 on top. If the GT500s are able to put all 650 hp to use, and get good launches in factory spec, then we may have to wait for a higher powered C7 Corvette to definitively beat one in a straight line. I still would expect a C7 to have the edge in the handling department, although the GT500 will certainly be no slouch there either.

FloydSummerOf68

I don't believe it'll be faster in regards to acceleration, no.

LS1LT1

650hp/600tq is A LOT of power, but 3850+ pounds (that's the current car, with the larger brakes and heavier duty pieces needed to harness that extra power the 2013 might weigh even more) is A LOT heavier than 3100/3200 pounds as well.
Both cars will also likely use an even more sophisticated launch control feature than what we have right now.
Aerodynamics play a small role here as well.
I think it could be close.

obxchartercaptain

I really don't believe there will be a Z06 with the introduction of the C7. There will be the base C7 coupe/Vert....GS coupe/Vert and the Z01. Maybe in a couple of years to spur more sales they might intro a NEW Z06. Anyway...thats just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions....

LS1LT1

I actually do agree with you, I don't think there will even be a C7 Z06 either.





I think you meant to type ZR1 there.

shawnvettefan

Different cars, different markets! That's why there is a Camaro.....wrong comparison.

And even if the Mustang has 800 HP, I would still take the Camaro for it's looks.

niteriderc5

And if it isn't , will you be one of the many here that are now considering the NSX?

obxchartercaptain

Yes....I'm sorry I did mean ZR1. Thanks. As for me, I think I will get one of those 2013 427 Verts. It will be my last Corvette and I might as well go out with a bang. I hope they will have other color combo's available other then the White/blue. I really want a White/Red. Anyway, those are my plans.

TTRotary

I think the more relevant question is whether the base car will be expected to just match or slightly exceed the performance of the Camaro ZL1, because that is one heckufa performance machine. It clobbered the Boss 302 around Laguna Seca and it has some seriously advanced suspension technology built in. I think it would be faster around a track than today's base C6 and probably even the GS. If history is any indication, they would build the C7 so that it is very close in acceleration and superior on the track. And that would make for one impressive vehicle.

LS1LT1

You may be right, especially around a road course as you'd mentioned...but in actual straight line acceleration/speed with equal drivers at the same track on the same day, the Camaro ZL1 and the Corvette LS3 should be somewhat closely matched.

Z_Rocks

Getting all that power down with live axle, is the biggest issue. Straight line is one thing but in twisters, is something else.

LS1LT1

True, and I believe the Camaro ZL1's IRS (along with that awesome new Magnetic Ride Control) is what's giving it quite an advantage over the Mustangs out on a road course.

BlueOx

Man, who really cares? If you get a little faster in one or the other, is that all that matters to you? I like the Corvette for far more than just speed and I know it will be very fast...faster than I, or most other people, will probably ever attain given my abilities.

I think a lot of folks will NEVER attain the peak abilities of these cars unless they are pure trackers. That is the real question...which will be faster on the track and is that the only reason I will buy one?

tail_lights

I have the exact opposite opinion, I think Ford hit the nail on the head with the current Mustang styling. My Wife however, prefers the Camaros

BlueOx

OK, the real question in your house is who wins?

zland

I think GM knows they got to be competitive when releasing the C7. I cannot imagine releasing a car that does not meet the benchmarks of the competition.

SlickShoes

650hp.....meh. So what. Only 12hp over that of a current ZR1, and while the ZR1 is incredibly quick now, imagine what it'd feel like with your 400lb obese friend strapped in the passenger seat next to you, and a full stereo system with two extra car batteries, 4 amplifiers, a pair of 12" subs in a box, and a host of screens and component sets. Then lift the car off the ground about 4 more inches, and swap the aluminum IRS for an iron solid axle.

Now you're about where the GT500's putting its crosshairs, lol.

Endeka

No way in hell will the base model be as fast as the GT500. The Z06 and ZR1 will probably be faster. They're just more focused-2 seats, low, very light weight. You can't wring that kind of performance out of a 4-seat semi-sedan.