Mid Engine Corvette
#121
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Not advocating, only looking at the range of possibilities.
#122
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I think GM may very well rebadge the 2014 corvette and try to market it as a car with that is like a 100k+ high end car with out the 100k+ price. They may even make the corvette it's own brand under GM to show just how much of a leap this car is into the high end.
#123
Le Mans Master
#125
Team Owner
Which would run completely counter to the original intent of the Corvette. Not going to happen thankfully.
#126
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I said badge, not manufacturing brand. The prestige problem isn't because Corvette's a Chevy; it's because Corvette is relatively inexpensive and common. Corvette is a strong brand, it just doesn't have snob appeal. Invent a new brand for a new mid-engined car if you want prestige money, and leave Corvette to own its present segment.
Or, make Corvette a brand, give the present car a legitimate model name, and give the new car a different model name. This is harder and riskier, though.
Or, make Corvette a brand, give the present car a legitimate model name, and give the new car a different model name. This is harder and riskier, though.
#127
Team Owner
I said badge, not manufacturing brand. The prestige problem isn't because Corvette's a Chevy; it's because Corvette is relatively inexpensive and common. Corvette is a strong brand, it just doesn't have snob appeal. Invent a new brand for a new mid-engined car if you want prestige money, and leave Corvette to own its present segment.
Or, make Corvette a brand, give the present car a legitimate model name, and give the new car a different model name. This is harder and riskier, though.
Or, make Corvette a brand, give the present car a legitimate model name, and give the new car a different model name. This is harder and riskier, though.
#128
I haven't said much about mid-engine because I have little interest in the topic and believe it is unlikely to happen.
That said, I will say this...if I had to pick one single thing that would really negatively affect the image that Corvette has as one of the top front-engined supercars, it would be a mid-engine configuration. That would completely change the Corvette design and drive sales away vs an AWD option or separate model. Just my opinion but it is also backed up by Tom Peters, the Chief Designer for the C6/Z06 in this interview from sometime in the 06-07 timeframe...
That said, I will say this...if I had to pick one single thing that would really negatively affect the image that Corvette has as one of the top front-engined supercars, it would be a mid-engine configuration. That would completely change the Corvette design and drive sales away vs an AWD option or separate model. Just my opinion but it is also backed up by Tom Peters, the Chief Designer for the C6/Z06 in this interview from sometime in the 06-07 timeframe...
Q: The idea of a midengine Corvette has persisted for more than 30 years. Can you ever see a time when the Corvette might go to a midengine format?
A: Sure. I think you can do that. I can see that. However, I would say I could see it being an addition to the Corvette lineup. Because when you look at a front-engine/rear wheel drive setup, this vehicle is a 50-50 perfect balance from a weight-distribution standpoint. And from a usability standpoint, the Corvette is probably one of the first “crossover” vehicles. The space in the rear holds just a ton of cargo. It’s surprising to most. If you haven’t been near a Corvette and haven’t experienced one, you can’t believe the usability of it. The fact that you can take the top off and store it in the back. It’s so beneficial from a customer standpoint. To me-I think you can’t just make a shift like that. I think you could add to the marque with, say, a supercar version of the Corvette. I was involved with the Corvette Indy in the late ’80s, and they worked with that around the Ilmor engine, but again, just in concept. My perspective is, I think you can add to the lineup, but you couldn’t replace it.
A: Sure. I think you can do that. I can see that. However, I would say I could see it being an addition to the Corvette lineup. Because when you look at a front-engine/rear wheel drive setup, this vehicle is a 50-50 perfect balance from a weight-distribution standpoint. And from a usability standpoint, the Corvette is probably one of the first “crossover” vehicles. The space in the rear holds just a ton of cargo. It’s surprising to most. If you haven’t been near a Corvette and haven’t experienced one, you can’t believe the usability of it. The fact that you can take the top off and store it in the back. It’s so beneficial from a customer standpoint. To me-I think you can’t just make a shift like that. I think you could add to the marque with, say, a supercar version of the Corvette. I was involved with the Corvette Indy in the late ’80s, and they worked with that around the Ilmor engine, but again, just in concept. My perspective is, I think you can add to the lineup, but you couldn’t replace it.
#129
Team Owner
I haven't said much about mid-engine because I have little interest in the topic and believe it is unlikely to happen.
That said, I will say this...if I had to pick one single thing that would really negatively affect the image that Corvette has as one of the top front-engined supercars, it would be a mid-engine configuration. That would completely change the Corvette design and drive sales away vs an AWD option or separate model. Just my opinion but it is also backed up by Tom Peters, the Chief Designer for the C6/Z06 in this interview from sometime in the 06-07 timeframe...
That said, I will say this...if I had to pick one single thing that would really negatively affect the image that Corvette has as one of the top front-engined supercars, it would be a mid-engine configuration. That would completely change the Corvette design and drive sales away vs an AWD option or separate model. Just my opinion but it is also backed up by Tom Peters, the Chief Designer for the C6/Z06 in this interview from sometime in the 06-07 timeframe...
But now, he does also seem to stress the importance of that very desirable 'near 50/50' (it's actually closer to 51/49 depending on which C6 model we're looking at) weight distribution in that article.
Certainly adding AWD would also throw that balance off if using a platform similar to/the same as what we currently have (I know some have mentioned an increase in wheel base to offset that added frontal weight).
#130
That makes sense.
But now, he does also seem to stress the importance of that very desirable 'near 50/50' (it's actually closer to 51/49 depending on which C6 model we're looking at) weight distribution in that article.
Certainly adding AWD would also throw that balance off if using a platform similar to/the same as what we currently have (I know some have mentioned an increase in wheel base to offset that added frontal weight).
But now, he does also seem to stress the importance of that very desirable 'near 50/50' (it's actually closer to 51/49 depending on which C6 model we're looking at) weight distribution in that article.
Certainly adding AWD would also throw that balance off if using a platform similar to/the same as what we currently have (I know some have mentioned an increase in wheel base to offset that added frontal weight).
Tom is now the GM Performance Design Director for GM...here is a little project he has been working on lately...funny how that hood venting looks similar to the Jalopnik C7 rendering hood and even the smaller rear fender vents.
http://www.lsxtv.com/news/videozl1-w...or-tom-peters/
Last edited by BlueOx; 08-06-2012 at 03:12 PM.
#131
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There is nothing magic about a 50/50 static weight distribution. As a matter of fact, a low polar moment of inertia and a rear weight bias contribute to improved handling, traction, and balance under braking.
#132
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And certainly adding more weight (via an AWD system) to the very front of a car with 50%/50% or 51%/49% F/R weight distribution can drive that balance even further into that 'less than ideal' (53/47? 54/46?) territory.
I personally would much rather have a 46/54 or even a 44/56 F/R weight distribution but I think many suspension/handling/braking engineers are often afraid to do that in a street car.
A mid-engine RWD layout could certainly deliver that rear weight bias and all of the benefits that comes with it but I think it's quite clear that the Corvette team is not exploring that at this juncture.
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Last edited by LS1LT1; 08-06-2012 at 08:20 PM.
#133
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#134
It can be argued that a manual transmission offers a "fundamentally more sporting experience" in terms of driver involvement, yet look at the low take rate of manual transmissions on the F430, something like 1% (Ferrari had previously thought 20% would choose manual). Now they've made the DCT the default transmission.
A mid-engined supercar grabs attention for all kinds of reasons. Image/looks. Rarity. Exotic nature of build. General impracticality as regards to cost, space, reliability, etc. Some of these points are probably there for the reasons I'm citing as to why a mid-engined Corvette won't necessarily increase sales beyond a front-engined one: At the Corvette's price point, practicality is a bigger issue than it is for someone willing to drop nearly $300k on a 458 (or Porsche competitor to the 458). They won't necessarily give up that practicality for a more sporting experience.
To further reinforce that quote from Tom Peters, here's a journalist from Pistonheads who visited the Wixom engine plant and talked to Corvette team members working on the C7:
"Juechter dismisses the speculation about a switch to a mid-engine layout by saying Corvettes have always been practical, and the switch away from a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout would significantly dent that."
AWD as an option allows that basic front-engined, RWD layout to exist.
It is interesting to consider that GM might consider a mid-engined version of a Corvette, but I think such a model would only be supplement to the front-engined model.
#135
I thoroughly agree. I didn't actually imply that it was ideal/perfect, Tom Peters did.
And certainly adding more weight (via an AWD system) to the very front of a car with 50%/50% or 51%/49% F/R weight distribution can drive that balance even further into that 'less than ideal' (53/47? 54/46?) territory.
And certainly adding more weight (via an AWD system) to the very front of a car with 50%/50% or 51%/49% F/R weight distribution can drive that balance even further into that 'less than ideal' (53/47? 54/46?) territory.
While I agree that more weight over the rear axle is ideal, arguably the sharpest-handling, most balanced front-engined cars on the market, the FRS/BRZ duo, have a claimed 53/47 weight distribution (55/45 as measured by the mags).
#136
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But then again those are 2700/2800 pound cars that are also being touted for their extremely low center of gravity too. Not sure if that matters at all or not but perhaps one needs to also consider total weight when determing an 'ideal' weight distribution and it's effects (if any) and not simply taking the F/R percentage splits alone.
Just not sure on that one.
#137
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It appears that you are associating "supercar" with a different trait than I am; you "price" and me "performance" (both objective and subjective performance). A mid-engine Vette does not have to be supercar priced.
#138
Once you have driven a mid-engine car, it is hard to imagine dreaming about owning anything else. I did not understand this until I drove a Boxster and an f430. But what is done is done, and the only contingent plans at GM are for the c8. The Corvette minus its engine placement is already a thing to behold; a pirouette of clever, yet simple engineering that makes the Germans look dumb. Many people, even youngsters realize this, yet a mid-engine Ferrari is still the dream for technical geeks and style oriented people alike, and it all comes down to angular mass; it is such an easy and formulaic stepping stone into becoming a true "supercar", and now with the camaro trouncing dangerously close to corvette territory, on top of the impending release of an ever better version, I think the time has never been better to justify a mid-engine vette. Oh and one more thing, there are tons of mid-engine cars that can fit two gold-bags. take a look at the evora/mp4-12c(rear shelf)/boxster as a few examples. I mean, the extra luggage argument is just nonsense, and that leaves us with heritage/cost. The ONLY way it would cost more is if GM couldn't reach the economies of scale due to the redesign; this is indeed a risk. Then again, who not buy a Vette is it was mid-engine and had comparable luggage space.... If you wouldn't because you cant fit all your lifes baggage, then you need to reconsider why you own a Vette in the first place (Do not make me embed the True Lies clip). Given how few Corvettes GM sells anyway, the dent to the bottom line would be far less than if they decided to give the Malibu a lukewarm redo (oh wait they did). It is time for the Corvette to stop being a compromise machine--that is what the Camaro is for.
Last edited by Almost There; 08-06-2012 at 11:11 PM.
#139
Team Owner
Once you have driven a mid-engine car, it is hard to imagine dreaming about owning anything else. I did not understand this until I drove a Boxster and an f430. But what is done is done, and the only contingent plans at GM are for the c8. The Corvette minus its engine placement is already a thing to behold; a pirouette of clever, yet simple engineering that makes the Germans look dumb. Many people, even youngsters realize this, yet a mid-engine Ferrari is still the dream for technical geeks and style oriented people alike, and it all comes down to angular mass; it is such an easy and formulaic stepping stone into becoming a true "supercar", and now with the camaro trouncing dangerously close to corvette territory, on top of the impending release of an ever better version, I think the time has never been better to justify a mid-engine vette. Oh and one more thing, there are tons of mid-engine cars that can fit two gold-bags. take a look at the evora/mp4-12c(rear shelf)/boxster as a few examples. I mean, the extra luggage argument is just nonsense, and that leaves us with heritage/cost. The ONLY way it would cost more is if GM couldn't reach the economies of scale due to the redesign; this is indeed a risk. Then again, who not buy a Vette is it was mid-engine and had comparable luggage space.... If you wouldn't because you cant fit all your lifes baggage, then you need to reconsider why you own a Vette in the first place (Do not make me embed the True Lies clip). Given how few Corvettes GM sells anyway, the dent to the bottom line would be far less than if they decided to give the Malibu a lukewarm redo (oh wait they did). It is time for the Corvette to stop being a compromise machine--that is what the Camaro is for.
Too bad the Z06 and ZR1 DESTROY your F430 in every way(outside of looks and sound) possible. Would I love to have an F car? Sure, but for the status, nothing else. If I want to go beat up on other fast cars, I'm taking the Corvette. If I want to be seen by everyone, and use the exhaust note as my stereo, I'd take the exotic.
#140
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