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This SAE article discusses the C7 aluminum frame:

http://www.sae.org/mags/aei/11744?PC=130204ALL

I'm not sure how much new information this provides, but this quote may add fuel to the what-does-it-weigh-? fire:

“Although GM spokesmen did not reveal the new Vette’s curb weight, they did indicate that it will weigh a bit less than the current vehicle’s 3208 lb (1455 kg). “

petermj

"Although GM spokesmen did not reveal the new Vette’s curb weight, they did indicate that it will weigh a bit less than the current vehicle’s 3208 lb (1455 kg)

This article quotes base C6 weight as an objective but somehow forgets about the current 3175lbs Z06 (larger and heavier wheels and tires included), one with more power and aluminum/titanium frame?

The fact GM did not release any weight numbers for C7 is a very good indication the car itself is not lighter, GM would be bragging about it otherwise for sure.

Ironically, the frame saves 99 pounds while the car supposed to weigh about the same as its steel framed predecessor, what is exactly the point here? Cram more junk in the car because the car frame is lighter?

Bill17601

That new electric emergency brake weighs about 130 lbs. then add the electric posi and valves for the exhaust weigh a bunch. So the new curb weight is actually 4200 lbs. only kidding son..

LS1LT1

Well, maybe that too, but let us also not forget about structural rigidity/body flex either.
Those are CRITICAL elements in a world class sports car and while I don't like (nor want) to see the car gain any weight, I am certainly happy to see that they did in fact IMPROVE the vehicle's structural integrity/frame stiffness by a notable amount (according to the engineers/design team at least).

rcallen484

You don't think base to base weight is a fair comparison? You don't think lowering the center of gravity with the carbon fiber hood and roof is a good idea? You don't think a lighter, CONSIDERABLY STIFFER, frame is a good idea? You don't think they should have made those changes?

LS1LT1

Hoping this is true.

petermj

I think lighter frame should be combined with overall weight reduction

petermj

Without seeing actual tests and results of torsional analysis, hard to take GM statements at face value.

Davy_Baby9

That is not a fact, just your opinion.

Davy_Baby9

Yeah, why build a more rigid, stronger car..

OJCrush08

Clearly, increasing stringent fed crash, emissions, and fleet mileage requirements have added noticeable weight, and this has been mentioned previously. As one example, due to substantially increased vibration as a consequence of introducing AFM, the drivetrain had to be made quite a bit heavier to dampen these vibrations.

I am somewhat surprised tht GM did not choose to take some pretty low hanging fruit to further reduce weight - a ti exhaust, similar to C5 Z06. I was also disappointed they did not offer this on the C6 Z so I replaced the SS with full ti exhaust and saved 34 lbs.

When and when an LT4 appears as an S/C variant, expect further substantial weight gains due to S/C itself, intercooler, larger wheels, tires, brakes, etc. Perhaps they will offer ti on this model which will likely MSRP for at least an additional 20k over base C7.

No free lunch.

As for factory weights, my '10 3LZ Z06 weighed in at 3167 lbs, now,100 lbs lighter.

CitationZ06@yahoo

They are sand bagging to give us a 3100lb 600 HP Z06. Don't expect cf and super duper tech in the first year for 55k.

Never mind you do get super duper tech for 55k. Good job GM..

JerriVette

3050 lbs for the new stingray corvette is my opinion.

My 1lt C6 Z51 without runflats weighs in at 3172 lbs.

85scott

This makes more sense. Afterall, GM is removing 150-175 lbs.
And adding back in a still unknown amount for high-tech engine equipment, interior gadgets, heavier exhaust system, and safety regs.

So I don't think its too likely it weighs more than a base C6.
And certainly not near as much as some magazines guess estimated.

petermj

how do you kno it is more rigid and STRONGER? And as compared to which model of the current vette?

TriplBlk

They are referring to the frame, which IS more rigid and stronger

Michael A

I for one am not willing to have flimsy pieces on the car that can't hold up to track use just to impress everyone with low curb weight numbers.

Michael

petermj

Can you back this up somehow, post links to actual analyses and tests GM did on both C6 steel and C7 aluminum frames.

Davy_Baby9

In what world is the outgoing model superior to the new incoming model? You act like the new C7 frame is made out of bubble gum and pixie stix.

"GM gave the C7 Corvette an all-new aluminum and magnesium frame, which is twice as stiff as the old steel frame, but still manages to weight almost 100 pounds less."

http://gas2.org/2013/01/17/naias-201...nd-efficiency/

petermj

Sorry bud but as a civil engineer, I would like to see some date instead of assurances by GM, you and few others. Or do you expect to just believe in these claims because you say so?