E.T.D. Corvettes

Interesting comments from Kirk Bennion, C7 exterior design manager...

"Corvette designer sought to put distance between C6 and C7"

http://soa.li/ezC0wiL

Mike Mercury

there's no doubt this needed to happen. There's not much arguement about this.

But why was that specific rear styling chosen ???

sounds more like a damage-control response.

BlueOx

I don't see it as damage control. I think he was just being accurate because they aren't square. They are trapezoidal.

What I read into the whole article that Kirk and all are just fine with their decisions and they love it.

Kirk has been involved with the Corvette for a very long time and they were clearly SICK of round tail lights...everybody does round tail lights and in the dark you wouldn't know the difference between a 90's Impala and a Corvette.

petermj

They failed big time not just from C6 but C4 as well, considering how much the new interior layout and console shape looks like C4.

skank

I've talked about the trapezoidal shape for a long time now. If you want to be mathematically correct they are scalene quadrilaterals which is a form of trapezoid. I really don't think they want to get too technical with the public in describing the mathematical forms that are involved with the C7 design. Most of this forum either understand the mathematical design language or are completely out in left field with the Camaro references.

Mike Mercury

Mathematics are moot... when the required outcome is that a potential customer needs to have a good first impression.

skank

As we have discussed this at great length before. The reasons for going to a rectilinear shape is the ability to use duel fresnel technology in their tail light lens. The new tail light lens can refract light downward to allow lighting for the backup camera. The round tail light can not refract light downward without looking weird.

petermj

Why does Corvette need a back up camera? And if for some mysterious reason it does, why not use the rear license plate area instead?

Mike Mercury

and as many have discussed in length; the rear view is the less desirable part of the C7.

All the math and science - doesn't affect what peoples eyes are seeing.

skank

I think it's great that they can use the tail lights for both functions. Why add another light for the backup camera when the new tail lights can function as both.

skank

I find the rear view is very desirable because of the tail light design. So here we go again.

petermj

Cost and cutting out aftermarket come to mind? And if this is indeed the case, the lights will stay on the car through the entire length of this generation.

GoldenRod

Because some form of it is a legal requirement going forward. And it's a light-weight and useful feature.

Mike Mercury

function before form; there's nothing wrong with that.

But on a car I would buy - that's not my DD.... I want form-before-function as it pertains to exterior styling.

Can you say "there's nothing wrong with that" ???

BlueOx

Why does any car need a backup camera? To see better out back. Pretty obvious.

OJCrush08

That's interesting - never heard that one before. Kinda makes me wonder though... You see, my daily driver is a late model Acura MDX, my wife's new car is a '13 Hyundai Elantra GT. Both cars are equipped with back-up cameras and both seem to function reasonably well in reduced light without dual fresnel technology or emitting Z rays....

In fact, the GT has a pretty clever idea that my Acura does not even have. The camera remains covered until reverse is engaged - keeps it a lot cleaner especially during the Winter.

Fascinating to hear all this dialogue explaining the rear lights....

I suppose I must just be a damn Luddite - bottom line for me is if I like the way they look, since their functionality is a done deal as mandated by DOT regs.

Guess I will stick with my "Grandfather" 622 h/p, 3050 lb Z06 for a mite longer -even got my own monogrammed parking slot at the rest home...

E.T.D. Corvettes

Seriously, I have a child short enough to not be seen when walking behind my C6. Backup camera is a nice add.

petermj

C6 is 49 inches tall total. Nevertheless, each to their own.

Mike Mercury

I added a backup camera to my C5 (when I upgraded the radio head unit). I liked it.

The science behind the decisions - for me - is welcomed. But there's still room for style & form... along with the science.

ldepalma

I would have liked an additional frontal camera as well so I don't have to guess where the front cement bumpers are at stores when parking. I always seem to park further away from them instead of getting to close, but that's just me. I don't want any underneath damage to my baby...