Wgg2017

I think the z06 should return to it's true track roots and ditch the rear trunk. It should be a light weight track weapon that competes with the top Ferraris and McLarens. THAT would get me interested even if it doesn't have a manual. I don't actually expect the trunk to go though, and it will probably compete just fine regardless.

jimmypop13

But the trunk is empty weight so I'm confused. Just don't put anything in the trunk and it will weigh the same as no trunk?!?
If you mean shorten the car by a foot or so, well I got a bridge to sell ya..

Pisswilly

Get rid of the frunk too.

r00t61

Well, if we're going to play this game, then Z06 should be:

1. Fixed-roof only - no targa, no vert option
2. Alcantara only - leather is heavy
3. No radio
4. Lexan/polycarbonate windows only - have no glass
5. Have competition seats with fixed angle - manual forward/back adjustments only
6. No sound deadening
7. No runflats

New car dude

Simply not understanding this series of cars intended purpose is a mistake. If we are to assume a pure track status car with no provisions as a daily driver then we are looking at a completely different market entirely. World wide, people are still looking for practicality, as well as performance. Two companies are about to market FULL LMP road cars that simply are built to smash track records only. Both cars are expected to be over the million dollar mark, but essentially WORTHLESS as road cars. If thats what you want then GM will NEVER provide this type of vehicle for you. One of those cars employs a engine straight out of FORMULA1 cars that simply has a life span measured in hours in racing before a complete rebuild in 2019 still. Cant wait to see the guy who plunks down the million for that one.

fasttoys

I not sure removing the rear trunk will save a tremendous amount of weight. I would expect the more powerful overhead cam motor to be heavier than the NA motor in the Z51. My concern reducing weight by going with more expensive materials will increase the price, then add 2025 government MPG & safety standards which will cause additional challenges for the team. Let us not forget the C8 frame was beefed up to handle a lot more power even possibly electric motors for the top Zora version. This will be interesting & I thought my 15 Z06 weighed more than my 14 Z51.

Just a few Z06 challenges when trying to reducing weight:
Wider tires and wheels
Overhead cam motor & maybe twin-turbo
Wider body Front & rear
More robust DCT
Bigger brakes Calipers and rotors (Go carbon rotors to reduce weight increase price 5kish)

Rkreigh

the tt engine and more robust dct (I hope) will all weigh more, and then we have the electric motor and battery up front

echhh 4k plus in a blink as the car is heavy now. so some exotic parts and parts left out will help

ditch the suitcase muff lightweight glass, more magnesium in the frame.

Problem is the car is huge. I'd like to see a lotus evora size vette with 800 hp at 3200 lbs and I'd be just fine.

Jeff V.

I'll wager $5 that GM goes the opposite direction and adds massaging seats, and a Mercedes style air scarf system for the convertible.

Vetteman Jack

The Z06 will do just fine with a trunk and will appeal to a much wider audience. Just like the C7 Z06, not all the cars were used for track duty.

StanleyTTU

Removing the trunk really only gives you opportunity for active aero. But that would add weight, not reduce it.

Foosh

While I think it would be more attractive with a more downward sloped rear deck a la the Ferrari 488, I doubt it would save more than a few pounds. Moreover, there would be aerodynamic consequences that would need to be taken into account. The wheelbase would need to remain the same regardless because it's only cost effective to use the same frame on all variants.

ArmchairArchitect

+ lighter weight magnesium or carbon fiber wheels (unsprung weight is the best weight to lose)
+ titanium exhaust

Yep, they should make a version with at least the bolded items above. It doesn't have to be the Z06 but it could be a Z06-L special version (L being for "lightweight").

There's a reason that C5 and C6 Z06s sold so well- extreme measures for light-weighting were taken, including thinning out the glass, stock titanium exhaust, etc. Also why the 911 GT_RS models are popular. Not everyone wants a grand tourer or daily driver.

The faster lap times would also elevate the Corvette brand even further. Look at what the GT2RS Nurburgring time did for 911s (side note: the validity of the time is questionable due to the off-market special compound tires used, but the point is still valid). A rising tide lifts all boats.

RapidC84B

The ship has sailed for a hardcore track car, or even a C5/C6-esque car where they have minimal content and are light weight. GM knows what sells. When they went porky with the C7Z and offered auto the take rate was over 70% auto and people wanted creature comforts and a power number. They went for power at the expense of track longevity (cooling).

The C8Z06 will be a TT 700+ horse badass, but it'll be every bit of 3800 lbs. There's no low hanging fruit to remove weight:

1. The exhaust is already a very short run and has tubular headers.

2. There's no torque tube to do in carbon fiber.

3. The wheels/tires/brakes will all be bigger.

4. The cooling will have to be more robust to deal with 700-800 horse.

5. The days of fixed roof are over for now given the modern airbag laws. Tadge has commented that by making all Corvettes "convertible" they can have consistent airbag requirements across all models.

The C8 Z06 will be a TT version of the C7 Z06.... fast and heavy and cool looking. However, I'll wager they make sure this one can make it through a 30 minute HPDE in the summer (cue the folks who thing 2017+ Z06s were fixed because they're 6/10ths pace touring laps don't get the car hot).

RapidC84B

Actually... they didn't sell that well vs. the normal cars. Also, folks who wanted the "performance model" were forced into buying the car as it was offered. As I just posted above... when GM went targa/vert/auto in the Z06 with the C7 the sales increased dramatically.

FN in MT

Get rid of the trunk and redesign the ugly , bloated rear end!

RapidC84B

The trunk and rear sizing are all dictated around storing the targa... it barely fit and there were design considerations specifically to get it to fit:

1. The painted trip over the windshield (vs. the C4/5/6/7) shortens the targa as well as there's a nub on the b-pillar vs. the prior cars being straight across.

2. They recessed the rear hatch inner panel to just fit it... it sticks up past the trunk gaskets.

So... to your point... they'd have to go fixed roof and that's not happening. Plus, cost amortization and parts sharing.

usrodeo4

If they need to remove the trunk to clean up the *** end then that would get my vote for sure.

LilNutSac

You want them to remove a void in the rear of the car? So, redesign the entire thing so it's less useful? Yeah......... Good thinking.............

Who says it isn't?? Maybe it can still do that with a space for things in the rear

RapidC84B

Exactly... that's always been Corvette's appeal. You can set lap records and haul the groceries.

New car dude

Lets all agree for once that Mary Barra is a genius, and will not put GM back in the debt hole it crawled out of by government assitance. Dont forget, CORVETTE WAS SUPPOSED TO DIE. Anyone here asking for some highly personalized track focused machine already has that and more. If you want to go further then gut your car and replace everything with the lightest weight components that the aftermarket will supply, but dont ask GM to go bankrupt doing it for you. Because that just aint happening anytime soon. The next Z06 is guaranteed to outperform a 992 Turbo S, and thats all you can really ask for.