Corvette_Nut

Save The Wave,
Corvette_Nut

2slow2speed

The first image seems to be off, that one has a stingray logo on the door. Are you sure that was a sketch by the GM designer(s)?

skank

These design concept computer renderings are definitely from GM Design Studio. Most likely Hwassup Lee !
Incredible Corvette Nut that you are so connected!

RapidC84B

First one looks like a bad kit car. 2nd and 3rd are right on.

stormcloak

Wheels on that second sketch aren't remotely large enough.

vettesweetnos

That steering wheel looks so good. Just compare it to some wheels of the past Corvettes, eeesh.

jcp911s

Wider rear fender flares make the backside less horrible... more J-Lo and less Kim-K.... but still too much junk in the trunk...

Racer X

The compromises between concept art and production are significant. Some things can’t be produced, or produced at your cost target. Some things just can’t be driven on the street without constant damage, they can only be static. Some things have to be changed for aero or cooling or to fit around the suspension and hard points.

When you have no physical or cost considerations you can design really cool looking things.

IdahoZ

funny how in design sketches they have the correct stance and wheel gap

Racer X

The gap and stance on almost all those pictures is not practical on the street as an everyday driver, which is GM's intent for the Corvette. Insufficient suspension travel and tire clearance at full lock and full compression. It is for static looks only. And the wheels on some of those would have massive weight, inappropriate for a sports car. And be prepared to have to replace wheels on a regular basis from potholes.

JockItch

All joking aside I really like the design of those.. both the spoke design and the concavity (yes I know it’s exaggerated just like the wheel sizes and the rest of the car for that matter).

JABCAT

For the much older demographic that purchase/will be purchasing these vehicles & want them to ride more like a Caddy.

Racer X

As someone that daily drove an RX7 with race springs, and heim jointed sway bars, that is not the issue. When you have almost no side wall, and at most 1” of suspension compression, and less than 3” of ground clearance, it is not practical for where you live, even if you stayed on Preston, or the toll road. Concepts are drawn to look good, not be drivable examples. Look at the second drawing, and honestly tell us if you think it would be a practical daily driver without damaging the car or its components.

jimmyb

Oh please.
Again with the"Caddy" generalization...
You should have checked the demographics of the C8 before trotting out the old, tired, and totally lacking in originality, C8 customer generalization..

PS. Cadillac has changed a good deal in the last...oh, I don't know, 15+ YEARS, as has THEIR demographic. You should probably use Lexus as your "smooth ride" example these days.

road pilot

Sign me up for the first sketch.
I am not crazy about the color
but it really suits me. Great
proportions,nice balance.
I wish GM had built it.

VER

The spoke and grip placement still does not make sense to me and not sure why the wheel (literally) needed to be reinvented.

JockItch

Interesting that the sketch has center exhaust when they originally developed the C8 Z06 to have side exhaust like the Stingray.

WalterSobchak

Yeah I was wondering the same thing on the authenticity of them because of that.

JABCAT

The 3rd pic down which is more realistic would be fine. The front splitter on my Z is 3.25” off the ground and I have no issues. As has been pointed out many times on this forum, Porsche seems to get it right on their vehicles, Chevy got it right on the Camaro ZL1, and they’re both all over the place in this area. The fact of the matter is Corvettes have unnecessary wheel/tire gap - due in part, I suspect, to the buyer demographic.


And what demographics might those be? This is the only quote I can find related to C8 buyer demographics & it’s devoid of any actual numbers - color me surprised.

“According to General Motors’ Steve Hill, the number of C8 Corvettes sold to Generation X customers has doubled over the C7.” - Corvette Blogger courtesy of GM Authority.

I’d bet the C8 buyer median age is still up there around 60. And there are plenty of threads on this forum, even in C8 general about the ride and people wanting a smooth, Caddy-like ride.

Racer X

The first 3 may not be legal in some states as the tires stand proud of the fenders looking straight down. The third while better than the first two, would likely have interference at full lock and full compression. The forth might work but we don’t really have a good angle. Concepts are to look good, not actually be driven in real world circumstances. Wheel gap doesn’t determine ride if the tires are properly tucked inside the fenders. Plenty of cars in the fifties had no wheel or tire gap in the back. That is not to say the Corvette couldn’t narrow the gap, but they do allow you to do it easily without changing the springs. No change in ride until you hit the bump stops on compression. There is a reason they have the gap they have for a reason, they just aren’t talking. They used to have a corporate rules that all cars need to be able install chains without modification. Don’t know if it is still true.

On Corvette buyer demographics, remember you are one, how old are you? I bought my first new Corvette at 29.