C6 Z06 Price!

[Zoomin]

Other Vette forums have at least 8 threads on this topic, so I figure we could use another.

The February issue of Motor Trend is a pretty good read. You might want to pick up a copy for more than just the Z06 info.

For instance, they have an article on the new Viper coupe. In that article they mention that Dodge held interviews with members of the Viper Owners Association to get their input on the new car. Based on the input they received, changes were made to accomodate their wishes for a more agressive look.

This made me wonder - has anyone here been contacted for input? As Z06 owners, you would think that we would be the largest group of people that will purchase the next version. But it's hard to believe that much consideration was given to us. While the new Z is mechanically wonderful, the changes seem to push the price of it out of the reach of many of us. While I would love to have one, and can afford it, I just am having a hard time rationalizing $75,000 being a "bargain" for current Z05 owners. Lambo owners, on the other hand, will pick one up to make those cumbersome trips to the bank.

The other aspect that bugs me is the abandonment of the FRC roofline. I know the argument about better aero, but c'mon - a top speed of 195 instead of 200 isn't going to alter my enjoyment of the car one iota. The other thing is the additional weight of the glass hatch, being up high, would be more of a factor than drag coefficient. Keep in mind Mr Hill expected us to see $4,000 benefit from the CF hood and keeping the additional weight off - particularly up high. From what I have read on this site in particular, is that Z06 owners overwhelmingly prefer the FRC style.

FRC Tom made the point that ALMS considerations are driving the decision making at this point. Mr Lutz, who owns several planes, including a military jet, seems unwilling or unable to grip the fact that he has stranded his core group of Z06 enthusiasts.

On the other hand, the Z06 name will only increase its legendary status as the wild and wooley thing to have on the street, and that will be a benefit to us. I'm glad they kept the name.

Looking into the crystal ball, this new gap appears to open the door for the Z51 models to fill the void. The new Z51 option has a tag of $1500 and includes a number of substantial upgrades - far more than the "shocks and bars" the C5 option offered. It wouldn't surprise me to see a 6.4L and aluminum frame added to the 06 package, giving current Z06 owners a viable upgrade path to a high perfomance car near the price of a convertible.

It will be interesting to see what develops.

[SRV]

Originally Posted by Zoomin

The February issue of Motor Trend is a pretty good read. You might want to pick up a copy for more than just the Z06 info.

For instance, they have an article on the new Viper coupe. In that article they mention that Dodge held interviews with members of the Viper Owners Association to get their input on the new car. Based on the input they received, changes were made to accomodate their wishes for a more agressive look.

Excellent news, and hats off to Dodge for consulting their clientele!

I think it would be safe to say that GM's clientele would prefer a more pure, aggressive looking C6/Z06, and not the boxy, tacked-on look we have now with the old-time-style flares.

This made me wonder - has anyone here been contacted for input? As Z06 owners, you would think that we would be the largest group of people that will purchase the next version. But it's hard to believe that much consideration was given to us.

Those are the very issues I raised in the thread I started here:

C6 Styling Lessons Learned…

[johniew398]

I just received my copy of Motor Trend yesterday and read the articles on both the new Z and the Viper. I wasn't too much interested in the Viper (have never owned one) until I saw they are bringing back the coupe.

Based on pure speculation that the new Z will be in the $75k range plus options, the Viper may not be that much more at $85k plus options. I guess it all depends upon your view, my wife says the Z still looks better than the Viper but the new Z looks like just another C6 from a distance.

Let's see, $75k for the Z06 or $85k for the new Viper coupe.

As some of you have already stated, the coupe look for the Z may get you to 200 MPH but where am I going to drive 200 MPH in Arkansas??, or any other place for that matter except on a track.

[DJWorm]

Chevy did have input from a select group of Z06 owners and racers in developing the C6 Z06. It should also be noted that some of these people are already employed within GM. They did not go out and do a public survey but did have input from some very knowledgeable people.

I can tell you that they did not want to go with the coupe's rear glass but it was an homolgation issue with the ALMS and FIA. They saw the problem with the added weight and explored the plexiglass alternative that most racers use but found it did not meet UV standards. Racers undoubtedly will install plexiglass to reduce the weight

[rwd]

Originally Posted by DJWorm

Racers undoubtedly will install plexiglass to reduce the weight

And remove the hinges and latch mechanism while securing the plexiglass to the car.

I'm not sure about the degree to which ALMS rules, or those of any other series, actually play into the choices that were made. Rules can be very specific, but they've also been used as excuses for decisions made using other criteria.

Many of the choices seem to stem from the Euro-izing of the platform. But even something as innocuous as reducing the front/rear overhangs screws the drag numbers, and the hatch certainly doesn't increase torsional rigidity. That doesn't mean much for a touring car, but it creates all sorts of problems in the areas of drag, cooling and packaging for the team developing the C6R.

Presumably, GM did have input at some level, but I suspect their minds were already made up at that point. They have clearly changed direction with the car and moved it from the track mode more into the luxo-touring realm, considering the C5 Z06 didn't even have a power antenna. They made that choice knowing it would alienate a significant percentage of current owners.

That's not to say another configuration may not surface in several years.

[StoneyJ]

DJ,
Great information, thanks! It would sure be nice
if someone could come up with an after-market kit to give
back the FRC appearance.
Mel

[Mark C]

Remember it takes a little while for GM to get things right:

1968 Corvette: Who wants a glove compartment or a place to put maps when we have storage bins behind the seats? Oh yeah our customers do. Lets take this streamed line car and put little knobs that stick out and have to be pushed in to open the door. All fixed on the 1969 Corvette.

1984 Corvette: Let's give them a new Corvette with the anemic 1982's engine. Fixed on the 1985 Corvette

Let's talk about pick up trucks.

GM: Let's make our extended cab trucks with three doors. Who wants a four door truck? Oh, Ford and Dodge buyers do. Fixed a few years later.

I have owned two GM trucks, a 1994 Chevy Z71 and a 2001 GMC Z71. I am still waiting for them to fix the problem of having the passenger compartment fill with exhaust fumes when the passenger door is open with the engine running.