Yet RUF and Porsche both sell full production cars in the USA with belt pass throughs and mounting points, and in the case of the RUF an integrated roll cage.
I really dont think "fear of liability" is what's keeping GM from selling a properly seated car, its simply to allow those large of girth to fit in the seats
Ok Paul, just remember that if you keep pickin' on GM, I'm gonna send those boys with no-necks back to your house again and this time it's gonna be worse
I use my Vettes for DEs almost exclusively. Therefore, my perspective is use of the vehicle on track. I am totally disappointed in the ZR1.
The window in the hood is a joke. The original ZR1 was a marketing disaster, as they did not differentiate the car from the standard Vette. Even the C6Z does not muster up to the "even your grandmother will tell the difference" comment and the ZR1 is nearly indistinguishable from the Z.
No one seems to notice that the car is 200 pounds heavier than a Z. I am not sure how much additional handling performance the car has compared to a C6Z, but I bet the weight kills any improvements.
The only thing I like are the brakes and the fact that the new 430 hp LS3, coupled with the intro of the ZR1, is driving down C6Z prices as I expected. I am hopeful that this product positioning will cause GM to do something with the C6Z in its last years. A few more hp (maybe 530 or so) and maybe a paddle shifter or ceramic brakes as an option.
Give me those brakes as a $5K option on a Z and I would be happy. Throw in a trackable paddle shifter and I would buy one right now.
I will keep my C5Z and have been wanting a C6Z, but I have been waiting for this car. Now that the details are out, I have no interest in buying one at all.
No one seems to notice that the car is 200 pounds heavier than a Z. I am not sure how much additional handling performance the car has compared to a C6Z, but I bet the weight kills any improvements.
Many people have commented on the weight. Others have also stated that the power to weight ratio is what really matters. And as far as acceleration is concerned, they are correct.
However, like you said, weight does affect handling and no amount of power will overcome added weight in that regard. Additional weight also affects braking distances as well.
Although lap times may be faster, it is mainly due to the increase in horsepower, not a decrease in weight.
It's akin to saying "we can't increase handling performance so we'll give it more horsepower to make up the difference. Still, the result is faster lap times.
So why not decrease the weight and thus reduce the horsepower requirement? Simple: less weight often means fewer amenities like A/C, stereo, sound insulation, interior trim and so forth.
It's been stated the next generation Corvette will in fact be lighter, but will also have reduced horsepower, on the order of 150 less horsepower. Thus, handing and responsiveness will be better, as will braking and fuel mileage. However, the power to weight ratio will be virtually the same as it is now and perhaps even better. That equates to better acceleration, handling, braking and fuel mileage.
So how will they accomplish this and why have they not already done so? The answer lies mainly in the materials used. With the advent of aluminum frames and the use of more carbon fiber they are starting to find ways to reduce weight. As time goes on these materials will be more commonly used and the next generation will benefit even more as the overall size of the vehicle will be smaller and thus the benefits will be even greater.
Technology often trickles down. This is evidenced by the fact the 2004 Z16 Corvette used a carbon fiber hood. Then later the C6 Z used carbon fiber fenders and the ZR1 is using even more, including the fenders and the hood. The fact it also uses forced induction on a 6.3L engine (vs. the Z06s 7.0L) should be seen as a prelude to the future.
Therefore, look for a smaller, lighter car, with less cubic inches and forced induction. Coincidentally, GM later claimed that was their thinking for the next generation Corvette.
Oh, and in case anyone didn't know, they also stated recently development of the C7 Corvette and some other cars are on hold pending analysis of the new 35 mpg CAFE standards.
Seems for what the goals were, they did the right things in my view. If not using FI, they would have a undrivable street car if 600+ hp was the goal. Happy they went with the Roots style blower vs turbocharger.
However, that silly hood window is not my thing. I'd put curtains on it with remote open-close through Homelink button.
not using FI, they would have a undrivable street car if 600+ hp was the goal.
Of course. Not to mention it wouldn't be 50 state emissions compliant nor meet CAFE requirements either. In addition, it probably wouldn't pass their own durability standards and possibly some noise standards as well.
I'm not sure 600+ h.p. was a design goal, as much as it was how much they got given what they used.
Take the ZR1 and scale it down by about 700 pounds and 300 h.p. and you'll be close to the C7, imo.
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No one seems to notice that the car is 200 pounds heavier than a Z. I am not sure how much additional handling performance the car has compared to a C6Z, but I bet the weight kills any improvements.
...
I noticed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by No Doubt
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Take the ZR1 and scale it down by about 700 pounds and 300 h.p. and you'll be close to the C7, imo.
I will be very interested in the C7 if it comes in around 2,900-3,000 lbs. 2,650 lbs would be awesome, even with *only* 350 hp. Too bad you say it'll be FI.
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Let's say I wouldn't be surprised if it were 2,800 lbs. We already know all future LSx engines are slated to have FI. Those are not my numbers and opinions, they're according to documents and statements made by GM.
When you combine that with federally mandated CAFE regulations, potentially $4.00+/ gal. gas as well as a bit of reading between the lines intuition and the crystal ball requires a bit less polish so to speak.
I have my name on two list's for this car but I can tell you guys im starting to change my mind ever since I was reading about the new CTS. Is GM joking, you know its the same engine just tunned down 550 pony's and how about that GM makes a cadillac that could beat the Z06 or at least stay right next to it. I think I rather have that 427 small block at least you can drive it and not take a beating on the re-sale. Come on GM wake up you want Lambo or Ferrari type car but use the engine in another much cheaper GM car or cars.....what do you guy's think? am I wrong.....
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yeah it's sweet, but if i had have known they were going to build this i would have bought a regular c6 instead of a z06 and add every power add on i could and save my money. i thought i was getting the top of the line.... what a terrible time to produce this car with gas and economy the way it is.
I will keep my 07Z. But you know how that goes. Maybe about 6 years from now when you can pick one of these babies up cheap. Gotta lose the hood though.
I'm new here to the forum and am doing the NCM delivery of my 08 Z06 427 5/1 - I have no time in a Z06 either. I did have a 2000 C5 vert which was my only other Vette. Lots of other "toys" and my current 03 "Terminator" Cobra is awesome to drive with the supercharger. I assume the ZR1 is going to be like a "regular" Z06 on Red Bull! It will be heavier and my guess won't have the razor sharp handling everyone loves about the Z06. But, it looks fantastic all except for the clear hood window. Should have an option to not have that if you want. The carbon fiber treatments like the front splitter, roof and side sills look awesome and give it a true Supercar look. Saw one in person a few weeks back at the Chevy Vette fest near Chicago. Considering the motor upgrades, unique blower, awesome brakes and carbon fiber pieces, race quality rear diff etc., it really isn't a bad value for the expected MSRP. The problem will be with the dealers and price gouging because too many people will pay through the nose to get their hands on one. If only everyone could just wait a few months after they start taking orders and building them the dealers would quickly learn a lesson. The real trick for the car will be if it handles well given the added weight and different aerodynamics. Time on the track will tell. Lastly, from my experience with my Cobra - $2,000 in ONLY bolt on items should easily bring the ZR1 up to 700hp - 750hp. That's the real advantage of supercharging - inexpensive serious power increases with a little added boost.
My 2 cents worth.
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Del
08 Z06 427 #011 NCM delivery 5/1/08
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