Next generation Corvette -- mid-engined?

[blue8]

From Leftlane News:
GM contemplates mid-engine Corvette
corvette.jpg

A debate is raging within General Motors over the engine layout of next-generation C7 Corvette, according to AutoExtremist. On one side are engineers and product planners who think it's time for the 'Vette to move to a mid-engine layout. In the opposite camp are those who believe tradition and cost considerations are enough to keep the engine up front.

A mid-engine Corvette would most likely cost more than the existing model. What's more, some purists would almost certainly decry such a major change, considering its impact on handling and exterior styling.

Columnist Peter DeLorenzo speculates GM might opt to keep the C7 front-engined, and perhaps build a more expensive and extremely limited production mid-engine model. Such a technological showcase would be a "statement" car from GM, DeLorenzo says.

From Autoblog:
Mr. Peter DeLorenzo is in the know, or so he talks a good game and has got us wondering whether the Corvette will abandon its tried-and-true front-engine format for a more exotic engine placement between the rear wheels. In his latest issue of the Autoextremist, DeLorenzo clues us all in on a furious debate taking place within General Motors concerning the next-generation C7 Corvette. One side wants to finally make the Vette a mid-engine sportscar, while the other, lets call them traditionalists, argue the car's bang-for-the-buck would be destroyed by such a move. Knowing that the Vette's value as an affordable supercar is one of its main selling points, the outcome of this debate could potentially sink the car's sales.

DeLorenzo has a theory of how this will play out, though. According to him, we should expect the next-gen Corvette to be similar to the current model with a engine up front, but it will be lighter and feature at least two engines: a new, small-displacement aluminum V8 and a updated version of the current V8. Above the traditional "People's" Vette will be an extremely exclusive mid-engine version of the car that will cost six-figures and be produced in extremely low numbers, like 500 or so. Will it happen? Who knows, but we've always wanted to see something like the 1990 Corvette CERV III Concept (shown above) go into production.

-- the vette has always had its engine upfront right? a mid-engine version will sort of be like breaking its long tradition

[dm_h_2007]

That would be cool. They thought about it between 1968 and 1976 with the Xp-8xx prototypes.


This pic is from 1968, Check out that "mobile phone" the model is using! LMAO

[jorge]

I think it would be great to see other new mid-engined car from GM, but keeping the Corvette the way it is

[dm_h_2007]

Originally Posted by jorge I think it would be great to see other new mid-engined car from GM, but keeping the Corvette the way it is

Well its not like the normal front engine Vette will ever go away. The mid-engine model would just be an addition, not a replacement.

[dm_h_2007]

Here is the CERV III Concept the art talks about. Wow that thing had 650 HP even back in 1990!

[RC45]

This is a stupid idea.

They could/should persue a super-duper Mosler m900 style mid engine version if they want, but why go and throw away the formula just to "join the European" party?

That proves nothing.

This would be as absurd as Porsche saying the Gaymen replaces the 911 and retire the 911.

[ViperASR]

Originally Posted by dm_h_2007 Originally Posted by jorge I think it would be great to see other new mid-engined car from GM, but keeping the Corvette the way it is Well its not like the normal front engine Vette will ever go away. The mid-engine model would just be an addition, not a replacement.

I would be very very expensive to do it that way. Because basically you would need to develop two of everything. Its not like you could just throw the engine in the middle in one trim and in the front in another trim without alot of design work and alot of problems with a design like that.

My guess is that the Corvette will remain front engined, but perhaps they will try to put it closer and closer to the firewall.

[gangajas]

Originally Posted by RC45 This is a stupid idea. They could/should persue a super-duper Mosler m900 style mid engine version if they want, but why go and throw away the formula just to "join the European" party? That proves nothing. This would be as absurd as Porsche saying the Gaymen replaces the 911 and retire the 911.

Yeah...What is it going to be the next? A Corvette with a good interior?

[ViperASR]

Originally Posted by gangajas Originally Posted by RC45 This is a stupid idea. They could/should persue a super-duper Mosler m900 style mid engine version if they want, but why go and throw away the formula just to "join the European" party? That proves nothing. This would be as absurd as Porsche saying the Gaymen replaces the 911 and retire the 911. Yeah...What is it going to be the next? A Corvette with a good interior?

low blow....

[RC45]

Originally Posted by gangajas Originally Posted by RC45 This is a stupid idea. They could/should persue a super-duper Mosler m900 style mid engine version if they want, but why go and throw away the formula just to "join the European" party? That proves nothing. This would be as absurd as Porsche saying the Gaymen replaces the 911 and retire the 911. Yeah...What is it going to be the next? A Corvette with a good interior?

As long as it keeps arseholes, pricks, snobs and dingbats from buying the car, the interior can stay the same.

[gucom]

i really cant see the corvette ever changing its basic concept... btw does any1 think that CERV III concept, especially the coupe, looks a lot like the NSX?

And RC, there's nothing wrong with wanting a quality interior imo? But to be honest, I guess keeping the interior at a relatively simple level is part of what keeps the car as cheap as it is...

[RC45]

Originally Posted by gucom i really cant see the corvette ever changing its basic concept... btw does any1 think that CERV III concept, especially the coupe, looks a lot like the NSX?

Go ask Honda why they copied it then

Originally Posted by gucom And RC, there's nothing wrong with wanting a quality interior imo? But to be honest, I guess keeping the interior at a relatively simple level is part of what keeps the car as cheap as it is...

There is nothing with wanting a quality interior - and again - the percieved quality is just that "perceived quality".

I bet you didn;t know that BMW's etc use plastic for their center consoles and door panels... that fancy "aluminium"? its just silver paint on plastic.

Nobody has ever been able to show me hands on inside of any car excatrly what bits and pieces make them perceive one interior to be "better quality" than another - when comparing in the same class of car.

As in sports car vs sports car and luxo sedan vs luxo sedan and econ box vs econo box.

I challenge anyone to please demonstrate this perceived "quality" practicly.

[gucom]

yet it remains a fact that the perceived quality of a corvette is lower than that of some other sports cars, although that's probably (to the corvette's acclaim) when comparing it to its performance rivals, which are mostly in a higher price class

[dm_h_2007]

Originally Posted by RC45 This is a stupid idea. They could/should persue a super-duper Mosler m900 style mid engine version if they want, but why go and throw away the formula just to "join the European" party? That proves nothing. This would be as absurd as Porsche saying the Gaymen replaces the 911 and retire the 911.

Correct me if I'm wrong but all they are talking about is making a new mid-engine model in very few numbers as an addition, not a replacement, like I said before. I dont think anyone is talking about replacing the front-engine Vette all together and I agree that would be TERRIBLE! But if its just an addition, in numbers of 500 a year of what ever I dont see the harm and think it would be cool.

Like the gayamn was just an addition, not a replacement.

[dm_h_2007]

Originally Posted by gucom yet it remains a fact that the perceived quality of a corvette is lower than that of some other sports cars, although that's probably (to the corvette's acclaim) when comparing it to its performance rivals, which are mostly in a higher price class

Mostly? The Z06 can beat the F430 and the 599!!! Name even one single car in the same price range as the Vette that can touch it.