OT: New C6 Corvette

Was reading about the new Corvette in Autoweek. I've never been much of a Vette guy, but I like the direction they're heading: The new car is narrower and 5" shorter than the outgoing car (per Autoweek: "within mm. of the length of a 996". New larger V8 puts out 400 hp. and 400 ft.lb. of torque in the base version, Z06 version to follow with an expected 500 hp. No driving reviews yet, and the reviewer said the interior trim in the car they sat in was not the final product, but they are apparently making a significant effort to upgrade the interior materials (I'll believe that when I see it). Mostly I was impressed with the smaller size, more power, and the fact that the re-design greatly reduces the bulbous, bloated rear end of the outgoing C5. caf 2002 Targa Seal grey/Black

I always liked the C5 as I thought it was a huge step towards becoming a truly world class sports car. But... Chevy/GM missed the mark on the C6 IMO, there was a chance to really improve the car and all they have is a face lift of sorts. The C6 looks too much like the C5 , it's still too big in the rear. Kudos to GM for providing a 400hp engine, (I wish Porsche would do the same) but GM needs to get away from the antiquated pushrod technology and go to DOHC/ dry sump to be world class. I haven't seen too much about the interior but anything would be an improvement in quality. We'll have to wait and see what the Z06 will be like.

I haven't yet seen the car in person, so I can't judge how successful the new rear end design will be. Also, supposedly the engineers spent a considerable amount of time massaging the manual transmission to give it surer, shorter throws--I always thought the manual tranny was a weak spot in the past. I'm not ready to trade in the 996 yet...

What about the brakes? The brakes are the weak point of every vette I see at DE... their rotors and pads don't last.

Rear end still looks pretty bulbous to me ... Vic 99 C2 cab

I've always admired the Vette as well, but could never get over it's shortcomings and image to seriously consider it for purchase. Personally I like the bulbous rear of the C5. It gives it an exotic look from the rear sort of like a Saleen S7. I also think the Z06 looks MUCH better than the fastback. It looks much more purposeful than boulevard cruiser. I'm curious about the C6 but after getting a glimpse of the front end on the recent GM commercials that aired this week, I think they missed the mark with the front end. IMO lexan lenses either look good or bad with no in between. I think the front is going to look too generic ala the new GTO. That said I always wait to see a car in person before redendering judgment.

http://www.maximum-cars.com/temp/vette/ Lots of pictures at this link, including one of the interior.

Thanks for the pics! I like it best from the shots that are looking down on the car. The side shots, front, and rear I'm still not sure about. I think the headlights are too bland. From the side the profile of the car looks a little weird to me. Like it needs to be more "squatty". The interior is better looking but I'm not sure how much. It doesn't look like they started with a clean slate and just did what they could. I think they could have made a big impact by moving secondary gauges into a gauge pack located somewhere in the middle of the dash. I think there is a law at GM that prohibits a nice interior.

Would it be wonderful if they would have kept the design close to the original or say a '68 Stingray? Those were beautiful cars. I think that's one of the things I really love about the 911 - It's still a 911 after all these years

If Porsche doesn't get their **** together, regarding quality and that dam rms problem , i think alot of people will move over to the less exotic corvette...........I mean there is no car in the world like a p-car but after spending 100 k Plus (CND) and you cant trust the quality...whats the point. Maybe we are the stupid ones and not Porsche. i Mean they are the most profitable car manufacturer in the world.maybe because Profit is more important then quality now........My 2 Cents C6 is looking better and better every day huh

I believe the C6 has the MR (magnetic rheological (sp?)) dampers for 'active' damping. This is cutting edge stuff for passenger cars. At least the C6 is not the same platform as the C5 and just new bodywork!! I particularly like the top view images as well!

I'm obviously a comfirmed P-car freak, but for the $$ that is quite a car. Like the non flip up lights, but the interior still looks pretty bad. Their steering wheels are always hideous for some reason... still lust after the '64 convertible (with 365hp solid lifter 327) my dad's office nurse drove when I was in high school! I luckily got to drive it a few times- pretty hard to beat in 1965!!

For a potential daily driver, check out the new Caddy XLR. Same engine as the C6 (the current Z06 400hp motor), a retractable hardtop, beautiful interior, and the only example of their current "edge" styling that I find stunning. Some of GM's product are looking pretty good, and though I have alwasy preferred German cars you have to give credit to any company that designs and builds a good product.

I have had 6 Porsches and purchased a C5 in 2000. It's very diferent than a Porsche in many respects but, it is a commanding sports car. It doesn't have the prestige or exotic appeal that many european cars have but, it does so many things well. I sold the C5 because a "first time" car nut that had to have it offered just about what I paid for it. It's all about the benjamins!!! So I took the money and bought a 996 Cab that I plan to sell this spring to make room for a new fully loaded C6 for $52k.

Fantastic cars, the Z06 in particular. You simply can't argue with the numbers the Z06 throws up.

Something does not look quite right about the C6. It seems to have nice flowing lines only to be broken up by angular profiles and edges. It is like they had a good idea but had to hold back a bit to appeal to more people...as Jeremy Clarkson describes the new RX-8..."it is like a committee designed this car (RX-8)...". This could apply to the C6. That said I would have to see it in person. I am 6'5" and could not fit in a C5...I don't think I will fit in a C6 .

Maybe the transom was designed by Carver Yachts

I've always liked how the C5 looked, especially the 3/4 front view; that pointy nose and rising tail made it look like a beautiful dart. Like Lance, the back end never looked too big for me, although I know many have cited this as a design flaw. To each his own. The C6's new face looks angry, derivative and a bit awkward. The black plastic teeth of the grille looks more at home on a Cavalier and out of place for such a high-performance car. We'll see how it looks and feels in person. Photographs can really distort the personality of a car.

We shoudl probably wait to see it in person before taking real strong opinions on the C6. Although the C5 may of had some quality issues, my 996 also has some quality issues such as the interior materials and durability and other things like that. Regardless, the C5 was a big leap ahead in terms of what Vette engineers can do. I expect the C6 to be a very good in terms of quality. I read the other day that American cars now rival Japanese cars in terms of quality and dependability. It is just that American Car comapanies can't shake the image or notion that their car's are not as dependable as a Toyota or Honda. I drove an XLR a couple weeks ago and that car is very, very fast and agile with a 300HP Northstar. With 400HP V8 in the vette with a similar body, forget about the 996, look out 996TT. Bobby

So what is really wrong with the Corvette? Maybe this: "People who want Corvettes can't afford them; People who can afford Corvettes don't want to be seen in them"

I just really have a problem with American cars. The interior pics on this new vette seem to bother me somehow and I'm not all that excited about the styling. I'm not going to get into a quality of build issue because I think the 996 could be much improved for a car that cost as much as it does, however these cars are not much better. The cost is attractive (55K??) but I think the above post is accurate. If you could drop 55K on a car you probably would opt for a used M, or a used 996. Rob

Too bad. I thought we were all car guys who appreciated a good car, regardless of make when it came along. Seems like I was wrong and we're more worried about the emblem on the hood and the bragging rights of driving a foreign car. I love my porsche but appreciate any great car from the mini cooper to the acura nsx and everthing between. If the reason you don't like the vette is because of what other people think or being seen in it, then your missing out on a lot of great things. BTW, regardless of engineering, variable timing, turbos or anything else, nothing can beat a thrust and torque produced by a chevy v-8. It is a different thrill, not better or worse but different and everyone should realize and appreciate that. Bobby

I like it. It's very nice. The steering wheel is hideous though. Can't they just throw in a 3 spoke??

Well said, Bobby. I'm going to look at the new Vette with an open mind. 400 hp and no rear main seal issues has at least some appeal. Probably will stick with P-cars in the end--it's really the steering feel that always keeps me coming back, but I agree the visceral feel of that kick in the pants torque has it's merits.

I was going to stay out of this, but now I feel the need to chime in. I own a 2000 C5 with the Z51 ("autocross") suspension and I long ago got rid of the stock runflat tires in favor of Pilot Sports. One of the main problems with the Vette has always been the runflat tires, but now the C6 has different runflats with more flexible sidewalls. The active handling system in the C6 has a special input for low tire pressure which allows this. I'm here because I have always admired Porsche, and thought I had reached a point where I would seriously consider leaving the Vette camp. The paint job, fit and finish, leather interior, and the general aura of things done right regardless of some extra cost is a powerful draw. After monitoring this forum and others, I've decided to pass on Porsche for now because of drivetrain reliability problems and will purchase the Z06 version of the C6 in a few years. I seriously hope that the prospect of some Porsche customers moving away from the brand will alter the attitude of Porsche management and result in changes in the future which will restore the reputation for reliabilty that Porsche once enjoyed.

I love all kinds of cars, in fact, you mentioned the Mini... I test drove one and I think I'm going to buy one. It's fun, different and puts a smile on my face. I've owned (years ago) a '78 Trans Am with a 403 Olds engine and a 4 barrel Holly carb. It could pull your house off it's foundation - however that thrust feeling is somewhat fleeting (and very scary around any turn). It's really just a matter of styling and I would include the new Mustang, the new Cobra, Viper - it looks like they are trying too hard. The 911 has simple lines and a clear lineage. I mentioned above that I would love to have a '68 Vette... beautiful cars they had style, vintage Cobra, 65 Mustang - all beautiful cars and I wish I could own all of them. These new generation of American cars lack something... I'm not even sure what. However, I am excited about the new Ford GT... now that looks like a nice car! As for the build quality of the new vette, we really can't say yet. Rob

Riad- do you mean a '67 Vette? I've driven quite a few Corvettes, have owned 2 (84 and 93) and came within inches of buying a ZO6. For daily driving, they're hard to beat, and the comparative purchase and maintenance costs underline the word value. Cars do tend to look different in person, but I'm guessing the new C6 and especially the ZO6 will achieve Porsche conquest sales. AS

SteveJ you said: "I've decided to pass on Porsche for now because of drivetrain reliability problems and will purchase the Z06 version of the C6 in a few years. I seriously hope that the prospect of some Porsche customers moving away from the brand will alter the attitude of Porsche management and result in changes in the future which will restore the reputation for reliabilty that Porsche once enjoyed." What reliability are we talking about? Don't use this forum as a sample for Porsche's quality. Use a Consumer Guide Index. This is seriously laughable. Ask you mechanic how reliable the early 964's were. They f'n leaked like sieves where the block met the cylinders b/c they used a metal gasket that warped. I don't think that the new cars are anymore or less reliable than the older ones. I can tell you about horror stories for each. And I can also tell you about horror stories about Vettes, Lexus' and Mercedes', and I can also tell you about good stories. So go ahead and buy your Vette. If you want a kick in the *** torque feel by the new Dodge Ram with the Viper motor. It's cheaper and it'll do what you want it to do. Smoke the tires. Sound great Oodles of torque. And feel good going straight.

Alexander - a '67 Vette is that a Stingray? Those are the Vettes I love. I'm not even talking older split window Vettes which are also beautiful. I do believe for the price point the Vette will do extremely well, no doubt about it. I could never actually use one as a daily driver living in the north east - would hate to put snow tires on that car. Rob

I've decided to put down some comments on the initial review of the interior. While there are some things done well, there are others that I think could be done better and some that would require just a simple change to make a marked improvement. Here's what I've come up with in visual form.

I'm going to the auto show in a couple of hours. I'll report back in an unbiased way if anyone wants to hear it. Let me know.

RR you said: "If you want a kick in the *** torque feel by the new Dodge Ram with the Viper motor. It's cheaper and it'll do what you want it to do. Smoke the tires. Sound great Oodles of torque. And feel good going straight." It's my understanding that a stock 2004 Z06 recently turned a 7:56 lap at Nurburgring.

I think the shifter oval opening and the mirrrored opening to the right of it is provision for a less expensive right-hand-drive model. I think it looks improved, but still looks like a 90's car inside. Its sad when you look inside a C5 and see the same radio the Chevy S-10 uses....

SteveJ, It also is my understanding, that if it did in fact do a 7:56, it did it with a junky interior, horrible leather quality, and with all the fake plastic interior parts that you can find in a Cavalier. Again, I may not be impressed with the 1999 996 interior, but at its worst AT ITS F'N WORST it is worlds better than ANY GM (POS). Sorry to burst your bubble. So what it ran a 7:56, whip dee fn doo. Who cares? Its still junk. What's your point?

BTW, I should clarify from my edited picture that I think the C6 interior is still WAY better than the C5 interior that as some people pointed out shared parts with the S-10 and Cavalier, even on the Z06 models. I just think there is additional room for improvement before the car is actually released so let's hope they do so.

I like the Carrera style because it is clean and quiet. It also has some intrigue to its lines tempting one to discover more, such as the rear engine attributes. There should always be some suspense and mystery overlying sensuality. The Corvette is too expressive and obvious for my tastes.

Good Point Webtool. Thats a honest and well thought out opinion and I can understand it. Clearly RR has no idea what makes a great performance car and what doesn't. 7:56 at Nurburing is a feat for any car, especially one that he so eloquently described as a POS. Im sure the only reason RR got a Porsche was to go into a bar and brag to chicks that he drives a Porsche and is probalby on the waiting list for the next gotta have car. Look at it like this. A GT2 is almost 200K and has the same crappy interior as a regular Carrera. For its price range it should have a better interior but doesn't. Does this make it a lesser sports car just because the dash material doesn't look good or the buttons on the stereo flake off. No, GT2 is a great car as is the Vette which is half of what we paid for our cars. Sorry to rant. Chevy is a great car company and the Vette is a great car. Maybe not a Porsche, but in its own right its a great car with a great heritage. Bobby