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Post by Ben_B on Jul 19, 2019 9:36:42 GMT -8
So, what does the group think about the new C8 Vette GM unveiled last night? I like it! I’ve never been a big fan of them, but this one rocks! The long line of environmental control switches look like an afterthought, but the exterior looks good. Starts at ~$60,000. I was expecting it to cost as much as an NSX. link
Sorry, stupid iPad won’t let me post an image. Ben |
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cc
Full Time Ride
Posts: 141
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Post by cc on Jul 19, 2019 11:00:50 GMT -8
Ben, I like it but it still has the camaro look to the rear. 495 horse. And base will run with the ZL1, $60.000. Whats not to like. Going to see what sales are like and if it takes off. Corvette people are very loyal. GM priced it right to start with.
CC 😎
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Post by vintagerpm on Jul 19, 2019 12:02:00 GMT -8
Originally thought the body looked like it had been designed 20 years ago. Now I think it just gets uglier with each succeeding photo I stumble upon.
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Post by Bernard Kron on Jul 19, 2019 13:36:16 GMT -8
Below are some pics courtesy of GM handouts. Here's a link to an article in Aumobile Magazine summarizing various aspects of the C8: www.automobilemag.com/news/2020-chevrolet-corvette-mid-engine-c8-photos-specs-info/ My thoughts are that this car represents some sort of sports cars end game, probably because the very notion of personal transportation, let alone sporting personal transportation, is under such heavy attack, not only politically, but perhaps even more importantly, economically. When an average family car (presumably an SUV these days) costs north of $35K the idea of a a cheap and cheerful sportscar is well past its prime IMHO. Oddly, 'Vettes were always presented as kind of a bargain, and the tradition lives on in presenting the C8 as "starting under $60,000". Even under $100K this much engineering and power would be "a bargain". But, as I say, I fear the very concept is past its sell date, and opting for a cab-forward mid engine design, one which, in both size and proportion, and despite the array of ridges, cut lines and sculpted surfaces, lacks originality, doesn't augur well for commercial success. It may prove be too much car for the money or perhaps too little money for the car. Even at $85K+ out the door, which I think will prove to be more the reality, it may lack the cool prestige of a Porsche except to those for whom Corvettes are still the stuff of dreams. As Automobile Magazine indicates, the C8 may have tested well with, and indeed been "designed for a different sort of enthusiast. Let’s say, upper-middle-management Silicon Valley types, or entrepreneurs who want a dynamic daily driver to complement a garage full of Ferraris, Mercedes-Benzes, and Teslas". However, marketing it as a $60K bargain, given the extreme appearance and packaging impracticality of a mid-engine design, isn't the best way to appeal to this cohort. I wouldn't at all be surprised if one of two possible scenarios play out, neither of which are particularly appealing to me: 1) this proves to be the final Corvette, or 2) it is supplanted by or replaced by a throwback front-engine design. In the meantime it's a hell of bargain...    |
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Post by tatocorvette on Jul 19, 2019 17:18:54 GMT -8
Simply Love it! 😀
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Post by Ben_B on Jul 20, 2019 6:59:53 GMT -8
The convertible (targa?) looks pretty spiffy, too!
Ben
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Post by johnwebster on Jul 21, 2019 2:54:03 GMT -8
Paint it light blue and put an orange stripe and a Ford badge on it.
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Post by 2lapsdown on Jul 21, 2019 4:07:09 GMT -8
Part Ferarri, part Ford GT, but I'd take one
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Post by tatocorvette on Jul 21, 2019 4:59:17 GMT -8
With the disclaimer that I CAN NOT be objective on this topic:
I don't see the resemblance to a Ford GT or even a Ferrari other than layout. The front and back are distinctively Corvette. So are the front of the doors. The C7 resembles more a Ferrari F12 than the C8 resembles any other Ferrari. The design of the Ford GT is a very different philosophy: Performance only at any cost with aero efficiency to compensate a smaller engine.
The C8 has a very different set of requirements. It is at a whole different price point and needs to appeal to a broader segment including loyal purists (like me but with money). It needs volume sales to survive. The Ford GT is not even a Ford. It is a Multimatic product with a Ford badge, used as a clever marketing tool. By the way, it is the only blue oval I like despite missing 2 cylinders 😀
At the end, success will be measured in volume sales and I think (and hope) it will do well as this is only the base model. Stay tuned for more variations soon.
Thanks,
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Post by vintagerpm on Jul 21, 2019 6:24:51 GMT -8
While it doesn't look that bad in the front & rear 3/4 views, that profile view just kills it for me. It looks too short. And what is with the gaping maw of an air intake on the side along with the... running board?
Between this and the new Toyota Supra, what the heck is wrong with auto designers?
Mike
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Post by starfighterace on Jul 21, 2019 9:25:12 GMT -8
While it doesn't look that bad in the front & rear 3/4 views, that profile view just kills it for me. It looks too short. And what is with the gaping maw of an air intake on the side along with the... running board? Between this and the new Toyota Supra, what the heck is wrong with auto designers? Mike These cars are not meant for us, that's what's wrong. Heck, cars overall are disappearing from the US Market overall. Between EPA regulations, US Government interference (for our "safety"  ), and the aging out of the Baby Boomers, you can't design a "car" to meet all of these criteria. Why the SUV and trucks dominate the USA market. At least the Mustang will be around a few more years. Even that is loosing the V8 (replaced by the ecoboost turbo V6) and a hybrid just around the corner. |
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Post by Joel_W on Jul 21, 2019 9:58:05 GMT -8
I stopped appreciating Vettes once the Stingray was discontinued. They were just mean, lean, racing machines with style & panache. The 2020 version sure looks like the concept was how many sharp lines can you sculpt on the 4 sides. Just not my cup of tea even with a mid engine design. I'm sure it will find a willing home in the IMSA GTLM class.
I did take a look at the interior, and OMG the dash panel on the right of the wheel looks like a true after thought as does that long row of switches.
Think I'll save my money for a mint restored 1967 MGB, and die a happy old man.
Joel
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), and the aging out of the Baby Boomers, you can't design a "car" to meet all of these criteria. Why the SUV and trucks dominate the USA market. At least the Mustang will be around a few more years. Even that is loosing the V8 (replaced by the ecoboost turbo V6) and a hybrid just around the corner.