Lets not Forget the 500HP, 3000lbs. Z06 that is coming out next year.

 

I'm actually looking forward to seeing this car and how it performs. I don't see 500 hp being a problem, but I have reservations about that 3000lbs weight expectation. It's much easier to add hp than it is to reduce weight (Ford GT). I'm still having a hard time with the headlights It really looks just like the new Viper.

 

Let's not forget to add in the 2004 Grand Prix GTP.... it is quicker than most anything else in it's class... sccots along rather well for a larger 4-door car, even if it is FWD.

 

Well the base coupe right now weighs 31xx (upper 3100) so all they have to do is drop about 150 lbs off the base coupe so I don't think that will be that hard. I heard they will use aluminum frame rails in place of the steel ones, probably a notchback style fixed-roof coupe like the current ZO6, and other lightweight items like wheels and exhaust and stuff like that. I think it is very possible.

 

150lbs on an already lean car is tougher than it seems. The other problem is that when you save weight, there's always someone that sees that weight savings and says, "Hey, now we can add this xxxx part and still be close to our weight limit." Don't get me wrong, I really would like to see this car come in at 3000lbs, but we'll have to wait and see.

 

EXACTLY.
The coupe Vette dropping 150 lbs while getting stronger internally to manage more HP and performance-based G-forces...
It's like asking Collista Flockhart to drop 20lbs for a spot in a movie about anorexics...
It just ain't that easy.

 

The current Z06 is 3118lbs. and the C6 is a little smaller plus the next Z06 is getting aluminum frame rails vs. steel in the old car.

 

The point is that Cobra may be priced well above 70,000 as announced at present. GT was announced for under 100K and it costs 150. Whether it's due to business case, expensive manufacturing, or to something else - it matters little. What matters, i think, is that Cobra may be much more expensive.

 

Ford is definatly stealing the show right now. Although the mustang in my eyes isn't anything special. I also think the current style looks better. But it gets a lot of attention because its a Mustang. Everybody just loves mustangs. The GT has been getting attention for a while. The Cobra is brand new and surprised a lot of people. Nobody really new it was coming. I don't see it going for anything under $90,000 though. If the GT is at 150,000 why would you really want one of those when you can have the Cobra. I'm sure the Cobra is a faster car. It is gonna be very hard i think for the vette to beat the Cobra if it stays close to its current HP. Anybody know how much the Cobra weighs?

 

I believe it was around 3000lbs.

 

And reinforced how? My point is, yes, they're using aluminum now, but how much more aluminum are they using to reinforce it to make it as strong as the steel? What new options does it come with? Is an aluminum frame rail the only weight reduction? There are still a lot of questions for me. If anyone can point me to some solid research or articles showing specifics I'd be most appreciative. I have a lot to learn about this new Vette.

 

I know it's only 10%, but just to keep everyone on the same factual page here, we DO recognize the GT is retailing for $135k not $150k, right?

Your point is well taken that the Cobra is likely to exceed the $35k range it is currently in. Given the comments that SVT is wanting to move upscale - it's almost a sure bet Cobra will get higher in $. I think it is too soon however, to say it will become an $80k or $100k car. A jump to $40 would be easily swallowed by most enthusiasts, provided the car's improvements merit the increase.

 

I think he was referring to the Shelby Cobra concept, not the Mustang Cobra. There was talk it would be produced for about $70,000 to $80,000. Seems realistic for a retail price. Dealer markup will probably put it at $100,000. I remember when the Cobra R Mustangs came out. There was a dealer in my town that turned down a $70,000 offer. That's just crazy.

 

Chevy better come out with something new to keep up with the other car companies. Bring back the Camaro in 2005!!!!