REPORT: Corvette C7 Coming in 2012 as a 2013 model
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REPORT: Corvette C7 Coming in 2012 as a 2013 model
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/r...-a-2013-model/
If you like Corvettes, this is going to make you smile. Fresh out of bankruptcy court, General Motors announced its two-year product plans for Chevy, Caddy, Buick and GMC. Included are go codes for the new C7 Corvette. The plan is to introduce the C7 in April of 2012 as a 2013 model -- a big improvement over the old plan to not reinvent the Corvette until 2014. Let's just state this up front -- almost nothing at all is known about the new Corvette. It appears as if plans for a mid-engine Corvette have been put aside. Like all Corvettes before it, the C7 will feature an engine up front driving the wheels out back. Other than that...
The rumors are that the C7 will be smaller and lighter than the current welterweight C6. There's talk of using more advanced materials like carbon fiber, aluminum and magnesium as well as smaller engines. Calm down, calm down -- as the ZR1 showed us, less displacement doesn't always mean less power. Especially when a positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger's in the mix. There's chatter that the C7's design might be based on the Stingray Concept from the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, but we're hoping it's not. More details as they become available.
The rumors are that the C7 will be smaller and lighter than the current welterweight C6. There's talk of using more advanced materials like carbon fiber, aluminum and magnesium as well as smaller engines. Calm down, calm down -- as the ZR1 showed us, less displacement doesn't always mean less power. Especially when a positive-displacement Roots-type supercharger's in the mix. There's chatter that the C7's design might be based on the Stingray Concept from the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, but we're hoping it's not. More details as they become available.
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Several performance programs have fallen victim to General Motors’ financial condition, but the Chevrolet Corvette appears to be carrying on unscathed. Since GM’s financial health took a turn for the worst late last year, rumors have been circulating that the next-generation C7 car could be delayed until late 2014, but GM’s future plans reveal that won’t be the case.
Although details surrounding the C7 project remain scarce, General Motors has confirmed that the C7 Corvette will begin production in April 2012 as a 2013 model. The C7 Corvette will retain its front-engine layout, forgoing a more costly – and complex – mid-engine setup.
Outside of those facts, not much else is known about the C7 project. There have been indications that the next-generation Corvette will retain its V8-power, but the C7’s engine will likely shrink a bit from the current C6. However, a smaller engine doesn’t necessarily mean less power and the C7’s lighter curb weight should ensure the next ‘Vette will show a marked improvement in overall performance.
Stylistically, we’re expecting the C7 Corvette to take some design cues from the Corvette Stingray concept, unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. The concept’s radical look will be toned down for production, but look for the C7 Corvette to be much more futuristic than the current C6.
Although details surrounding the C7 project remain scarce, General Motors has confirmed that the C7 Corvette will begin production in April 2012 as a 2013 model. The C7 Corvette will retain its front-engine layout, forgoing a more costly – and complex – mid-engine setup.
Outside of those facts, not much else is known about the C7 project. There have been indications that the next-generation Corvette will retain its V8-power, but the C7’s engine will likely shrink a bit from the current C6. However, a smaller engine doesn’t necessarily mean less power and the C7’s lighter curb weight should ensure the next ‘Vette will show a marked improvement in overall performance.
Stylistically, we’re expecting the C7 Corvette to take some design cues from the Corvette Stingray concept, unveiled at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. The concept’s radical look will be toned down for production, but look for the C7 Corvette to be much more futuristic than the current C6.
I assume that is sarcasm since we are talking about the Corvette.
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I'm not sure why they insist the C7's V8 will be smaller than the current LS3. Don't we already know that the Gen V will come in just 2 displacements - 5.3 and 6.2? I can't see the 5.3 going in a "base" Corvette model, that is the workhorse truck V8.
Other than that, I like what I hear although it's no real surprise. Lighter and traditional front engine/RWD.
Other than that, I like what I hear although it's no real surprise. Lighter and traditional front engine/RWD.
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I'm not sure why they insist the C7's V8 will be smaller than the current LS3. Don't we already know that the Gen V will come in just 2 displacements - 5.3 and 6.2? I can't see the 5.3 going in a "base" Corvette model, that is the workhorse truck V8.
Other than that, I like what I hear although it's no real surprise. Lighter and traditional front engine/RWD.
Other than that, I like what I hear although it's no real surprise. Lighter and traditional front engine/RWD.
Last edited by Z28x; Aug 12, 2009 at 06:58 PM.
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Like I said in the other thread - 2012/2013. Not that anyone really cares about the 60 year anniversary, but hey. The C7 has enough riding on it that GM wants it out *now*.
Dont expect a lot lighter or a lot smaller. The C5 shrunk to the C6. The C6 will shrink to the C7 (I'm betting the change will be less dramatic though). I suspect it will increase slightly in weight with the C7 as well (for the base model) as it would be wise to spend more on a better interior than pulling a few more pounds off.
I can't comment on exact displacements - but whatever displacement you see - there will be a *substantial* increase in hp/liter with genV. GM also has a variable camshaft in there as well, meaning we will see better mpg down low and even more raw power up high on car models versus truck engines.
And for those of us now addicted to the idea of factory-boosted V8 power, I'm pretty confident GM powertrain will set an even higher bar with the GenV than the LSA/LS9.
Originally Posted by FUTURE_OF_GM
Another model that's getting "smaller"
Originally Posted by Z28Wilson
I can't see the 5.3 going in a "base" Corvette model, that is the workhorse truck V8.
And for those of us now addicted to the idea of factory-boosted V8 power, I'm pretty confident GM powertrain will set an even higher bar with the GenV than the LSA/LS9.
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I suppose a version of the 5.3 could be tuned to such a specific output, but knowing the history of GM, I am skeptical that they'd get 100 HP more out of it, or use the 5.3 in something other than their trucks (besides that couple year run of special W-bodies, they haven't).
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I suppose a version of the 5.3 could be tuned to such a specific output, but knowing the history of GM, I am skeptical that they'd get 100 HP more out of it, or use the 5.3 in something other than their trucks (besides that couple year run of special W-bodies, they haven't).
If GM is trimming down on displacements then the 5.3L will have to pick up were the 5.7 and 6.0L once were. I expect trucks to be tuned differently and a good 30-50HP less than a Corvette or car engine. 375HP Silverado maybe.
As long as the Corvette is lighter I have no problem with the smaller V8's. I will be very sad to see the 7.0L LS7 go away
I'd love to see that get DI.
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The stingray concept should never see the day of light. Even GM making it for Dreamworks was a bad move.
It looks like a "retrofutureistic" version of teh 1979 Corvette. And thats a bad thing.
Please, oh friggin please dont go retro with the Vette. Evolution, thats all you need now.
IMO, C7 needs to be under 3000lbs. It needs to have 450hp. It needs a semi-auto/dual clutch auto along with a traditional 6spd.
I dont think carbon fiber needs to play that big of a roll, magnesium and aluminum should. With what appears to be a short gestation period, I can only assume that this will just be a revision of the current platform.
Direct injection and VVT system should really move the Gen V V8's into a brand new light.
I think that the magnaride suspension, what was learned from the ZR1, should trickle down to all Vettes, across the line. Every model should have some variation or tuning.
I would really like to see the removal of the leaf spring set up, for no other reason then its time to move foward with a more consistant, less space consuming coil over system.
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The transverse leaf spring takes up less total space than a pair of coil springs. It just packages differently.