Should GM bring back the "Stingray" name on the C6?
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,215
From: Coppell, Texas
If we're to look at history, Grand Sport would be the best name for a snake-killing Vette. The original Vette GS's were designed to counter (and beat) the Cobras. The Stingray designation refers to body style more than any engine options. From the pictures I've seen of the C6, I think "Stingray" (one word) would be a good fit for it across the line. I suppose if GM was to offer it as a name for a certain model of Vette, than I'd be okay with it. It's a great name, and should be used again. It didn't fit any of the late C3s through C5's looks-wise though.
The Corvette SS would be a horrible name. Why name a car after a huge racing failure from 1957? (BTW, a magnesium body and heat don't mix well)
I wouldn't have a problem with ZL1. GM's already reissued LS1/LS6/LT1 etc., so why not. All of those had little to nothing in common with their forebearers. Plus, the modern ZL1 will likely put it's forebearer to shame based on performance.
Other suggestions:
Mako Shark - Awesome Vette concept from the late early 60's that led to the 63 bodystyle. Concept had a 427 w/ 655hp (
) labeled ZL1.
Or maybe take a page from Ferrari and call the super-Vette "Zora".
The Corvette SS would be a horrible name. Why name a car after a huge racing failure from 1957? (BTW, a magnesium body and heat don't mix well)
I wouldn't have a problem with ZL1. GM's already reissued LS1/LS6/LT1 etc., so why not. All of those had little to nothing in common with their forebearers. Plus, the modern ZL1 will likely put it's forebearer to shame based on performance.
Other suggestions:
Mako Shark - Awesome Vette concept from the late early 60's that led to the 63 bodystyle. Concept had a 427 w/ 655hp (
) labeled ZL1.Or maybe take a page from Ferrari and call the super-Vette "Zora".
Last edited by Sixer-Bird; Nov 28, 2003 at 11:36 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 388
From: Racine, WI
As far as naming the new super vette- I would go with L88. Chevy built only around 216 of these 600hp monsters from 67-69. They had no radio or a/c to save weight. The car could be ordered from dealers. The story goes only 2 ZL1 corvette's were built in 1969. This same engine went into some Camaros.
From a marketing point of view the Stingray's name recognition is too great to leave dormant. But to use the name it must be done correctly. The fact that the Stingray, GTO and Chevelle names sat unused for so long points out one of GM's weaknesses-marketing.
A company should capitalize ( or in GM's terms "leverage") on its core products-not ignore them.
From a marketing point of view the Stingray's name recognition is too great to leave dormant. But to use the name it must be done correctly. The fact that the Stingray, GTO and Chevelle names sat unused for so long points out one of GM's weaknesses-marketing.
A company should capitalize ( or in GM's terms "leverage") on its core products-not ignore them.
West South Central Moderator
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,371
From: Kilgore TX 75662
Zora would be cool. StingRay would be cool too.
ZL1 should only be the name of the engine.
I don't care what it's called, I just think it's about time GM stepped up to battle with the top sports cars in the world. And at the estimated price of only $100k, it will remain the best bang for the buck sports car in the world!
ZL1 should only be the name of the engine.
I don't care what it's called, I just think it's about time GM stepped up to battle with the top sports cars in the world. And at the estimated price of only $100k, it will remain the best bang for the buck sports car in the world!
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,705
From: Oakland, California
Originally posted by Sixer-Bird
I wouldn't have a problem with ZL1. GM's already reissued LS1/LS6/LT1 etc., so why not. All of those had little to nothing in common with their forebearers. Plus, the modern ZL1 will likely put it's forebearer to shame based on performance.
I wouldn't have a problem with ZL1. GM's already reissued LS1/LS6/LT1 etc., so why not. All of those had little to nothing in common with their forebearers. Plus, the modern ZL1 will likely put it's forebearer to shame based on performance.
)
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,215
From: Coppell, Texas
Originally posted by Z28x
Z28Wilson & Sixer-Bird, weren't the old engines called "LT-1 and LS-6" not LT1, LS6?
Z28Wilson & Sixer-Bird, weren't the old engines called "LT-1 and LS-6" not LT1, LS6?
From the literature that I've read, they've been used with and without the "-" before the number. I think the hood badging used the dash, but the literature didn't.Z28Wilson: You're correct, LS1 is not a reissue. ZR-1, LS2, LS4, LS5, LS6, LS7 would be though. (if GM uses them again)
jg95z28: I would imagine that if GM does use the ZL1 designation in a production car they'd rename the crate engine to distinguish the two. I really think GM has been itching to use the ZL1 name on something though.
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,705
From: Oakland, California
Originally posted by Sixer-Bird
jg95z28: I would imagine that if GM does use the ZL1 designation in a production car they'd rename the crate engine to distinguish the two. I really think GM has been itching to use the ZL1 name on something though.
jg95z28: I would imagine that if GM does use the ZL1 designation in a production car they'd rename the crate engine to distinguish the two. I really think GM has been itching to use the ZL1 name on something though.
I think that's a more important customer base for the general, don't you agree?
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,215
From: Coppell, Texas
I see what your saying. But to me, that name on a uber-Vette IMO would probably be more beneficial to GM. Changing the name of the crate engine wouldn't have to mean changing it to something totally different either. Maybe "ZL1 Classic" or somesuch.
