The fact that he lists Z06 and Blue Devil seperately when mentioning the driving school leads me to further believe that Blue Devil is not "the next Z06", or will replace the Z06 in the lineup, but would rather become the next higher notch on the Corvette Ladder.


Link: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...4/TOC01ARCHIVE

 

Smart man.....

 

Doesn't Porche do this on some 911 models?

 

Hey, that was my idea like 5 YEARS ago for Camaro buyers in lieu of rebates!

 

The Z06 is too high volume to require a driving school. If they wanna do that with the blue devil, that's cool. In fact I think it's a good idea - will make the drivers more educated and will add to the alure of owning one - almost kinda like a higher end Ferrari.

BUT not on the regular Z06...

 

I made this suggestion (the driving school) when the first mention of a blue devil was made a couple years ago. I'm glad someone else is thinking along the same path.

 

how many Z06's are they planning on selling annually?

 

I've been saying for some time now (in fact I once asked Scott S about it) that something is going to have to "give" in the ever increasing HP figures.

Mass produced vehicles capable of well in excess of 170-180MPH avaliable in large numbers to the public has a lot of potential for disaster.

Either the manufacturers are going to have to agree on a limit/some sort of system or the government will step in or insurance companies will simply refuse to insure drivers without proven driving skills.

Many years ago a read an C&D article about european insurance companies who base insurance rates on proven driver skills; for example, if someone took a high performance driving coursek like Bonderant, they would get a break on their insurance rates. I do also remember that in europe, cars are tagged with a designation that tells police how fast the car is allowed to go...that is, a teenager wasn't allowed to drive over a specified limit while and adult didn't have that restriction.

It seems to me that the US could benefit from such a system...the "driver training" we do here is a joke compared to truly knowing how to handle a car at speed or how to react to an emergency.

 

As of 04/07/06, Z06 was 18% of total build for MY2006. 4511 units and counting.



I believe they are projecting Z06 to be 20% to 25% of the total build for MY2007....

 

I think 25% of all vette sales are Z06's......50% Coupes and 25% Verts.....I'm not totally sure if those numbers are right, but I did read it somewhere....

Edit: Sorry Darth I answered this before I got to your post.....well it looks like I was close

 

I definately see your point... but...

Is there really that much more potential for mayhem with a 500 or even 600 hp car than there is with a 300 or 400 hp car?

I'd think it's not much, if any difference.

Plus, these cars are so expensive, they won't be in a lot of irresponsible hands anytime soon...

I'd actually think something of more concern is the 303 hp Monte Carlo SS's that can be had by almost anyone... or the 220 or whatever horsepower Solstice GXP's.

With that said, I still don't think it'd be all that different than it is today or in the past. A jackass behind the wheel is a jackass behind the wheel. Doesn't make a whole lot of difference if he's driving a Cavalier or a Corvette.

 

I would like to see insurance companies giving out decent discounts for people who have attended driving schools of some sort. And if you drive a performance vehicle, and attend a driving school, you get even more discount. Because honestly, as was stated before, our licensing system here is a complete joke. There are hundreds of thousands of people who should not be allowed within 10 feet of a car, yet they are driving huge SUV's or sports cars. I am ALL FOR a much stricter licensing program.

 

The government won't do it beause it just creates more expense for them or for the end user and more red tape.
I'm all for it being privatized but unfortunately most 'skilled' drivers are still more likely to get into trouble by using those skills in inappropriate situations.

Wild skilled drivers are just as much if not more dangerous than your average half-insane blue-haired doing half the speed limit and pulling out in front of oncoming traffic.

So if there was a way for them to determine people who are skilled/capable but are also responsible, then it'd be worth it - but then you're getting so complicated that any insurance company who moved to that 'system' would likely lose half its customers because they don't feel like going to a full fledged driving school just to keep from paying higher premiums, when the insurance company next door doesn't require it.

 

What if GM includes driving school lessons in the purchase price of the vehicle and makes it optional for the buyer? (What Z06 buyer would not want to flogg his new toy on the track if he could do so for "FREE"?)

 

They can just jack the prices up and give a "discout" for going to the school for a set amount of hp just like they do with anything else...

I HATE insurance companies. Claims adjusters are vultures...