"As small-block chief engineer Jordan Lee explains, a side benefit for having this unconventional engine-mounted sump is an ease of assembly. Oil can now be added during the engine-build process rather than when the car is going down the assembly line. Thanks to the better scavenging, the engine is mounted an inch lower in the Corvette than before, with a much shallower oil pan. Lee says this also accounts for the reduction in total oil volume, which drops from 9.7 quarts in the LT1 in the C7 to 7.5 quarts of 0W40 in the C8's LT2.

Lee also confirmed that the C8 doesn't require any routine engine-out services—often an expensive bugaboo with mid-engined cars—and that the spark plugs and other ignition components, along with the accessory belts that are tucked up next to the passenger compartment at the front of the engine, can be accessed with the engine in place. However, swapping out, say, the oil pump will require dropping the engine."

 

Hopefully it is reliable.

They pushed past the limits with their faster editions of the C7.

Previous faster editions of the 'Vette could run lap after lap; they weren't qualify lap cars.

 

I want all of C8 promises to be true, because I too wouldn't mind a dedicated mid-engine track car that could be picked up on the cheap in a couple years. However, recent history of C7 tells me early C8 will likely overheat on the track, all history of dual-clutch transmissions tells me that early C8 will eat clutches until they tune it just right, and all history of mid-engine cars tells me that engine-out will make it costly to operate once out of warranty.

 

Corvettes have always been and will probably always be seriously floored cars. Most have been evil handling at the limit and have relied on huge sticky tires to keep them competitive with other sporting marques. Horrible interiors,seats that provide no support etc. It seems in order to make the cars cheaply, Chevrolet does not spend the amount of time necessary to fine tune and refine the chassis. All shirt and no trousers. Lets hope the new one is better, but somehow I doubt it.

 

That was not my impression when I drove a C7.

Very well balanced, and the fine adjustment GM's dampers give from changing the fluid dynamics with electric charge is amazing.

The car goes from a more comfortable ride than my Jaguar to taught and balanced for hard corners in a flash.

I have also been in a C5 with the same damper system, similar characteristics.

I own a C5 Z06 which instead has fixed dampers for lighter overall vehicle weight.. The ride is quite harsh. The car weighs a lot less than a normal C5.

My biggest downside to the C5 'Vette is the eccentric four spoke steering wheel. It isn't a good sport wheel. Someday I need to make the necessary electronics to keep airbag warning lights from going off and switch to a three spoke steering wheel.

Putting the gearbox in the rear makes for an easy to handle weight balance. It is extremely easy for me to choose between biasing towards understeer or oversteer by how I setup and enter a corner. Mid corner change from one to the other goes fairly quickly as well if desired.

Wider tires have less pressure per inch on the contact patch.

You do not automatically grip up with wider tires. There is a small amount of grip from the interaction of the treat shape with the pavement shape, this is a bigger factor on dirt than pavement.

The benefit is heat management. The wider tire has more mass, and more surface area. This dissipates more heat. It lets you run lap after lap without a blowout.

 

Exactly opposite of my impressions when I test drove a 2019 Sting Ray. I thought the interior OK but lacking class and decorum. The ride was horridly harsh even in 'Tour', and 'Track' was miserable but expected. It did handle well, but I'd want a decent ride on the way TO the track. Long trips??? Fuggedaboudit. The power was lacking also, although it did hook better than my XKR so the 60 foot was a bit quicker. The dealer offered to get a Z06 for me to drive, but that would only have a worse ride although more power. I declined. Sure is a pretty car though.

 

I drove C7 Z06 on track, and it is nothing short of miraculous for what it cost. It is seriously fast, by a wide margin when compared to my F-type, and it even handles and stops a bit better.

However, after about 3-4 hot laps, the owner asked me to go into the pits for the car to cool off. LOL.

 

I would be interested in the ride quality as they went with a complete suspension change. Looks like coil overs on all 4 so that should improve the ride quality. Time will tell. I also don't expect the interior to be in the same class as the XKR but in the class of the F-Type and similar cars.

 

Well the word is out as I was on one of my old Ferrari sites and some guys over there have already placed their orders. Talked to my BIL who has a 63 and 67 and he said his forms are all a buzz with the C8 . Also heard that the BMW and Porsche sites are talkin. A dealer said they should be getting cars by the Nov.-Dec. time frame.

 

It has been abuzz ever since it was a rumor.

Does it still launch with the C7 in production, or does this take the place of it?

Rumor used to be it'd have a new name, be a special corvette brand model.

 

They are in production. Word is there are about 600 C7's still available but their production run had stopped months ago

 

Just watched a new video from Jay Leno.

I expected it to look a lot better than the press photos, it does.

The high center structure in the interior is reminiscent of a back bone lotus.

It seems like an interesting car.

 

It will be interesting to see what 'adjusted market value' addendum stickers the dealers put on it.

Ugly car, but the price point will help it sell.

 

Yep. Those who thought the prices will come down in the next 3 years wishfully thinking. They are going up. I bet no one gets a car for $60k in the first 3 years. Forget the corvette cult, there is an equally large cult for mid engined cars.
But its not for me. If I got a mid engine car, I would want a manual. Had a manual vette, it just was too big of a car for a manual.

 

Check with our local dealer and they are taking reserve orders now. Cost you $5K to hold a car and the MSRP is $55,900 which is the base model. I assume none will come as base but the will come with the Z51 package which my bet is around $5 - $10K . Anyone looking for a 2012 XKR convert. in IRR , hahahaha.

 

I am not personally interested in the new 'Vette, but I do wonder how it's price-point will affect the used car market prices, Vis-à-vis high end performance used cars. Will it being a mid-point priced car, lower the value of all other similar class cars in the used car market? Including such cars as the XKR & F-Type?

 

I think the only thing that will save other car values is Corvettes will be in low supply.

0-60 in 3 seconds.
Mid engine
Same price as pickup truck.
You would have to be retarded to go buy a Nissan GTR, Ford Mustang for more money.

But all this is academic, not many are buying cars anymore. And even fewer places to drive them anymore, unless you live somewhere removed from civilization, where does it even mater if you can do 0-60 in 3, who are you racing a horse-buggy.

 

It shouldn't cost, 150 to 200 thousand. It's built by a Mass Manuacturer!! They can turn these things out by the Gazillions!!! Not 3,000 a year, more like 50,000 a year. It doesn't have the same attention to detail, the over the top engineering, fit and finish. etc. of a true Super Car. Because it's not, when it all comes down to it. It's Just a Plastic Chivy! Just my thoughts.

Jack

 

That is what I admire about American manufacturing, the ability to use efficiency to give people more. It is the American dream in essence. I come from the world of absolute perfection and total disregard for efficiency....
If we look at it from one metric alone: the ability for the majority to enjoy some modicum of supercar performance (mid-engine, 3secs)- only one of those formulas succeeds, and the other believes supercar is not for the majority.
Ironically, it was the same promise that Jaguar delivered on, how do we make a Rolls Royce available to the majority and in doing so, improve upon Rolls Royce.

That's what I love about Chevrolet, they want to bring the top to the masses. (they may have their faults, but just look at the intent)
Compared with Lexus, Acura, want a mid-engine car, you better be in the 0.5% income bracket.
Ford (whom I strongly dislike, for them its a race to the bottom) you better be in the .001% income bracket for a mid-engine car.

As result of what Chevrolet has just done, there will be folks all over rural America who will start appreciating mid-engine cars for the first time. Which ironically will make it better for Ferrari McLaren etc.

 

Well, there was the MR2 from Toyota.