I learned how to drive stick on a 454 'Vette ... in 1972. Just about the only vehicle that has evolved slower, from an outside appearance, is a diesel-electric locomotive.

To me the Vette shows almost everything that's wrong with General Motors Corporation. The word is ... "ossify". It's one thing to stick to tradition, but if we all wanted stuff from our earlier years we'd probably be driving Checkers Marathons.

I've always loved the Vette too, especially the split rear-window 1962. But to buy one in 2009 is to tell this giant company it doesn't HAVE to evolve. To me there is just no reason in the universe they shouldn't have this Volt out on the street already -- two weeks after announcing it.

I am not talking about "tired" in the sense of immediately adjacent model styles to the next. I am talking about overall in the entire history of the car itself. When one looks at a Vette no matter what ancestral generation one does not have a doubt it is a Vette. GM's goal was to brand the look.

I don't believe Nissan has necessarily had that in mind to the same extent as GM has as the Z has really gone through some "look" changes over the years. The design differences have for the most part been all sufficiently different enough to cause people to have to take a close look to verify and in their minds that they are looking at a Z. The only Z 's that have experienced little design difference between themselves have been the 350Z and the 370Z.

So this is what I mean when I say the design is "tired". The design branding of the look compared to the Z is too set into stone for the Vette. And as I said before it is starting to happen with the Mustang as well.

The SPLIT WINDOW COUPE was the 1963 Corvette.

1963 CORVETTE SPLIT WINDOW COUPE

[QUOTE=FricFrac;152705]????? The 370Z is completely different in almost every aspect compared to the 350Z.....QUOTE]


I agree with you; the C5 to C6 change is very much on par with the Z33 to Z34 change.

[QUOTE=Endgame;153586]I don't know if I would go quite that far, but it is indeed a difference.

I think you may have forgotten the 240z, 260z, and 280z. Very minor differences between those years, even less so than the 350z to 370z when talking about looks.

Great pictures!

But it also kinda proves the point. GM stopped seriously innovating in this car line a long, long time ago. This was before the Corvair debacle or the Vega engine disaster, even.

240Z-280Z -> 280ZX -> 300ZX (Z31) -> 300ZX (Z32) -> 350Z (Z33) at the very least are big changes even if you don't think the Z33 -> Z34 is a big change....

I think the 70-early 80's Stingray was the last super sexy Corvette. It has some serious curves!

And to my fat azz, I think the vette seats are much more comfy. The Z ones kind of squeeze me in for daily driving, although I think I will prefer them on the track.

As for the dated part, brand identity is huge and a good thing, is the 911 dated too?

I still love them both!
http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/5629/both2.jpg

^^^ Beautiful cars! :drool:

I love tq. I have always admired LS engine by GM. I may drive one sometime down the road.

You're still more than welcome to participate in our Lounge areas. Good luck with the car.