My thoughts on the C8 Corvette

280z/300zx · 08-29-2019, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hot Rod 370 Z

I know this is a Z forum but I believe we all like nice sports cars so I thought I would open a discussion. I have owned 3 Corvettes in the past including a 2002 Z06. I bought that new for around $53K. C8 base price is set at $59,995 but I looked at the option sheet today. Oh my god you can take this car to well over $80K with the endless options list. At first I was a bit disappointed with the revealed look of the car but then I realized that a mid engine car has to have a shorter hood and totally different body line compared to a front engine car. So its growing on me "except for the tail lights" ... 2nd negative is auto trans only. Again I realize that a duel clutch auto trans shifts very fast but all of my sports cars and hot rods were manual trans. I like to shift my cars. 3rd negative, even with the Z51 option package its only 495 HP. Now that is nothing to sneeze at but compared to Boss Mustangs, 714 HP Challengers and the like its not up to par HP wise. I know they will come out with Z06, ZR's but what will that cost ??? I think GM has lost the purpose of the Corvette. It was always an affordable sports car that a working person could afford with a bit of effort. That being said I would like one but not in the first or even second year. I am sure there will be issues to cure on this new generation Stingray. Your thoughts please !!!

Going to look at it today. I will say this much. A lot of people are only focusing on the 495 hp number without taking into account the traction that will be gained from mid engine. It was already leaked the other day that the Z51 will run the 1/4 mile in 11.3. Thats C7 Z06 teritory. As a C7 Z06 M7 owner I can personally tell you that with 650hp the car is useless at full throttle on the street. You just can't utilize the power because traction is just not there. Even at the track I had to leave the nannies on just pull a decent time. With traction control off I ran a full second slower because I was spinning 1st and 2nd the whole way. Yes, you can change to drag radials but I like to run my car at the track the way I drive it on the street as my daily driver. Point is 495 hp with an 11.3 1/4 mile time will be more than plenty and more than most people can use. Anything more is just bragging rights.

That being said I agree about the disappointment in DCT only. I've been a manual only driver for 20 years now, since I was 17, and the thought of giving up a manual is difficult. I did go recently and test drive some other DCT sports cars to see if I could live with it and it doesn't seem horrible. Besides, I've still got my 5-speed 280z in the garage for the days I want to go old school. But I'm going in just 2 hours to the C8 event here in Vegas so once I see it in person I'll decide if I'll put a deposit down or wait.

Hot Rod 370 Z · 08-29-2019, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 280z/300zx

Going to look at it today. I will say this much. A lot of people are only focusing on the 495 hp number without taking into account the traction that will be gained from mid engine. It was already leaked the other day that the Z51 will run the 1/4 mile in 11.3. Thats C7 Z06 teritory. As a C7 Z06 M7 owner I can personally tell you that with 650hp the car is useless at full throttle on the street. You just can't utilize the power because traction is just not there. Even at the track I had to leave the nannies on just pull a decent time. With traction control off I ran a full second slower because I was spinning 1st and 2nd the whole way. Yes, you can change to drag radials but I like to run my car at the track the way I drive it on the street as my daily driver. Point is 495 hp with an 11.3 1/4 mile time will be more than plenty and more than most people can use. Anything more is just bragging rights.

That being said I agree about the disappointment in DCT only. I've been a manual only driver for 20 years now, since I was 17, and the thought of giving up a manual is difficult. I did go recently and test drive some other DCT sports cars to see if I could live with it and it doesn't seem horrible. Besides, I've still got my 5-speed 280z in the garage for the days I want to go old school. But I'm going in just 2 hours to the C8 event here in Vegas so once I see it in person I'll decide if I'll put a deposit down or wait.

Everything you say is true. Its going to take some time for all of us to digest the details on this car. I been thinking about my original statement on the cost of this car. I changed my mind on that. As I mentioned I bought a brand new Z06 in 2002 for apx $53,000 ... So that was over 17 years ago. The base price on a C 8 with all its great looks and performance is really a great value. Please let us know your impressions when you see the C 8 this weekend.

UNKNOWN_370 · 08-29-2019, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 280z/300zx

Going to look at it today. I will say this much. A lot of people are only focusing on the 495 hp number without taking into account the traction that will be gained from mid engine. It was already leaked the other day that the Z51 will run the 1/4 mile in 11.3. Thats C7 Z06 teritory. As a C7 Z06 M7 owner I can personally tell you that with 650hp the car is useless at full throttle on the street. You just can't utilize the power because traction is just not there. Even at the track I had to leave the nannies on just pull a decent time. With traction control off I ran a full second slower because I was spinning 1st and 2nd the whole way. Yes, you can change to drag radials but I like to run my car at the track the way I drive it on the street as my daily driver. Point is 495 hp with an 11.3 1/4 mile time will be more than plenty and more than most people can use. Anything more is just bragging rights.

That being said I agree about the disappointment in DCT only. I've been a manual only driver for 20 years now, since I was 17, and the thought of giving up a manual is difficult. I did go recently and test drive some other DCT sports cars to see if I could live with it and it doesn't seem horrible. Besides, I've still got my 5-speed 280z in the garage for the days I want to go old school. But I'm going in just 2 hours to the C8 event here in Vegas so once I see it in person I'll decide if I'll put a deposit down or wait.

Preach!!!

280z/300zx · 08-30-2019, 10:17 AM

So saw it yesterday afternoon. In pictures the car looks beautiful but in person it is that much better. It's bigger than my Z06!!! Wider and what seems longer. As someone who feels the 280z is the perfect size it's hard to not wish sports would stop getting bigger. But I also know if you want a car that will hit near 200mph and pull 1g on a turn that you need wheelbase, engine, tranny, etc to go with it. Anyway, overall it's great. The visable engine sounds good online but in person I was disjointed with how low it was. Meaning you really have to be right up on the car and leaning over it to see it. Low engine placement is good for dynamics but not for visuals. My concern is that looky-lu's will scratch the car trying to see the engine when the car is parked in a parking lot or such. This will be my daily driver after all. Seating position and comfortability was nice. Easier to get in and out of compared to my Z06. Helps that the side skirts don't come out as far so when you swing your feet out you don't have to worry about stepping on them. However you'll want your passenger all the way back otherwise their elbow will be resting on that strip down the center with all the buttons. I liked that there was minimal wheel gap. Likely means I won't have to lower it which is a plus because my Z06 lowered on stock bolts can be a chore going over certain things. Won't need the front end lift on the C8, at least for where I live. Everyone worries about placing the targa top in back with the spoiler in place but the Chevy guy did it from the side very fast and easy, so doesn't appear to be a problem even if you get the high wing. Wheels look better in person but still leave a lot to be desired.

Overall great car. Should be a manual even if it would be slower. However that being said I think I will take the plunge. Already have a local dealer with first run allocations that will give it to me at MSRP. So just need to really double check with myself about giving up the manual as well as pricing out the sale of my Z06. Likely will sell now before the market is saturated, save the money I would otherwise pay on care payments, and use it towards down payment when the C8 comes in.

Honestly as much as I love the C8 if the Supra came in manual I'd get that instead simply because it's manual, smaller, cheaper. But honestly there is little to none when it comes to manual 2 door sports cars anymore. The 370z is still a nice car but having had 2 of them already I can't see myself going back for a third time. So likely have to give up fighting up hill and get with the new program of automatics/DCT/PDK/ etc and just get a C8. Leave my manual fix to my 280z. The hard part is going to be not daily driving a sports care for the next 6-9 months while I wait for the C8 to be built and delivered.

I purposely left out stuff like materials, tech, etc because I personally don't care. I don't buy sports cars for that reason. The base model 1LT will be more than enough with the Z51 for performance. However if any more specific questions interior or otherwise let me know. Oh, and no he didn't turn it on. He said Chevy wouldn't let him which makes no sense as they have at other locations.

gsx95 · 08-30-2019, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 280z/300zx

So saw it yesterday afternoon. In pictures the car looks beautiful but in person it is that much better. It's bigger than my Z06!!! Wider and what seems longer. As someone who feels the 280z is the perfect size it's hard to not wish sports would stop getting bigger. But I also know if you want a car that will hit near 200mph and pull 1g on a turn that you need wheelbase, engine, tranny, etc to go with it. Anyway, overall it's great. The visable engine sounds good online but in person I was disjointed with how low it was. Meaning you really have to be right up on the car and leaning over it to see it. Low engine placement is good for dynamics but not for visuals. My concern is that looky-lu's will scratch the car trying to see the engine when the car is parked in a parking lot or such. This will be my daily driver after all. Seating position and comfortability was nice. Easier to get in and out of compared to my Z06. Helps that the side skirts don't come out as far so when you swing your feet out you don't have to worry about stepping on them. However you'll want your passenger all the way back otherwise their elbow will be resting on that strip down the center with all the buttons. I liked that there was minimal wheel gap. Likely means I won't have to lower it which is a plus because my Z06 lowered on stock bolts can be a chore going over certain things. Won't need the front end lift on the C8, at least for where I live. Everyone worries about placing the targa top in back with the spoiler in place but the Chevy guy did it from the side very fast and easy, so doesn't appear to be a problem even if you get the high wing. Wheels look better in person but still leave a lot to be desired.

Overall great car. Should be a manual even if it would be slower. However that being said I think I will take the plunge. Already have a local dealer with first run allocations that will give it to me at MSRP. So just need to really double check with myself about giving up the manual as well as pricing out the sale of my Z06. Likely will sell now before the market is saturated, save the money I would otherwise pay on care payments, and use it towards down payment when the C8 comes in.

Honestly as much as I love the C8 if the Supra came in manual I'd get that instead simply because it's manual, smaller, cheaper. But honestly there is little to none when it comes to manual 2 door sports cars anymore. The 370z is still a nice car but having had 2 of them already I can't see myself going back for a third time. So likely have to give up fighting up hill and get with the new program of automatics/DCT/PDK/ etc and just get a C8. Leave my manual fix to my 280z. The hard part is going to be not daily driving a sports care for the next 6-9 months while I wait for the C8 to be built and delivered.

I purposely left out stuff like materials, tech, etc because I personally don't care. I don't buy sports cars for that reason. The base model 1LT will be more than enough with the Z51 for performance. However if any more specific questions interior or otherwise let me know. Oh, and no he didn't turn it on. He said Chevy wouldn't let him which makes no sense as they have at other locations.

I appreciate your perspective on this. I really wish there was a manual also. I have had some excellent DCT cars but even my latest one leaves me wanting. After 10 years of driving DCTs, I never got over my need for having a stick. I'm sure it will be amazing, but I don't think I can ever buy a non-manual sports car again.

UNKNOWN_370 · 08-31-2019, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsx95

I appreciate your perspective on this. I really wish there was a manual also. I have had some excellent DCT cars but even my latest one leaves me wanting. After 10 years of driving DCTs, I never got over my need for having a stick. I'm sure it will be amazing, but I don't think I can ever buy a non-manual sports car again.

Porsche cayman may be up your alley if the mid engine experience means something to you in the same price range.
The mid engine layout made it hard to put a manual in the car cuz of how the floor chassis is shaped.. besides the manual wouldn't put down the numbers they were looking for. Th ed yre still performing R & D on the possibility though. But DCT is the superior transmission and most people dont care as long as it's not CVT.

gsx95 · 09-01-2019, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

Porsche cayman may be up your alley if the mid engine experience means something to you in the same price range.
The mid engine layout made it hard to put a manual in the car cuz of how the floor chassis is shaped.. besides the manual wouldn't put down the numbers they were looking for. Th ed yre still performing R & D on the possibility though. But DCT is the superior transmission and most people dont care as long as it's not CVT.

You're definitely right about people not caring. I guess I don't really understand why the same people who complain about cars taking over driving duties embrace incremental changes that also take over driving duties because they are faster. Eventually computer controlled cars will be faster in every respect and people will compare start buttons, since that will be all they have to engage with. At least there will be more analog cars available, used or otherwise, for the rest of my life!

08-30-2019, 10:17 AM	#4 (permalink)
280z/300zx Track Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Nevada Posts: 689 Drives: 280z, 300zx, Vette Rep Power: 273	So saw it yesterday afternoon. In pictures the car looks beautiful but in person it is that much better. It's bigger than my Z06!!! Wider and what seems longer. As someone who feels the 280z is the perfect size it's hard to not wish sports would stop getting bigger. But I also know if you want a car that will hit near 200mph and pull 1g on a turn that you need wheelbase, engine, tranny, etc to go with it. Anyway, overall it's great. The visable engine sounds good online but in person I was disjointed with how low it was. Meaning you really have to be right up on the car and leaning over it to see it. Low engine placement is good for dynamics but not for visuals. My concern is that looky-lu's will scratch the car trying to see the engine when the car is parked in a parking lot or such. This will be my daily driver after all. Seating position and comfortability was nice. Easier to get in and out of compared to my Z06. Helps that the side skirts don't come out as far so when you swing your feet out you don't have to worry about stepping on them. However you'll want your passenger all the way back otherwise their elbow will be resting on that strip down the center with all the buttons. I liked that there was minimal wheel gap. Likely means I won't have to lower it which is a plus because my Z06 lowered on stock bolts can be a chore going over certain things. Won't need the front end lift on the C8, at least for where I live. Everyone worries about placing the targa top in back with the spoiler in place but the Chevy guy did it from the side very fast and easy, so doesn't appear to be a problem even if you get the high wing. Wheels look better in person but still leave a lot to be desired. Overall great car. Should be a manual even if it would be slower. However that being said I think I will take the plunge. Already have a local dealer with first run allocations that will give it to me at MSRP. So just need to really double check with myself about giving up the manual as well as pricing out the sale of my Z06. Likely will sell now before the market is saturated, save the money I would otherwise pay on care payments, and use it towards down payment when the C8 comes in. Honestly as much as I love the C8 if the Supra came in manual I'd get that instead simply because it's manual, smaller, cheaper. But honestly there is little to none when it comes to manual 2 door sports cars anymore. The 370z is still a nice car but having had 2 of them already I can't see myself going back for a third time. So likely have to give up fighting up hill and get with the new program of automatics/DCT/PDK/ etc and just get a C8. Leave my manual fix to my 280z. The hard part is going to be not daily driving a sports care for the next 6-9 months while I wait for the C8 to be built and delivered. I purposely left out stuff like materials, tech, etc because I personally don't care. I don't buy sports cars for that reason. The base model 1LT will be more than enough with the Z51 for performance. However if any more specific questions interior or otherwise let me know. Oh, and no he didn't turn it on. He said Chevy wouldn't let him which makes no sense as they have at other locations. Hot Rod 370 Z likes this. __________________ 77 280z, 82 280zx, 84 300zx, 2021 C8 Z51 09 370z sport/touring -RIP// 10 370z NISMO - sold

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