My thoughts on the C8 Corvette

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.