My thoughts on the C8 Corvette

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 !!!