Quote:
Originally Posted by Z OH 6
This isn't just a "see Ferrari we can do it too". The holy grail of performance is mid-engine, GM had no choice but to move this route at some point in order to continue to improve performance. The front engine platform was already tapped out. The new engine is also not a "see Ferrari we can do it too". GM's engine will be far more reliable, achieve better gas mileage and emissions than any European equivalent. You can downplay it as much as you want but GM has achieved something very special here and will do it at a fraction of the cost of any European supercar. I fail to see how that's impressive to anyone if they truly understand automotive design.
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Spot on.
GM had no choice but to move the engine behind the driver if it wanted to improve performance. Pretty much anyone who wanted a C7 had already bought one. The big horsepower had been put in the ZR1. What was left?
I have a C8 HTC and a 6th gen ZL1. I'm holding back any thoughts of moving to the Z06 for three reasons.
1. Pricing. I want to see the base price and what options are included. I got to experience the Corvette Tax first hand with my Stingray. Options add up real fast in Corvette land.
2. The engine. Redline at 8600 rpm maybe great for the track, but I want to know how it plays out in bumper to bumper traffic. 460 lb-ft of torque at 6300 rpm is less than the LT2. If you're a torque junky like me, the LT4's 650 lb-ft at 3600 rpm makes me smile. Reliability is another issue. GM has a long history with push rod small blocks. I realize a version of the LT6 has been very reliable in their racing program. But now there will be thousands of cars beating on a version of that engine. This will really test reliability. Hopefully, it's better than what Ford owners experienced with the GT350
3. Availability. I waited 14 months for my Stingray. The thoughts of waiting that long or longer for another Corvette makes my stomach turn. Plus there will be dealer shenanigans up the wazzo on this car.
If GM has done what I think they've done, the Z06 will really turn up the heat on the sports car market. At the moment, I'm not sure I can stand any more heat.