[protovack]

Case in point Ford GT, it has the F-150's 3.5L V6 ecoboost in it and they certainly made it work as a supercar engine. I believe the reason they used that motor was restrictions in the LeMans, and they didn't want to (or need to) develop a unique engine just for the GT.

What would people say if GM took the 4.3L smallblock V6 (LV3) from the base silverado work truck, twin turbo charged it, and tuned it for use in a supercar? I think that would be completely bad ass. I'd buy one. Though I suspect most corvette customers wouldn't. Which I think is funny considering it is a pushrod small block.

[Emoto]

Originally Posted by protovack

Case in point Ford GT, it has the F-150's 3.5L V6 ecoboost in it and they certainly made it work as a supercar engine. I believe the reason they used that motor was restrictions in the LeMans, and they didn't want to (or need to) develop a unique engine just for the GT.

What would people say if GM took the 4.3L smallblock V6 (LV3) from the base silverado work truck, twin turbo charged it, and tuned it for use in a supercar? I think that would be completely bad ass. I'd buy one. Though I suspect most corvette customers wouldn't. Which I think is funny considering it is a pushrod small block.

You make a fair point, but I will say that in the US, V8s matter. The Ford GT is unquestionably a nearly unattainable by mortals halo car. As much as I like Corvettes, I don't think they can make that same claim.

I am not opposed to offering a V6, but am not sure what advantage it gives over the V8. Is there an advantage?

[protovack]

It's definitely a lighter block and rotating assembly, and more compact. And at highway cruising speeds it would get better fuel economy. But with the size and weight of the C8, it's pretty clear that it needs the LT1. I think I was just wishing for a slightly more slimmed down, lighter corvette with smaller displacement engines. I think that would be cool. This is one area where I think Corvette could branch into two different products, with one remaining a large, heavy car with larger engines, and then another version that is down-sized, more like a Lotus--made for people that want a corvette for performance, not putting golf bags in the back. Shorter, lighter, no big ass on it, smaller displacement engine, etc.

[zx9rmal]

Originally Posted by protovack

It's definitely a lighter block and rotating assembly, and more compact. And at highway cruising speeds it would get better fuel economy. But with the size and weight of the C8, it's pretty clear that it needs the LT1. I think I was just wishing for a slightly more slimmed down, lighter corvette with smaller displacement engines. I think that would be cool. This is one area where I think Corvette could branch into two different products, with one remaining a large, heavy car with larger engines, and then another version that is down-sized, more like a Lotus--made for people that want a corvette for performance, not putting golf bags in the back. Shorter, lighter, no big ass on it, smaller displacement engine, etc.

I like that idea. Maybe a Corvette and a Corvette GT?

[FNxR3DNECK]

My idea of a C8 with the TTV6 would be a more affordable, less performance oriented trim/model. Basically for the people that want a Vette but don't care about having 500+/600+ hp.

I guess this would be the ideal base model in my eyes, if it was price $5k (or more) lower than the base V8 equipped trim it could sell like hot cakes, just look at how many V6/T4 Camaros there are. Everyone is scared the C8 will be too expensive, this could balance that out. Also this could bring the average emissions across the range down significantly, if you are unaware emissions isn't completely focused to the specific model/trim it is also considered in an average across the model range. I believe this would be more important in the international market but could be a factor here as well. Basically a TTV6 C8 with drastically lower emissions could enable Chevy to push the power output on the higher trims a bit without busting their emissions limits as easily.

A base model C8 with TTV6 with a noticeably cheaper starting price than base V8 trim and the reduced fuel cost that goes along with it could be very appealing to some buyers.

[GearheadSS]

Originally Posted by FNxR3DNECK

My idea of a C8 with the TTV6 would be a more affordable, less performance oriented trim/model. Basically for the people that want a Vette but don't care about having 500+/600+ hp.

I guess this would be the ideal base model in my eyes, if it was price $5k (or more) lower than the base V8 equipped trim it could sell like hot cakes, just look at how many V6/T4 Camaros there are. Everyone is scared the C8 will be too expensive, this could balance that out. Also this could bring the average emissions across the range down significantly, if you are unaware emissions isn't completely focused to the specific model/trim it is also considered in an average across the model range. I believe this would be more important in the international market but could be a factor here as well. Basically a TTV6 C8 with drastically lower emissions could enable Chevy to push the power output on the higher trims a bit without busting their emissions limits as easily.

A base model C8 with TTV6 with a noticeably cheaper starting price than base V8 trim and the reduced fuel cost that goes along with it could be very appealing to some buyers.

It wouldn't be less expensive. The TTV6 is more expensive than the LT1. If you want a less expensive base model Vette, it needs to have a V8.

[396ssrat]

The C8 chassis is more likely suitable for electric power which, like it or not is in our face like a frikking Gnat.

[FNxR3DNECK]

Originally Posted by GearheadSS

It wouldn't be less expensive. The TTV6 is more expensive than the LT1. If you want a less expensive base model Vette, it needs to have a V8.

Sure with the current TTV6 vs. the LT1, but we don't know what the cost of the LT2 or whatever base V8 in the C8 will be yet, I definitely see your point though.

It could also be dealt with like the camaro does now: with cheaper/less robust supporting equipment on the less powerful TTV6 trim as compared to the base V8 trim.

Of course we are using the current TTV6 vs. the rumored roughly 500hp LT2 as the basis of this argument, but who knows if they do a TTV6 it could have less HP, maybe around 400hp? There's just too many unknown variables at this time. I for one won't be surprised if there is a TTV6 somewhere in the lineup!

[GearheadSS]

Originally Posted by FNxR3DNECK

Sure with the current TTV6 vs. the LT1, but we don't know what the cost of the LT2 or whatever base V8 in the C8 will be yet, I definitely see your point though.

It could also be dealt with like the camaro does now: with cheaper/less robust supporting equipment on the less powerful TTV6 trim as compared to the base V8 trim.

Of course we are using the current TTV6 vs. the rumored roughly 500hp LT2 as the basis of this argument, but who knows if they do a TTV6 it could have less HP, maybe around 400hp? There's just too many unknown variables at this time. I for one won't be surprised if there is a TTV6 somewhere in the lineup!

I don't think you'll see a C8 with less HP than the LT1 offers now. There's no reason for that. They've gone up in HP every new generation since the C4 and there's no reason for that to stop now.

[protovack]

It's true, the C8 won't get a smaller displacement engine. I think the fascination with one stems directly from people who want a pure performance corvette in a smaller package. Currently the corvette is like a gentleman's supercar. Something you can put luggage and golf bags, go sight-seeing in, etc. And because of that it has to be bigger and heavier. I say create a down-sized model from scratch and call it something else....like say...I don't know..."Fiero"? hahaha. Lighter, downsized engine, no room for golf bags. A bit cheaper. Because lets face it, the corvette has gotten a lot bigger than it was in the 50's. Could you imagine something the size of a '63 vette, 2800 pounds, with a power dense 4 cylinder like the LTG or a twin turbo charged 6. It would be a Miata destroyer. Like a solstice but with corvette-like attention to detail and engineering, and styling.

[Number 3]

GM has little desire to make the C8 more affordable. They didn’t go mid engine to make a value product. Compared to every other mid engine hyper/super car the C8 will already be a steal.

Regardless of the engine tech, a TTV6 is way more expensive than a push rod engine. Simply think of the cost of two turbos and an inter cooler then add the piece cost of 3 more cams and 8 extra valves and the machining required for all of those and the cylinder heads. I remember when GM added the 5.3 V8 to the Colorado/Canyon/H3. Way less piece price than the I5 with twin balance shafts $1,500;if memory serves) and GM actually charged over $1,000 for the option.

[Gunkk]

Originally Posted by protovack

Currently the corvette is like a gentleman's supercar. Something you can put luggage and golf bags, go sight-seeing in, etc.

Yes the class is Grand Tourer.

Supercar is a different class. 1000 lbs less. $200k more. And a frunk bigger than my trunk with the top down and divider in place

[Number 3]

Originally Posted by Gunkk

Yes the class is Grand Tourer.

Supercar is a different class. 1000 lbs less. $200k more. And a frunk bigger than my trunk with the top down and divider in place

Not many super/hyper cars are 1,000 pours less than a C7 Corvette if any. Even a Z06 is only around 3,500 pounds.

Trunk size? Yes, that is a huge give up for going oma long road trip/vacation. We’ve taken numerous C6/C5 Corvettes on vacation with 2 sets of clubs and luggage. I don’t think that’s in the plans for a C8 owner.

[Gen6_1Le]

Originally Posted by Number 3

GM has little desire to make the C8 more affordable. They didn’t go mid engine to make a value product. Compared to every other mid engine hyper/super car the C8 will already be a steal.

Regardless of the engine tech, a TTV6 is way more expensive than a push rod engine. Simply think of the cost of two turbos and an inter cooler then add the piece cost of 3 more cams and 8 extra valves and the machining required for all of those and the cylinder heads. I remember when GM added the 5.3 V8 to the Colorado/Canyon/H3. Way less piece price than the I5 with twin balance shafts $1,500;if memory serves) and GM actually charged over $1,000 for the option.

GM using the LT2 may just be showing the desire to make it an affordable and a value product . Also compared to every other mid engine hyper/super car it will have a very dull and basically low tech engine . Sounds more like an entry level engine to me . I really think GM has something else for people who are not looking for a daily driver mid engine Corvette but for those with much deeper pockets and a want for cutting edge tech, and i don't mean a twin turbo V8.