When will we get numbers?

[spd98]

Anhone have any idea when GM will release the performance numbers? HP, TQ, or Weight?

I know they will more than likely have a press day and let the mags take them around a course (maybe VIR like the ZL1 launch?), but I would think we should at least be hearing about a media event being scheduled.

I would even expect to start seeing pictures of them on the ring possibly at this point, since the cat is out of the bag on looks anyway.

[elegant]

GM is still fining tuning the LT1. When finished, the motor(s) go to the Society of Automative Engineers (SAE) for verification. I am guessing we are months away. Maybe around the Birthday Bash?

[Chris Draper]

As of the NAIAS, they still had a lot of testing to do, including the 24hr durability test.

I'd say 3-4 months (May-June?)

[spd98]

Originally Posted by elegant

GM is still fining tuning the LT1. When finished, the motor(s) go to the Society of Automative Engineers (SAE) for verification. I am guessing we are months away. Maybe around the Birthday Bash?

SAE testing is performed at GM power-train. SAE itself doesn't test motors. They are like much like the ASME and only write code and procedures.

[PNHNDLE96CE]

Wow that's a long wait.

[spd98]

Originally Posted by Chris Draper

As of the NAIAS, they still had a lot of testing to do, including the 24hr durability test.

Shouldn't that just take approximatly ....24hrs?

[bkuper]

Originally Posted by spd98

Shouldn't that just take approximatly ....24hrs?

Why yes, yes it should.

[Longtimer]

Got my "March" labeled Car and Driver with a pretty good C7 article that interviews most of the GM C7 Culprits. Tadge, Bennion, etc. They seem to confirm that the C7 weight is about 150 lbs more than the C6. Lots of emphasis on the rigidity of the structure being many time that of the C6 because they embraced new ways of making the frame and cradles.

My take away from the engineering talk is that they focused on new tech rigidity and over built it without consideration for weight. Tadge gets defensive about the weight saying that no 450 HP V8 could ever weigh the 3000 lbs that the internet expected. This sort of indicates that the Z?? won't be light either.

Bennion says they never cliniced the exterior design, only the interior. Very clear they did not care what Corvette Loyalists thought. No surprise there.

[Chris Draper]

If they saved 99 lbs out of the frame, and like 35-40 from the body structure.....something needed to add aprox 300 lbs to the car for it to be 150lbs heavier. I don't get it. The math just doesn't add up.

The added components of the engine can't be 300 lbs.

[Longtimer]

One of my local "Corvette Lunch" guys went to the special $150 preview in Detroit and wants to meet to discuss the experience. I have a bad cold so we're going to wait a week or so to meet. I couldn't wait to ask him about the C7 weight. He said they explained it so that he understands why it's heavier, but he doesn't agree with their reasons for their decisions.

By the time we discuss this in detail, my guess is that everyone will know.

Of note... the C&D article also said that there is not a single formed plastic surface in the interior. Even the standard interior is completely wrapped in vinyl. I'm guessing that this is one of the contributors to the weight gain.

Another is that the Engine to Trans tunnel is MUCH heavier to avoid the resonating that the variable displacement system was causing. They also had to add more insulation for the same reasons.

[Roadkillz]

From what I have read, the LT1 computers added 25 pounds of weight and to get the AFM more refined on the Corvette the torque tube gained weight. I can see them adding sound deadening material to the car as well in order to reduce the sound.

However this sounds as though they made some choices during development that added weight to the vehicle that probably doesn't have to be there.

Also it is hard to believe that they added as much weight as would need to be added in order to be 150 pounds heavier then the C6. It is as if they are moving the Corvette more toward a GT car and more away from the sports car formula. I also suspect that the 7 speed manual transmission added some weight as well.

Unless this AFM is 1000% better then the current system (which I don't think it will be) AFM is a dead end.....

[Longtimer]

Originally Posted by Roadkillz

From what I have read, the LT1 computers added 25 pounds of weight and to get the AFM more refined on the Corvette the torque tube gained weight. I can see them adding sound deadening material to the car as well in order to reduce the sound.

However this sounds as though they made some choices during development that added weight to the vehicle that probably doesn't have to be there.

Also it is hard to believe that they added as much weight as would need to be added in order to be 150 pounds heavier then the C6. It is as if they are moving the Corvette more toward a GT car and more away from the sports car formula. I also suspect that the 7 speed manual transmission added some weight as well.

Unless this AFM is 1000% better then the current system (which I don't think it will be) AFM is a dead end.....

Yes .. the C&D article did mention the tube in addition to the tunnel and I'm sure the tranny and probably new clutch system added some weight - maybe the launch control and rev match sensors added some weight.

Based on the numbers in the article, which include solid as a brick rigidity, and based on my buddy's preliminary comments (he's owned two C6 Z06s), I'm thinking that many of us are definately going to disagree with some of Tadge's engineering decisions.

I've never been one who wanted a stripped down no power windows, no power seat type of vette, but I certainly didn't want corvette turned into an overweight Plushmobile either. This is just sad.

[2011GSSSBlue]

Originally Posted by Longtimer

Got my "March" labeled Car and Driver with a pretty good C7 article that interviews most of the GM C7 Culprits. Tadge, Bennion, etc. They seem to confirm that the C7 weight is about 150 lbs more than the C6. Lots of emphasis on the rigidity of the structure being many time that of the C6 because they embraced new ways of making the frame and cradles.

My take away from the engineering talk is that they focused on new tech rigidity and over built it without consideration for weight. Tadge gets defensive about the weight saying that no 450 HP V8 could ever weigh the 3000 lbs that the internet expected. This sort of indicates that the Z?? won't be light either.

Bennion says they never cliniced the exterior design, only the interior. Very clear they did not care what Corvette Loyalists thought. No surprise there.

I picked up a car rag (can't remember which one, Road and Track???) at the Doc's office the other day, and was reading through the article they had, and they said the rigidity was like 70% better WITH THE ROOF IN and only 20% with it out....

[Longtimer]

I don't have the C&D with me and because I don't care as much about the C7, the numbers are sticking with me. However, I thought they quoted higher references than that. I'll look it up and post when I get home.

[Roadkillz]

Originally Posted by Longtimer

Yes .. the C&D article did mention the tube in addition to the tunnel and I'm sure the tranny and probably new clutch system added some weight - maybe the launch control and rev match sensors added some weight.

Based on the numbers in the article, which include solid as a brick rigidity, and based on my buddy's preliminary comments (he's owned two C6 Z06s), I'm thinking that many of us are definately going to disagree with some of Tadge's engineering decisions.

I've never been one who wanted a stripped down no power windows, no power seat type of vette, but I certainly didn't want corvette turned into an overweight Plushmobile either. This is just sad.

If they really wanted a plushmobile then they should have just brought back the XLR......

Let the Corvette be the sports car and let the XLR be the GT....