[RFenton1]

No real down side to the Porsche AWD. Recent R&T said the only car to marginally beat the Porsche Turbo around the track was the 458 Ferrari and it wasn't by much. The Porsche won in a straight line. I own a '11 Turbo "S" and a '11 ZR1. Totally different feel in each car but I wouldn't be too quick to find any fault with either car as far as performance goes. The Porsche PDK transmission is the best I've ever experienced. The shifts are flawlessly fast and intuitive, up and down. It's like the car knows what you want. The ZR1 is a beast but can't get off the line. Once you get traction your gone and AWD would be one solution to the traction issue. It's not likely we'll ever see it in the near future because of costs. The Porsche is 50K more and of course you get plenty for the money including great seats, but will people pay for it in a Chevy? I don't think so and I don't think Corvette needs it. Other than drag racing, which usually is from a roll on the street now a days who needs it?

 

[BLK 1]

A few more feet, that's true. But, it would be nice if it were a kill right from the start!

:buhbye:

The 2011 Turbo S

0-60 in 2.6 seconds
0-100 in 6.3 seconds
quarter mile in 10.7 @ 128.9
As to the quiet exhaust, just add the M&M

 

[bob bornhoef]

I"m sorry and maybe it's me but that sounds awful.

 

[BLK 1]

I"m sorry and maybe it's me but that sounds awful.

Yes it's you.........................:laughing: J/K
I have respect for any car that can wipe ( with 108 hp less ) the ZR1. But as Bob said it does cost 50K+ more. Like it or not the S model is a amazing car! I'll still take the ZR1 BTW

BLK 1 :buhbye:

 

[RFenton1]

I don't care for that exhaust sound either.

The Turbo "S" has a changed exhaust note from the regular turbo already. I believe it was something the Porsche people wanted to correct and did. Inside the car sounds especially good.

The real issue is the PDK and the added HP with their effect on the "S" QM time.

This car won't be caught just after the QM ends like the standard turbo. The added price is definitely justified for the performance difference among other things but it may never satisfy the Corvette faithful. I love both cars for what they are. Great

I really don't see how any Porsche Turbo buyer wouldn't want the Turbo "S" version for a few bucks more. You get all the extra performance goodies as standard equipment.

 

[sixpeedreams]

All the Vette needs is a proper 45/55 weight split to perfect its launch and braking. AWD is for trucks IMHO. A fun to drive sportscar isn't just about 1/4 times -- although that should be optimized and the Vette is currently NOT. :spanked:

 

[RFenton1]

AWD is for trucks IMHO.

Tell that to the folks at... Audi...Lamborghini.....and Bugatti.

New technologies are making these cars as well as my Porsche, better driving and performing cars. Do you propose that we should hold back the new technology? Or are you suggesting that you just wouldn't buy the new AWD technology in any car?

If I were to just buy based on looks, with only slight concern for performance, I would buy an Aston Martin DBS and not be concerned with super car performance, but I think many folks do care about more. It's of course a personal choice.

The C7 will have a double clutch automatic and I assure you it will be a huge seller. What are your feelings on an automatic Corvette? Many will probably say sports cars should be manual transmission cars?

Progress and technology can't be stopped. 90 plus percent of all Ferrari's sold today have double clutch automatics. Now Porsche has followed. Corvette is coming. AWD isn't too far behind. Traction is and will be the problem. I agree the placement of the engine in the Porsche helps but even they went to AWD. Corvette, I'm fairly certain, will not be mid engined in the C7.

 

[redhot916spd]

The worlds quickest standing mile car is RWD, a Ford GT, I don't think awd is necessary. I have seen what the benefits could be in the GTR and EVO's but I have yet to see one of them better the performance of a serious RWD effort

 

[sixpeedreams]

Do you propose that we should hold back the new technology? Or are you suggesting that you just wouldn't buy the new AWD technology in any car?

I love the Vette formula so much I wouldn't change it. There's plenty of AWD cars and they're great. But personally, there's nothing like driving a fast rear drive car.

90 plus percent of all Ferrari's sold today have double clutch automatics. Corvette is coming. AWD isn't too far behind.

AWD has definite benefits but also tradeoffs (e.g. mass, steering feel).

Traction is and will be the problem. I agree the placement of the engine in the Porsche helps but even they went to AWD.

IMO a light RWD 45/55% weight split car with big sticky rear rubber is perfect unless you're only concerned with 0-60 and 1/4 times -- to each his own. :thumbsup:

Corvette, I'm fairly certain, will not be mid engined in the C7.

I'll be surprised if GM ever makes an AWD or mid-engine Corvette, but who knows.

 

[Longtimer]

Like corporations, countries and people, the biggest single benefit (the Porsche has) is also the biggest liability. No offense Bob.

Placing the engine out back behind the axle provides a HUGE traction solution for straight line acceleration. Adding AWD is needed more for handling improvements at the higher HP levels than it is for straight line accelleration. 2WD Porcshes have always hooked up great (just the physics) and delivered 0-60 times better than their HP levels "should" have provided.

AWD is too damn heavy for Corvette and for CAFE. The ZR1 is a SERIOUS American exotic, wrapped in a base Corvette shell. I love my base (Z51) Corvette and it looks great. So does a ZR1, but my wife couldn't tell the difference between the two cars. Maybe that's OK for most - maybe not.

If GM is serious about continuing to offer a $100+ Corvette that will shut the Euro lover pie holes (car rag editors), they should do it right - with a mid engine, a more unique body design for the ZR1, and a unique upscale interior. All this could be built for less costs than you think ... and the old XLR assembly line at BG is just sitting there, gathering dust, waiting for to be filled. JMHO

 

[RFenton1]

Like corporations, countries and people, the biggest single benefit (the Porsche has) is also the biggest liability. No offense Bob.

Placing the engine out back behind the axle provides a HUGE traction solution for straight line acceleration. Adding AWD is needed more for handling improvements at the higher HP levels than it is for straight line accelleration. 2WD Porcshes have always hooked up great (just the physics) and delivered 0-60 times better than their HP levels "should" have provided.

AWD is too damn heavy for Corvette and for CAFE. The ZR1 is a SERIOUS American exotic, wrapped in a base Corvette shell. I love my base (Z51) Corvette and it looks great. So does a ZR1, but my wife couldn't tell the difference between the two cars. Maybe that's OK for most - maybe not.

If GM is serious about continuing to offer a $100+ Corvette that will shut the Euro lover pie holes (car rag editors), they should do it right - with a mid engine, a more unique body design for the ZR1, and a unique upscale interior. All this could be built for less costs than you think ... and the old XLR assembly line at BG is just sitting there, gathering dust, waiting for to be filled. JMHO

No offense taken Vaughn (you know that), but I'm not sure I understand what liability your referring to?

As you know, I don't really think there's a valid comparison of these cars. I love both of my cars for very different reasons, and feel they are both amazing.

I certainly understand, and can agree that GM will not, and should not try to emulate Porsche or any other car. GM engineers MUST be true to the genetics of Corvette as the car develops, but as you well know, the bean counters have a greater effect these days than we may like them to have, so know matter how great a design the engineering department may come up with, it must pass the financial muster to get into production.

If AWD or a mid engine Corvette is ever produced, I suspect the look, balance and weight distribution will not in any way resemble today's car.

 

[Fluffy]

My uneducated take is that AWD makes a significant difference in snow and increases fuel consumption of the car.

AFAIC, snow hasn't stopped me from driving the Corvette in any manner. Proof in the pudding, my outing in the last French snow storm:

However making it AWD will probably make the Corvette more accessible to the less able driver.

I have a friend who bought a Porsche for his DD because he's scared of driving a none AWD (FWD or RWD for that matter) in inclement weather.

:cheers:

Fluffy

 

[bob bornhoef]

It is what it is and I for one am happy with the Zr1's configuration.If G.M. develops a rear engine a.w.d. vehicle I dont think it will carry the corvette name.