Quote:
Originally Posted by WestRace
Although I appreciate what the C8 is offering for only $60K but I wouldn't be so fast dissing on the 911 owners. To be fair, the 911 and R8 and other supercars either are using unibody frame or outright carbon tub (McLaren) therefore they have an advantage in term of chassis responsiveness because they are inherently stiffer. The Corvette uses effectively an space frame so it may not have the chassis stiffness of the unibody.
In term of engine, I've driven the LT1 before and although it's effective in its output, it's not exactly the most inspiring motor in the world. And being driven 8K rmp red line DOHC engines in the M3, the LT1 6.5K rpm redline is somewhat a frustration. I suspect the LT2 won't be that different from the LT1. And of course being a mid engine car is not going to change that.
Also the Corvette rear suspension uses upper/lower control arm which is more or less a carry-over from the C7 and. I think Porsche 5-link mutilink suspension is probably more effective.
Most supercars now are using active anti-sway bar which would give you a better ride but at the same time has better handling. The Corvette still uses a rather basic, good old anti-sway bar found on a Civic :-)
Also one reason the C8 is fast is because its wheel bass is longer and wider than most but the drawback is if the chassis is not stiff enough, you feel like you're driving a boat. So that is a double edge sword. You can't tell from reading the spec, and only can tell when actually drive the car.
Anyway, like I said before, I need to drive the car to know how it feels like which is something you cannot find on a spreadsheet. No doubt the C8 has incredible value given its performance and cost. But I also have no doubt that the 911, R8, or M4 and definitely Ferrari, McLaren, will still have a richer, more sophisticated feel and driving experience. And that is what the rich people are paying for.
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I'll start by saying I own a 911, albeit a 993 so a very different animal than what will be competing with the C8 other than the looks dept. I think the 993 is a damn fine looking car, and so is the C8.
Much of what you said is why the C8 is going to be a giant slayer at $60K USD. Some of the pics of the camo'd C8 were clearly taken at the Ring and GM isn't ab out to release a car like this without doing their do diligence. Are 911's, McLaren, Ferrari et al going to lose sales. Maybe a few guys will jump ship but I think where the Supercars are going to be hurt is on the track. I don't know if they can up their game to justify the price delta on performance alone, there will always be the exclusivity aspect of Supercars and the C8 has effectively taken themselves mainstream with this car at this price point.
I live in a fairly affluent area, and there are a few Ferrari's in town, I see the odd R8, there was a parade of about 20 Lamborgini's that went through town a few weeks back and that always feels special. I have a feeling that we won't be able to swing a dead cat without seeing a C8.