What do you REALLY think of the C6?

[LilRedCorvette]

I am really interested in hearing what fellow corvette fans have to say about this topic. Want to see if anyone has similar (or opposing for that matter) views. Just looking for a good discussion....

I'll share my thoughts a little later!

[Black396]

I like it!. The first time I saw a C5 I thought, "What have they DONE?" I didn't like the big fat backside. It has taken a long time for the C5 to grow on me.

The C6 is something else! I've liked the looks since I saw the first picture. I especially like the headlights. They may not be the traditional flip-ups, but the flip-ups were always causing problems.

There might be a resemblence to the Viper in the front end (I think the headlights), but I can live with that. I like what they've done to the rearend. It may be as large as the C5's but it's broken up and the lines flow.

I want to get my hands on one for a test drive but I'll give the General a [=D>]

[LilRedCorvette]

I thought the same thing about the backside when I first saw the C5...over time it has grown on me, too.

I love the side view of the C6 but am very disappointed in the front end. I know people have had all kinds of problems with the vacuum seals of the flip-up headlights, but to me, that just makes a corvette. I agree with your Viper-esque comparison. The front end doesn't look very "corvette" to me anymore. :( Oh well, guess I'll stick to the C4...

However, if someone were to, say, give me a C6 for free...I wouldn't turn my nose up at it! Still would keep my C4, though....

[six_speed]

I like most of it but HATE the steering wheel.

In general, I waiting to drive one 1st before I offer an opinion.

I can't wait! http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/six_speed//Icons/drivings.gif

[LilRedCorvette]

Ditto the steering wheel comment!

[Black396]

I can't wait! http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/six_speed//Icons/drivings.gif


I'll test drive one as soon as I get the chance, but I'm waiting for the '06 Z06. 500 bhp! I've already started saving for the down payment. [:D]

[LilRedCorvette]

Good for you, Black396!

[:D]

[ArmyVette]

My thoughts mirror what you've posted. I don't really care from the front grille (image a license plate on it) and I don't like the steering wheel (ugly shape but I like the full color Vette emblem).

The C6 write up talks about keyless entry (is this key fob or keypad??) and keyless ignition (same question).

I noticed the tire size is to be different. The C6 will have 245/40ZR-18 front and 285/35ZR-19. The current C5 has 245/45ZR-17 from and 275/40ZR-18. I wonder how the higher tire profile will affect the handling? [:-/]

Also, I understand from reviewing the NAIS broadcast that the Magnetic Selective Ride Controller will continue to be an option (I hoped it would be standard equipment) and that the MN6 will be standard equipment with A4 as the transmission option. [:D]

I'm sure there will be more to follow. [:D]

[Black396]

I noticed the tire size is to be different. The C6 will have 245/40ZR-18 front and 285/35ZR-19. The current C5 has 245/45ZR-17 from and 275/40ZR-18. I wonder how the higher tire profile will affect the handling? [:-/]


It will be interesting... The front diameter of the C6 is the same as the C5 front, both 25.7". The C5s rear is 26.7" and the C6s rear is 27.1" so effectively the center of the axle is only .2" higher than the C5. I'm kind of worried that a 245/40 will give a lot of understeer.

[LilRedCorvette]

"The C6 write up talks about keyless entry (is this key fob or keypad??) and keyless ignition (same question)."

My husband and I were discussing this just a couple of nights ago and we were wondering the same thing....hmmmm

[:-/]

If anyone hears any info on that, I'd be curious to know.

[six_speed]

"The C6 write up talks about keyless entry (is this key fob or keypad??) and keyless ignition (same question)."

My husband and I were discussing this just a couple of nights ago and we were wondering the same thing....hmmmm

[:-/]

If anyone hears any info on that, I'd be curious to know.

If it's like the Caddie SLR, it will be a fob of some sorts and as you approach the car the computer in the car will "challenge" the fob. The fob will then respond to the cars computer with a code and if the code is correct the cars computer will unlock the doors. There is no key ignition in the car but there is a start button.

Should be interesting to see if someone can hack the systems and figure out a way to unlock the car without the fob.

[LilRedCorvette]

OK, my '94 has the remote fob and when I approach it, it unlocks all the doors. When I walk 10 feet away, it locks all the doors and activates the car alarm. Obviously, no starter button though. Guess that's the new feature they're talking about with the C6.

I don't think I like that starter-button deal...Kind of thinking about what the poster above me said about possible hacking...Call me a purist, I like keys!

[EbVette]

I like the C6. It is not an extreme departure from the design of the C5, yet it is different. When you see it in person, what strikes you are the front and rear overhands are gone. Another striking feature is the height, cabin height looks a little higher then the C5, that is because the windshield does not have such a long angle to it.

Although I prefer the pop up headlights, I understand why the C6 does not have them. First is the cost factor, each light costs Chevy about 389.00 each. New headlights 190. each. Weight factor, the popup modules much heavier, more moving parts, new C6 no moving parts much light. Performance, simple, all LeMans Corvette Racing cars and all models use fixed lights, reason they simply show better light and maintain alignment much better.
Rembmer last vette have fixed lights were 1962.

Now most people automatically compare this to the Viper, I think this is very unfair, as the Viper should be compared to the Vette. The Vette design has been around much longer then the Dodge Boys building the Viper. When Dodge builds the new Viper generations they take them directly from Corvette. Proof, the C5 design of the side vent behind the front wheel, no appears in the ne Viper design, and Viper even took some styling cues from the 2000 Camaro around the front grill and headlight area. Remember Viper wants to shed the Clown Show look.

Back to the C6. One item I am very anxious to see is the Navigation System that has been incorporated to the new dash look. I guess my disappointment of the C6 still is the dash and interior. Early concept designs that I saw several years ago used a retro midyear look. I don't really see many real changes with the dash. I beleive the Steering Wheel comes off the Cavalier, but I do like the colored decals on the wheel. BTW Corvette using a cheaper car's steering wheel is not uncommon, the 1976 used the steering wheel from the Vega.

Performance, up and thats good, I like the whole engine concept and how they have managed to get more HP out of it. Bad part, I would like to see Corvette adopt the module cover desgin that is found on the high end European Sports cars, ie Mercedes model 55 or the 700 series BMW. These plastic covers make a modern engine much more presentable by hidding all those wires and relays.

EXhaust system still needs to be improved and I don't care for the plastic work done at the rear of the car around the exhaust tips. I think in time this plastic trim will warp and open a secondary market to provide custom parts.

Finally, the car in Detriot that made the debut had a lot of poor fit and finish. Finish to the rear of the drivers door and the hatch back showed large gaps and the hatch was not centered with gaps larger on one side thent he other, the paint was dull and many micro scratches showed through. For some reason I expected to see a car that was GM's best and what I saw was a poorly prepped car. I hope the new ones have better fit and finish then what GM released.

Sorry for long post, but these are my opinions, of course I reserve my final opinion until I can get behind the wheel.

[:)]

[Non_Blue_Z06]

Hey Mike when you get the C-6 Z06 do I get a chance to drive it?

I thought the new model was not as radical a change as I thought it would be initially. The rear end is cleaned up and fixes a problem with the C_5. The extra motor size and power are good and the headlights should cause less drag than when the pop ups are up. I am looking forward to taking a good look at it but I'm not ready to get rid of my current car.

[Non_Blue_Z06]

Hey Mike when you get the C-6 Z06 do I get a chance to drive it?

I thought the new model was not as radical a change as I thought it would be initially. The rear end is cleaned up and fixes a problem with the C_5. The extra motor size and power are good and the headlights should cause less drag than when the pop ups are up. I am looking forward to taking a good look at it but I'm not ready to get rid of my current car.

[Black396]

Hey Mike when you get the C-6 Z06 do I get a chance to drive it?

[:D] [:D] ABSOLUTELY! [:D] [:D]

Give you the opportunity to leave some of the rubber off my tires on the track! [;)]

...and you can bet given the choice that it will be a Non_Blue_Z06 [B-)]

[jpatrick]

I LOVE the pop-up headlights. We had no trouble with them on our 1994 nor on our 1999. Since they did away with them, it will never be the same for me.

Judy[:((]

[LilRedCorvette]

I'm with you, Judy!

[badaz06]

I have to agree with Collin on the dash. Good Lord....50 grand and the dash looks like crap. Outside of the car, I love the lines. The pop up headlights have been kind of a tradition with Corvettes lately, but isnt the trademark of the Corvette. Anyone remember what is?

GM also needs to start sucking it up. I was reading an article about the C5's, and the most common complaint was that the warranty is only 3 years/36K. This is a 50 thousand dollar car, and thats the best deal they can give? Acura gives a top vehicle for the life of your car as a rental...Chevy gives you Enterprise. Some of the local dealers have taken care of me in that regards, so no complaints with them, but I'd hate to take the Z06 in for work and drive a yugo for w or 3 days.

The C5 had it's share of issues. Ignition/Steering Wheel lock being the most frustrating, and yes there were issues with the headlights as well. It does have a larger rear (bubble butt), but once I lowered mine I think the look of the car really changed. Most C5 owners would know that GM engineers built the car to be lower than it is and mention lowering it, if they watched the video that came with the car. [:-"]

I heard that the C6/Z06 isnt going after the Viper though...but the GT40...anyone heard anything similar?

[B-)]

[six_speed]

I heard that the C6/Z06 isnt going after the Viper though...but the GT40...anyone heard anything similar?

With Z06 prices expected to be near where they are today there is no way that the C6/Z06 is going to be able to touch the Ford GT. (The old version is called the GT40 and the new one is just the GT).

They may go after the Viper and the GT if GM builds the "super Vette" that is being rumoured about but even then I doubt it will beat either one. The Viper has always had more HP than the Vette. Dodge just adds more HP to the Viper when GM increases HP in the Vette. Dodge wants to say they have more HP than any other American Sports Car and I think that GM is always going after the most bang for the buck.

Just my $.02. [:D]

[Black396]

Looking at history, I'm not sure what Chevy was thinking. Look at the C3 and then look at the C4. The C3 changed body styles in 73-74, depending on how you look at it when they did away with the chrome bumpers. The C4 changed body styles in 91. Both times the changes were minimal and the designator (C3/C4) stayed the same.

The C3 was in production from 68 - 82 (15 years, 7 years before change). The C4 was in production from 84 - 96 (13 years, 7 years before change).

Now the C5 has been in production 7 years before the change. [:)] Anyone want to bet the C6 is only in production for 6 - 7 years before the C7 comes out and it will be a total redesign?



I heard that the C6/Z06 isnt going after the Viper though...but the GT40...anyone heard anything similar?
[B-)]


Haven't heard that one yet. I have heard that the C6 Z06 is meant to be specifically designed with LeMans in mind.

[EbVette]

Yeah, but remember the suspension of the C/2-C/3 were the same. I have got suspension pieces on my 63 that are the same on the 82. The C-4 was a radical frame up design incorporating major changes throughout the entire car. The C2 and C3 although very different looking did share common parts in many areas. The C4 did not.

It was time for the C4 to be updated in the early 80's simply because it was using early 60's technology in the car.

Now looking at the C5 vs the C6, cosmetics are most of the changes. Of course you have the HP, but still the Engine can be purchased in a 2004 (LS6). The C6 is a C5 in many many respects and I don't expect to see any radical changes in engine, suspension, transmission or any other Mechanical or electrical system until the C-7, which I predict will be in 2010.

Addressing the Super Corvette or Blue Devill as its sometimes referred too. There will be a very high end Corvette that is slated to come to life AFTER the Zo6 release next year. This Corvette on steriods will go over the $100K price and be out of reach for most casual Corvette owners. In many cases i will be a ZR1 type option.


Back in 1997 Corvette released the Rolling Body specifically for there Racing Division, as they just started to get into the C5R Team. It was this way that Chevy was able to get its foothold into SCCA Pro Racing to get the Vette out there to help with the Racing Division development of the C5R program.

Regarding the super Vette, my inside people tell me it will be around 625 HP, and look very similiar to the C6R racing car.
It will be a no frill racecar for the street. It will have very few options, you will still get leather seat etc but its primary funtion is to do one thing go fast. I want to see what they are going to do for it to hook up, what size tires and brakes are they going too?

Here is what a friend sent me

"While chief engineer Dave Hill has publicly announced the Z06 version of the next-gen Vette due in 2005 will have 500 hp, his engine team wasnt sure until recently that they could actually achieve that impressive figure. Sources now say that it will be a case of nothing beats cubic inches with 95 extra horses (compared to todays 405-hp Z06) coming as a result of boring and stroking the next-gen Chevy small-block V8 to 427 cubic inches7.0 liters. Not since the late-1960s has that magic number of cubes been under a Corvettes composite hood (though there were some 454s along the way).

More important, Chevy is clearly investigating an ultra-performance Corvette designed to do battle withand conquerthe mid-engined GT from rival Ford, as well as many supercars from across the pond. Called Blue Devil (no one knows why it has that namecould it be Chevy hopes to bedevil Fords blue oval?), unofficial stats make the name seem appropriate. Reportedly producing 625 hp, Blue Devils initial power will come from a supercharged 427 engineand it will use lightweight carbon fiber for key body parts, reducing weight by several hundred pounds to drop the super C6 to about 2900 pounds.

The price indicated on the internal documents is $100,000 for Blue Devil, if and when it actually makes production in 2006at the earliest. We wonder whether the Devils chances of seeing light are further improved following product czar Bob Lutzs comments that hed like to see a Chevy-badged car like the 2002 Cadillac Cien concept.

General Motors officials arent connecting the dots and saying this is a go, but the high-performance heart of Blue Devil is the kind of specialized, high-content engine project envisioned for the Generals new Performance Build Center set to open shop next year in Wixom, Michigan. The center is intended to attack projects with a sort of race team mentality, says Ed Koerner, vice president of GM Powertrain engineering operations.

Patterned after low-volume race shops, the center could build up to 10,000 powerplants per year for very specific, high-end, high-performance GM vehicles. Koerner says engines from the shop should appear in showroom vehicles by 2005 or early 2006."


Still Chevy is balking to release this, but we all will have to wait and see. With the upcoming release to the GT40, and of course the newer Viper GTS, and with Porsche releasing its street race cars, Chevy is going to find themselve quickly down the well looking up if they don't do something.....FYI the Z06 is only slated to have 450 HP at the most.

On the other hand. remember Chevy want to be the KING in intermediate cars, thus a lot of the R&D is going to cars like the Malibu, Cobalt, Impala, etc. The Corvette is a separate program with separate budgets and they can only do so much....I heard the new SSR is a limited time vehicle and will be replaced in 2006 with the Nomad. The Nomad will be a cross over car aimed for the sports minded people, (rock climbers, bicycle, kayak, campers etc)

Sorry for being long, but don't be surprized in Corvette ends up in another GM division one of these days.

[Jtribble]

I can't wait! http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/six_speed//Icons/drivings.gif[/img]


I'll test drive one as soon as I get the chance, but I'm waiting for the '06 Z06. 500 bhp! I've already started saving for the down payment. [:D]


[img] Where did you hear about the '06 Z06 specs. ??? 500bhp??? You have my attention.

I like the new design, but not in love with it ... I'll give it some time and see if the love grows. [:D] ... but if they bumb the bhp to 500 bhp --- it's love at first sight. [:x] ... perhaps blue would be a good color choice, too. [;)]

[Black396]

Where did you hear about the '06 Z06 specs. ??? 500bhp??? You have my attention. http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/six_speed//Icons/drivings.gif

I like the new design, but not in love with it ... I'll give it some time and see if the love grows. [:D] ... but if they bumb the bhp to 500 bhp --- it's love at first sight. [:x] ... perhaps blue would be a good color choice, too. [;)]

The first time was AutoWeek on Speed, Insider News or something like that. They were talking about the C6. They were saying that the regular C6 would get a 6.0L (366 cu.in.) 405 hp designated LS2. Then they brought up the rumor of a 7.0L (427 cu.in.) 500bhp LSx motor.

Everything else has been rumor and speculation on the internet. Collin's comment about the Super Vette may be interspersed with the other rumors.

"The 1st year the C6R is campaigned it will be using the C5R chassis. The C6 Z06 to be released in 2006 will have minor aerodynamic changes to the body styling to allow for better down force and less drag..."

"Chevrolet plans on upholding their production-based vehicle racing tradition....

It should be capable of speeds nearing 200mph with a 0-60mph in under 4 seconds...

While Chevrolet appears to be looking to clinch the 24 Hours of Le Mans in production-based class, this car maybe capable of competing headups with the likes of the Porsche GT2...

It is conceivable that there may also be an attempt to regain the world record endurance record that was held by the ZR-1 for over 12 years..."

The above are not direct quotes but snippets and the gist of different articles and rumours.

[EbVette]

I got a lot of the information from John Hienercy (GM Chief Corvette Engineer) and my buddy Reese, who consults with GM Engineering...but remember, things and ideas change at GM on the fly,,,,most of it is good though.

[Jtribble]

i just saw dave hill's comment road & track -- it says the same thing ...