Corvette Z07 suspension testing with Ferrari 599

[jetsetter]

These latest spy shots of the Chevrolet Corvette SS, or Corvette Z07, or whatever, aren't the sharpest photos we've seen but they do point to one important development. Taken at a supplier test track in Europe, this Corvette SS prototype was caught testing alongside a Ferrari 599. As fun as it might be to think Chevrolet considers the 599 a competitor for the upcoming Corvette, the real connection is their suspension technology. Like the current Corvette, the Ferrari 599 uses a magnetically adjustable shock absorber system made by Delphi. Up to this point, the system has been offered on standard Corvettes only, but it appears as though Chevrolet's engineers might be reworking the system to help control this Corvette's massive horsepower.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2760

When we first saw the KGP Photography spy photos of a 2009 Corvette Z07 (or whatever the moniker di jour is) testing side by side with a Ferrari 599 GTB, our first thought was that a lightweight 'Vette with nearly 700hp could actually hold its own against a 599 in a strait line, but in the twisties, the competition would be tougher. Well, not so fast. These two vehicles have similar weight and length, both vehicles boast more than 600hp, front-engine layouts, and both companies employ the same magnetic damping from the embattled Delphi corporation.

In fact, the folks over at Straightline think Z07 engineers are testing their configuration of the magnetic shock absorbers against the best the world has to offer. Hey, if you want to make a world-beater, the 599 GTB Fiorano is a hell of a measuring stick

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/18/s...h-ferrari-599/

[Vette Boss]

Oh no. This marks the beginning and end of an era. The time when the Corvette finally starts using modern suspension, and the end of leaf-springs and mockery of them.

We'll have to find something else to tease the car about.


lolpushrods

[jetsetter]

Originally Posted by Vette Boss

Oh no. This marks the beginning and end of an era. The time when the Corvette finally starts using modern suspension, and the end of leaf-springs and mockery of them.

We'll have to find something else to tease the car about.


lolpushrods

The Corvette has been using this technology for the past few years. It was an option.

MagneRide is a semi-active suspension technology from Delphi Corporation. It was first used by General Motors in the Chevrolet Corvette C5 and Cadillac Seville and STS but will also be used in the Ferrari 599, the Audi TT and in some Holden Special Vehicles models in 2007. It uses ferrofluid to adjust the damping rate of the shock absorbers based on road conditions and vehicle dynamics.

[watto]

*ahem* sarcasm jetsetter, sarcasm

[Blind_Io]

I would love to see an American car that can compete with Ferrari. While the Corvette may be able to match it around a track, it will never rival Ferrari in other departments.

[LeMans GTR]

Well we can always tease mustangs and camaros.

[Magnet]

Oh no, is this the end of FinalGear.com? Whatever will people discuss now?

Items on the agenda for next week:

-Which car looks slightly similar to which recently released model
-Post your contents of your wallet
-Post your slightly amusing cat photo with hilariously misspelled phrase
-Continuation of the argument that the Veyron does more than simply go fast in a straight line
-Random abuse at all GM and FoMoCo products

[Hidden_Hunter]

is it just me or has that got a brake light out

[Dsemaj]

Originally Posted by Hidden_Hunter

is it just me or has that got a brake light out

Hey, it is an american car..

HEY THERE WE GO! INSTEAD OF LEAF SPRINGS WE CAN LAUGH AT IT BEING BUILT BY FAT AMERICANS HAR HAR HAR.

[YF19pilot]

Originally Posted by Hidden_Hunter

is it just me or has that got a brake light out

Perhaps he's changing lanes? The cyclops light isn't on, so perhaps he's being courteous to whoever is behind/infront and letting them know where he's going.

[Viper007Bond]

Originally Posted by Blind_Io

While the Corvette may be able to match it around a track, it will never rival Ferrari in other departments.

Of course not. But you can buy like 3 Corvettes for the price of a Ferrari.

[ahpadt]

Originally Posted by Dsemaj

Hey, it is an american car..

HEY THERE WE GO! INSTEAD OF LEAF SPRINGS WE CAN LAUGH AT IT BEING BUILT BY FAT AMERICANS HAR HAR HAR.

[thedguy]

Who decided to call it "Z07" I know it's just the reporters, but honestly...


SS is just as bad.

[American TG Man]

Originally Posted by Blind_Io

I would love to see an American car that can compete with Ferrari.

Saleen S7?

[Blind_Io]

Originally Posted by American TG Man

Saleen S7?

Fast in a straight line, certainly, but it still doesn't have that all-around appeal of Ferrari. I see Ferrari as having achieved that zen-like balance of sport, racing, and daily-driver. I don't think anyone else has been able to match that (as a company). BMW is close with the M-series of cars, but I still think Ferrari does it better.

[TomCat]

Ferrari has a lot of hype behind it. It's the badge that people look at with Ferrari's.

It's the same thing with Porsche. They can sell each of their cars for $13grand profit and still not build them fast enough.

[The_Clincher]

^ woh woh woh!!! those are new pics, and im like the engine bay/cover, although it is a bit weird seeing the glass at the front

[SoxXpupPeT]

wow those pictures are news to me. that car is going to be amazing!

[TomCat]

Originally Posted by The_Clincher

^ woh woh woh!!! those are new pics, and im like the engine bay/cover, although it is a bit weird seeing the glass at the front

It's not glass. The water-to-air intercooler sticks out above the hood for the supercharger.

[otispunkmeyer]

oh man z06 was good, z07 should rock with over 600Bhp and magnetic dampers.

mag fluid dampers are a pretty good developemnent....smooth when you want it, hard as rock when you need it. and thank god they still say nuts to the ecomentalists.

this vette is gonna be awesome