August 1st, 2004

[justin syder]

but its still a cheap car .

[SiR_dude]

The C5 is a great car I liked the C6, but yeah, a head-to-head between the C6 Z06 and the SRT-10 would be cool. That's too American for Top Gear, though, I doubt they'd do it.

[Cruzz563]

I could be wrong, but I don't see any leaf springs here...

C6 Front and Rear Suspension:


I already wrote to the BBC, maybe I'll get a response...if I'm right.

[zenon]

Suspension. None of the suspension bits has been carried over from C5. The short-long arm and transverse leaf spring independent suspension configuration remains, but the cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars, and steering gear are all redesigned.

Found here.

You're wrong.


Edit: The C6 uses transversly-mounted composite leaf-springs - not exactly the type you'd find on you're average pickup truck. They are still extremely old technology (along with the Mustang's solid rear axel), but even though they may not be immediately recognizable, it uses leaf-spring technology.

[Cruzz563]

It sucks to be wrong.

[shotgun]

The only reason they use them is because they respond faster than coil springs and they never sag. So it can stay 3" off the ground from 2005 to 2025. This argument is like OHC vs OHV - overhead valve engines were actually invented after overhead cam engines but pushrods are still considered "low (or old) tech."

[inso]

Hand-built Z06 engines

The brand spanking new General Motors Performance Build Center will tackle its first project by next summer—the hand-built LS7 V8 for the next-generation Corvette Z06. The center in Wixom, Michigan, can produce up to 15,000 engines per year. Other good news on the Z06 front? If you like the C6, know that even though chief engineer Dave Hill won’t commit to working on the seventh-generation car, he has his hands all over development of the C6-based Z06. He promises a more extreme performance difference over the base car than was the case with the C5.

The new Z06 should really be interesting

[idletask]

Anyone knows the title of the song played during the X3 review with the vibraphone? Now THAT is a nice piece of music!

edit : starts at 42:36

[SiR_dude]

That's great news about the C6 I hope they also put a bit into the interior, though. Something tells me they'll concentrate on engine, tranny & suspension, and forget the interior (other than two or three Z06 emblems I mean).

[autostream]

Originally Posted by shotgun

The only reason they use them is because they respond faster than coil springs and they never sag. So it can stay 3" off the ground from 2005 to 2025. This argument is like OHC vs OHV - overhead valve engines were actually invented after overhead cam engines but pushrods are still considered "low (or old) tech."

if they were superior as you are suggesting, everyone would use them. the inference that GM is concerned with reliability over performance is something they have never showed.
They use them because its cheaper.. Accountants build corvettes, not engineers.
A Porsche 911 has never ever used leaf springs or drum brakes, even the very first one. Corvettes have used them for years..the only difference is the $$$

[autostream]

Originally Posted by SiR_dude

That's great news about the C6 I hope they also put a bit into the interior, though. Something tells me they'll concentrate on engine, tranny & suspension, and forget the interior (other than two or three Z06 emblems I mean).

I dont like any american car just because they are built cheap. But apparently that's what americans want (except me). Ask any vette driver if he rather his car either: have more power, or a more quality interior....

At a red light, do you think any vette driver cares that the 911 next to him has less plastic on his dashboard as he blows him away when the light turns green? couldnt matter a damn bit

[Viper007Bond]

Actually, I think price is a HUGE part of the Corvette - it's the only reason it sells fairly well. They need to keep it inexpensive for it to sell.

[shotgun]

Well if it was the U.S. price in europe it would cost 27,000 pounds but they jacked it up to 40,000... That price increase is way to much.

[SiR_dude]

Originally Posted by Viper007Bond

Actually, I think price is a HUGE part of the Corvette - it's the only reason it sells fairly well. They need to keep it inexpensive for it to sell.

I wouldn't say it's a HUGE part. There are quite a few 'Vette fans, and if they aimed at the 65-70k range and upped quality in some aspects, it would still sell. But I agree, the lower price does help sell it. And I still think that for what you pay, you get a lot of car.

[idletask]

Yes, the Corvette has OHV. Yes, it still has leaf springs at the rear. But then the engine block is cast alloy and not iron anymore and the leaf springs are composite. And more importantly, it works. If it works, don't fix it!

Yes, the bodywork is plastic, so what? It's light, and light is right.

I'd put it on my shopping list if I were to look for such a car, BUT I want it with Magneride. It has done wonders on the C5, but I haven't heard of it available on the C6 yet. Strange.

[autostream]

Originally Posted by idletask

Yes, the Corvette has OHV. Yes, it still has leaf springs at the rear. But then the engine block is cast alloy and not iron anymore and the leaf springs are composite. And more importantly, it works. If it works, don't fix it!
Yes, the bodywork is plastic, so what? It's light, and light is right.

Composite? My chevy astro van has composite leaf springs too. Which mean plastic, even cheaper than metal!!
Drum brakes work too, so i'm surprised they dont use those as well.
Plastic is light! so why is the C6 so heavy? at 3200lbs its a whooping 300 pounds heavier than a metal bodied 996 porsche. They use plastic again, cuz its cheap. And its everywhere: suspension, dash, even the door handles are plastic.
Dont get me wrong, if the C6 were about $30k I'd say it was a great car...But not for almost $50k

[zenon]

Originally Posted by autostream

Dont get me wrong, if the C6 were about $30k I'd say it was a great car...But not for almost $50k

You'd expect to get a car with 400hp and 400 ft. lb torque for $30k? That's pretty unrealistic.

[Tha_bounce]

You'd expect to get a car with 400hp and 400 ft. lb torque for $30k? That's pretty unrealistic.

I dunno bout you, but i wouldnt expect all that plastic, for $50k either.
Thats a lot of money, and when you shell that out, for a car, regardless
or whether it has 400bhp and 400 ft. lb or not, that isnt the type of interior
or exterior i'd expect to get.
Even the Japanese cars have more appealing looking interiors and they are
known for building cost effectively.

Honestly, i dont mean to offend anyone, but when i was taking my driving test
i drove a mustang, cuz here in Canada, Young drivers was bought by Ford a while back, and the bosses like them to use Mustangs. And i was disgusted and appalled at the interior, and for whatever they cost id never , ever, ever buy one. IT can have all the horsepower in the world as well.....
When you drive a car, half the time, you are not putting that 400bhp to use, unless u live by a track, and wanna replace your tires and wear out ur $50k quick, but you do a lot of time in the interior and God if it looks like the Mustang or Corvette, id rather stick with a 150 bhp in a Mini. At least then you'd be getting your moneys worth.

[autostream]

You'd expect to get a car with 400hp and 400 ft. lb torque for $30k? That's pretty unrealistic.

why? the Pontiac GTo cost $30k and thats got 350hp and 365tq!
even at $40k, the vette would be a good deal, but $50k is an insult!

[zenon]

Originally Posted by autostream

why? the Pontiac GTo cost $30k and thats got 350hp and 365tq!
even at $40k, the vette would be a good deal, but $50k is an insult!

The base price of the 2005 Corvette is $43,445.