Video: 2014 Corvette - It's All in the Calibration

[Rob]

Interesting comments. Here's my thoughts:

You can't fault GM for the sneak peaks they're doing. Every automotive manufacturer does this. It helps build hype, and excitement. Personally, I think it's cool and I enjoy it. I want to be excited...ooohed..and ahhhed when they do finally pull the cover off. But that's just me.

I also don't mind the digital dash. From what I've seen so far, I really like it. I also see similarities to the digital dash that is now in the new generation SVT Viper which I love.

I have a 1990 ZR-1 which has a combination of digital and analog gauges. I don't mind it and after 45,000 miles, haven't had a problem with them. If I had to find a fault with them, it would have to be the tangerine color of them at night. However, not a deal breaker for me.

Every car has its commonly known issues. Its not just Corvette. Example: last weekend I had to pull out the left side headlight assembly to replace the gear in the popup headlight motor. In the early C4 years, GM used shitty plastic gears that disintegrated over time. In the later years they used stronger gears. It was an absolute bitch replacing this gear because of poor access/clearance to some of the bolts. Once I got the bolts out I couldn't get the final retaining pin out. I ended up having to bring it to my local Chevrolet dealer. One hour and fifteen minutes and $155.00 later, the new gear was installed. I still have to reinstall the headlight assembly back in the car. I swore up and down at GM for not doing a better job at designing the headlight motor assemblies to make it easier to repair. However when the C4 was being developed, I can understand that they might not have caught this issue if it wasn't starting to occur after 40,000 miles. So even though I may have been pissed I understand that during the development phase of a new car, not all problems can be found and addressed.

With the C7's digital dash...who knows. Maybe it will prove to be fail safe over time...and other issues might crop up like an inherent problem with rear hatch seals...or door locks...or anything else.

My point? At this stage of the game, don't criticize something that hasn't even hit production yet as what you think may be a total failure just might surprise you.

For those of you that have been posting about issues with your Vettes...be glad you don't own an Aston Martin with a bad transmission component. The replacement of the component could be cheap and fix the problem...but Aston will force you to fork over $29,000 for a brand new transmission....that just might have the same inherently bad component.

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[Rob]

Also, some of you need to remember that the C7 is supposed to be just a mild refreshing of the C6. It is not a ground up, clean sheet re-engineering like we saw from C3 to C4 or C4 to C5. So the fact that the see-through image of a Corvette in the center of the tach resembles a C6 should not be surprising.

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[tim414]

Also, some of you need to remember that the C7 is supposed to be just a mild refreshing of the C6. It is not a ground up, clean sheet re-engineering like we saw from C3 to C4 or C4 to C5. So the fact that the see through image of a Corvette in the center of the tach resembles a C6 should not be surprising.

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I thought I read on 113.com that the C7 will only carry over two parts from C6????

 

[Rob]

I thought I read on 113.com that the C7 will only carry over two parts from C6????

That's correct. All of the parts can be brand new, but it all depends upon what "brand new" means. You can make subtle, minor changes to a part; it can still be similar to the previous part; but technically - it's brand new - with a brand new part number.

Example: The headlight gears for C4 Corvette headlight motors. GM changed the design at least once that I'm aware of. The gears are not interchangeable between certain model years. Very similar design - but technically - different parts and different part numbers.

What I mean by a "re-engineering" is a total frame-up redesign. I'm willing to bet that there will be a LOT of similarities - visually - between the C6 and C7. You won't see huge changes like you did going from C1 to C2, C2 to C3, C3 to C4, etc.

Also, other media outlets have reported that the C7 generation is believed to be a short lived generation, and that the C8 will be the "re-design" on par with what we've seen from past generational changes.

 

[mjsmm]

Rear Window Shot

I hope the rear window has been changed somehow--cant stand that sloping big hunk of glass!

Pause at the 9 second mark of the video and you will see a very distictive shape of the side of the rear window. It looks like a fixed piece of the outer body with the window dropping down and then rearward. I wasn't exactly sure what this was at first. Hint: follow the weatherstrip.

 

[Rob]

FYI: the latest issue of Car and Driver magazine that subscribers are currently receiving is quite revealing.

 

[lqueral]

tach

Based upon the brief glimpse of the tachometer - I think I'm really going to like the instrument cluster!

Based upon the brief glimpse of the tachometer - I'm not too sure I'm going to like the instrument cluster! <grin>. I thought it was already proven that you can't beat an analog, needled gauge for fast, efficient interpretation. Just 'cause the technology is available and cheap doesn't always make it better. We'll see, I guess.

 

[Baldie88]

I feel pretty good by hanging on to my old 88 because what was old is now new again with the digital dash. I remember the first time driving the car I'm sitting at a long light and I look at the digital temp gauge and it's at 230*! At the time I didn't know about how hot the C4s ran. Even now when I do a parade I turn the temp gauge off because I hate looking at anything over 195*.

And for Rob changing the headlight gears, I did that many years ago and still have nightmares.

Just a hypothetical question. For everyone saying you won't buy a new one if it has "Camaro like" taillights or a digital dash, do you own a C6? Oh the horror when they first came out without flip-up headlights! I'm just saying.

For me I enjoy all the peeks Chevrolet is doling out and I'm anxiously awaiting what the whole car looks like before passing judgment. At this point of my life all I can do is look at new ones and drool.

Ron
"Baldie88"

 

[67vet]

Nice tease video. If that is a shot at the rear hatch, I hope the different angles in the seal will keep out the rain and noise.

 

[catbert]

Yeah I agree, it always looked like it had a big fat ass.

That fat ass aero package keeps the car on the ground at 200 mph without a big ass spoiler.

 

[Chuckster]

2014 corvette

I don't care to see a stack of huge tires. Nor a guy shaving and shaping a clay model ( I also did that years ago). It's totally nuts to see a guy standing on a track with a calibration board and waiting for some type of action; Nor do I want to hear fake engine noises. If I want to evidence engine sounds, I'll crank over either my '63 Coupe or my '87 C4 Cpe.
PLEEEEZE, No more crap. Let's get the show on the road. Besides, the way the economy is going, there will not be a whole lot of us Vette Nuts who will be able to afford a 2014 and up Corvette.

Thanks for the excitement. the CHUCKSTER

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,

The focus is C7 and in that, its going to be a world class sports car, encompassing everything that was needed in previous generations of Corvette.

Start with the heart of C7 and the LT1, substantial upgrades in every aspect of what Generation 4 small block ever was, and a clean sheet redesign. Horsepower number only tell half the story, as the torque and driveability is what will be talked about for years to come.

Systems integration, MYLINK, ergonomics of the cockpit will all take a part of what I believe will be the Car of the Year for 2014, but thats just me.

As for previous generations and their repair issues, I have never seen once that GM denies a problem and doesnt fix it, on a stock vehicle.

Im waiting, because when a clean sheet redesign was introduced, they were competitive on a world class stage.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[warren s]

Hi there,

The focus is C7 and in that, its going to be a world class sports car, encompassing everything that was needed in previous generations of Corvette.

Start with the heart of C7 and the LT1, substantial upgrades in every aspect of what Generation 4 small block ever was, and a clean sheet redesign. Horsepower number only tell half the story, as the torque and driveability is what will be talked about for years to come.

Systems integration, MYLINK, ergonomics of the cockpit will all take a part of what I believe will be the Car of the Year for 2014, but thats just me.

As for previous generations and their repair issues, I have never seen once that GM denies a problem and doesnt fix it, on a stock vehicle.

Im waiting, because when a clean sheet redesign was introduced, they were competitive on a world class stage.

Allthebest, c4c5

Thats pretty much what is said about every generation of Corvette since the C4.

And the problem is not just getting GM to acknowledge issues on stock cars, its preventing problems from ever getting to the customer in the first place and then having to rely on an apathetic dealer network for support

 

[Dadman1950]

When warren states "then having to rely on an apathetic dealer network for support" he has hit the nail on the head. Most dealers I have had the displeasure of dealing with do more harm than good to an exceptional car. The very few times I have had to take my C5 to the dealer I ended up leaving and finding someone else to do the work. ad I have never had to take my C6 in for a problem! The GM engineers of course have nothing to do with the apathetic dealers and I know it frustrates them as well. GM should hold their dealers more accountable, including blocking them from selling certain vehicles. Personally I think they should have to "Qualify" to sell certain cars like the Corvette and Cadillac V series. It really irritates me to know more about the technical side of a corvette than the "certified mechanics" and believe me I am no mechanic! ad GM engineers consistently have delivered on their Corvette and GM dealers consistently have "dropped the ball" and tainted an otherwise great car.

 

[Huskerman]

When warren states "then having to rely on an apathetic dealer network for support" he has hit the nail on the head. Most dealers I have had the displeasure of dealing with do more harm than good to an exceptional car. The very few times I have had to take my C5 to the dealer I ended up leaving and finding someone else to do the work. ad I have never had to take my C6 in for a problem! The GM engineers of course have nothing to do with the apathetic dealers and I know it frustrates them as well. GM should hold their dealers more accountable, including blocking them from selling certain vehicles. Personally I think they should have to "Qualify" to sell certain cars like the Corvette and Cadillac V series. It really irritates me to know more about the technical side of a corvette than the "certified mechanics" and believe me I am no mechanic! ad GM engineers consistently have delivered on their Corvette and GM dealers consistently have "dropped the ball" and tainted an otherwise great car.

I think there was a whole thread on should the Corvette be its own brand and have its own dealership...maybe with the Caddys....I believe there are designated Corvette dealers now with people spacifically trained to work on these cars. A good plumber and a good wrench are people to take care of......

 

[c4c5specialist]

Interesting, very interesting.

Well, I cant imagine the frustration that you all face.

Unfortunately, to be counted among them is very disheartening. But I do also know that not all dealerships are that way. And I know that there are those of us who live, eat and breath Corvette.

I hope that someday, GM WILL hold dealerships more accountable. I come from a dealership so maybe that blinds me some, I am not sure but I can say this.

GM and the engineering team at Corvette have supported me to the last breath about serving Corvette. If I ever have a need, something I havent seen before, something that I am unsure of, I put an email out there and within 24 hours I have an answer and impliment the advice.

My strength in service to Corvette is the support of engineering and GM in general. And alot of times, my dealership doesnt agree with me in how I take care of Corvette. But its what I and so many other service technicians love to do, so we stand by our conviction, train as hard as we can, and impliment guidelines set forth by GM.

And I AM a GM dealership technician and proud to try to set the standard of QUALITY Corvette service.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Yoda]

I know Paul personally and can attest to his dedication to the Corvette. I saw his passion at different CruiseFest we've had where he rebuilt something in the front end of a C5 right in the parking lot using his personal tools and working under the car using jack stands and a floor jack...

I also will mention that comparing c4c5specialist to an every day GM Dealership mechanic .... say from York, Nebraska or Podunk Texas is like comparing a fisherman to a coal worker... not even in the realm of comparisons ... c4c5 has distinguished his career and himself as a "World Class GM Certified Mechanic" and folks they just don't give those titles away

Plus he is a true gentleman and inspiration to all he meets, never a rain cloud without a rainbow in c4c5 world view...

Not to embarrass, but emphasize the man behind the title of c4c5specialist :dance


Bud Dougherty
Amarillo, TX

Interesting, very interesting.

Well, I cant imagine the frustration that you all face.

Unfortunately, to be counted among them is very disheartening. But I do also know that not all dealerships are that way. And I know that there are those of us who live, eat and breath Corvette.

I hope that someday, GM WILL hold dealerships more accountable. I come from a dealership so maybe that blinds me some, I am not sure but I can say this.

GM and the engineering team at Corvette have supported me to the last breath about serving Corvette. If I ever have a need, something I havent seen before, something that I am unsure of, I put an email out there and within 24 hours I have an answer and impliment the advice.

My strength in service to Corvette is the support of engineering and GM in general. And alot of times, my dealership doesnt agree with me in how I take care of Corvette. But its what I and so many other service technicians love to do, so we stand by our conviction, train as hard as we can, and impliment guidelines set forth by GM.

And I AM a GM dealership technician and proud to try to set the standard of QUALITY Corvette service.

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[JJS]

Yes, let us see the car! Up 4 hp from 436 to 440 isn't going to encourage me to make a change unless it weighs 2500#.

I believe the base model is up to 450hp.

 

[warren s]

I know Paul personally and can attest to his dedication to the Corvette. I saw his passion at different CruiseFest we've had where he rebuilt something in the front end of a C5 right in the parking lot using his personal tools and working under the car using jack stands and a floor jack...

I also will mention that comparing c4c5specialist to an every day GM Dealership mechanic .... say from York, Nebraska or Podunk Texas is like comparing a fisherman to a coal worker... not even in the realm of comparisons ... c4c5 has distinguished his career and himself as a "World Class GM Certified Mechanic" and folks they just don't give those titles away

Plus he is a true gentleman and inspiration to all he meets, never a rain cloud without a rainbow in c4c5 world view...

Not to embarrass, but emphasize the man behind the title of c4c5specialist :dance


Bud Dougherty
Amarillo, TX

I take no pleasure in stating my disgust at the treatment I received at GM dealers, and the lack of quality in the past GM cars I have owned. Everyone has their own experiences with multiple car brands and after my last 6 new GM products in the past 25 years I will no longer be a GM customer.


Having a competent technician to repair my vehicles is only part of the challenge. Getting the dealership to agree that an item is covered and not having to do battle with the service manager is part of the path to customer satisfaction. Not having to bring a new car back multiple times to "work out the bugs" is another piece of the puzzle.

I sincerely hope that I don't see a litany of internet stories and posts on Corvette websites about the new C7, as past generations of Corvettes have. Also hope more technicians are like - or become like Paul in their dedication and expertise.

 

[catbert]

I take no pleasure in stating my disgust at the treatment I received at GM dealers, and the lack of quality in the past GM cars I have owned. Everyone has their own experiences with multiple car brands and after my last 6 new GM products in the past 25 years I will no longer be a GM customer.


Having a competent technician to repair my vehicles is only part of the challenge. Getting the dealership to agree that an item is covered and not having to do battle with the service manager is part of the path to customer satisfaction. Not having to bring a new car back multiple times to "work out the bugs" is another piece of the puzzle.

I sincerely hope that I don't see a litany of internet stories and posts on Corvette websites about the new C7, as past generations of Corvettes have. Also hope more technicians are like - or become like Paul in their dedication and expertise.

I'm sure glad I haven't had your experiences. The last troublesome GM vehicle I owned was a Saturn, and that was 9 GM cars ago. While I've had lousy service at GM service outlets, I've had the same kind of service at foreign brands including BMW and Toyota. I'd buy a C7 in a heartbeat if I didn't have a new C6 - that's been trouble free.