All Wheel Drive Corvette

[toomuchtorque]

If the next corvette were all-wheel drive with all kinds of other improvements, would you still retain the same respect that you have (if any) for it? Do you think that if it were all-wheel drive, you would feel that Chevy has abandoned its heritage? Or would it excite you and make you think that Chevy is finally catching up with the times? I want to see what you all think about this.

 

[bradfordsvettes]

the typhoon and syclones were all wheel drives with a 4.3 turbo and they were rocket ships 13 sec and 12 sec in that order . bone stock . would probably raise the price a subsantial amount . but you would never have to worry about breaking the tires loose and straight as an arrow only my 2 cents steve

 

[Bob_K]

I'd love an all wheel drive 'Vette. Shouldn't even up the price by too much, even the bottom of the line subaru comes with it. Heck, even most mini-vans have it anymore, why shouldn't America's Sports Car?

 

[reubenmc]

I think AWD would be an awesome idea. If there was an issue of it raising the price a lot, maybe they could use AWD on the high performance model so they base package wouldnt cost as much.

 

[LMN8R]

AWD would be a great addition. Does someone know if the C5/6 chassis is capable of carrying AWD?

 

[Brett]

AWD is heavy.

AWD kills top-end speed.

I would not buy an AWD Corvette.

Look around. AWD is not as prevalent in sports cars as the Import Media would have you believe.

AWD is not some "advanced technology" that has eluded Corvette, or something that Corvette has to "catch up" to.



Brett

 

[jim coulter]

why would you want all wheel drive on asphalt? I have a bronco for 4 wheeling in the mud, but wouldn't take my vette there. I dont see the reasoning behind awd on the road, except from a marketing stand point for people without a clue. Someone please explain why this is needed on the street.

 

[LMN8R]

AWD is a little heavier, but helps cars like the 911 Turbo and Lamborgini Diablo get to the 1/4 mile faster than my car, and both of those outrun my car for top-end speed comparisons too.

It's a great safety feature, especially on wet surfaces. Granted, cars can be quick and handle well with RWD. It's tried and true. However, I do feel that AWD is superior technology, and I would rather be spinning 4 wheels against the competition instead of two.

 

[Brett]

AWD helps cars like the 911 Turbo and Lamborgini Diablo get to the 1/4 mile faster than my car, and both of those outrun my car for top-end speed comparisons too.

The reason that is true is not because of AWD. It's not even close to the main factor. The 911 Turbo costs 120 grand, while the Diablo is 300 grand. There are quite a few other factors involved there..... In fact, the Z06 and 911 Turbo are just about equal, if memory serves correct--pushing the same horsepower.

And I can't believe I forgot this: it's not as good for handling either, unless you want to go do some rally racing with your Corvette.

I'm not saying AWD is worthless, I'm just saying I don't see any concrete advantage as to why Corvette should switch to it.



Brett

 

[81LT4]

AWD- this would be pretty neat. that would be even cooler
if it had started with the C-3'S

 

[Brett]

Sorry to change the subject for sec..........but that is a sweet ride 81LT4! Very nice job!



Brettt

 

[LongTimer]

There is a point at which 0-60 times can not be improved unless extremely exotic and impractical-for-the-street tires are mounted at the rear. Zora new the value of all wheel drive for grat handling and was experimenting with it almost 40 years ago.

In a multi model vette line (oh boy, here he goes again), a world beater model with a mid engine and all wheel drive with CF drive / half shafts would be a helluva car. In a single model vette line, power to weight ratio, traction control, and suspension improvements, IMO, are the elements to success.

 

[81LT4]

Sorry to change the subject for sec..........but that is a sweet ride 81LT4! Very nice job!



Brettt

Why thank you brett.

 

[toomuchtorque]

...
And I can't believe I forgot this: it's not as good for handling either, unless you want to go do some rally racing with your Corvette.
...
Brett

Are you kidding me? AWD is great for handling on ALL roads. Have you ever been in a car (Audi A4 for example) with RWD and then driven the AWD version of it (A4 Quattro)? With almost no suspension mods (other than what is necessary) the AWD model will destroy the RWD around turns. The advantage of AWD as far as handling is concerned is that the system can decide which wheels should get the most power.
Lets say your taking a hard left turn. As your in mid-turn and the cars body is being pulled to the right , the left side tires (front and back) are losing traction. At this point, the AWD system will send (FOR EXAMPLE) 65% of the power to the right side tires (most going to the rear because the cars weight is being pushed back) and 35% to the left side tires. While still maintaining grip, you can fly through that turn much faster.
The other obvious advantage is that the tires will hook up MUCH sooner on take off. They may chirp, only just a bit. Therefore your 60ft times will also be much faster.
THE DOWN SIDES:
An increase in weight (insignificant compared to advantages in all ways except top speed).
No more burn outs or donuts :eek
Can you deal with that?

 

[Brett]

The AWD cars I have been in seem to want to pull forward slightly when turning. It doesn't feel as precise and linear to me. It is safe and more stable (harder to break it loose on a turn), but like I said, it doesn't feel as precise to me.



Brett

 

[toomuchtorque]

"The way it feels" is totally subjective. You said it yourself, the car has more stability and can hold the road better. Everybody has their own opinions. I do think the Corvette would greatly benefit from AWD, but it would not be able to burn rubber like the rest.

 

[Dave63]

AWD - great idea for those of us who are located in weather challenged parts of the country. We had snow every day of January this year. AWD would save wear and tear on the Burb, but would two pairs of skis fit? I have always wondered if I am the only C5er that doesn't give a rip about whether two bags of golf clubs fit - maybe a subject for another thread.

 

[LongTimer]

AWD - great idea for those of us who are located in weather challenged parts of the country. We had snow every day of January this year. AWD would save wear and tear on the Burb, but would two pairs of skis fit? I have always wondered if I am the only C5er that doesn't give a rip about whether two bags of golf clubs fit - maybe a subject for another thread.

AWD in a sports car with BIG HP is not installed with the motivation of winter safety. We are entering an era of pretty heady horse power and torque. Yes, RWD traction controls work great with two patches of rubber on the ground. Now try the TC with four patches - significantly quicker IF you have the power. I don't think that AWD is absolutely necessary until we start seeing the HP numbers near 600, or 500 if the weight drops about a 1000 lbs off the C5 benchmark. IMHO

 

[ROCKETBLOCK]

All wheel drive is not always the answer to all things. It can get you into as much or more trouble than you can get out of. AWD puts more demand on the steering wheels now that they have to share with the direction control demand they already have. Tires are a limited resource. The have 100% to offer. You can share that between steering, braking and acceleration of AWD cars. If 50% goes to acceleration then only 50% is left to steer with. Well, you get the idea. Having said all that, GM could surprise us with an AWD Corvette some day!

 

[Buster1]

Like RocketBlock said, AWD is good, but taxing on the car in many ways. Bottom line, it's heavy... that would hurt the Vette's performance and put it up there with the M3 (which I love, but it's heavy) or the Audi TT (which I hate, and it's heavy).

Read the Audi TT road tests and you'll see that it's not all that quick, maybe nimble and good on curves, but the weight as well as the maintenance costs are are just too much for an AWD car.

Buster