GM plans entry-level Corvette sports car, report says

[Hib Halverson]

The 'young professionals' sneer at american made cars. IMO, it would take years to change that mindset.

That speaks volumes about the automotive-ignorance of "young professionals". Also, seems to indicate they're more interested in looking cool than being competitive.

I say...let 'em buy all the Audis they want. Just make sure those fine German engineered cars come with big rear view mirrors. I don't want them to miss me in their blind spots as I come close to get them a little aero loose.

 

[Otter]

... Also, seems to indicate they're more interested in looking cool than being competitive....

Makes me feel old when I opine on the younger generation, swore to myself years ago that I wouldn't go there..Guess I wasn't too successful, eh?? :L

 

[JJS]

I'm finding just the opposite with the young professionals these days. I work with one young Engineer who's dream is to one day own a Tessla (sp? they don't do anything for me - I saw one recently and thought it was a Lotus), and another who just purchased a Hemi Orange Challenger SRT8 that really is a beautiful car.

Another drools over my new Corvette and swears he's going to buy a 2014 this year or next.

 

[froggy47]

I'm finding just the opposite with the young professionals these days. I work with one young Engineer who's dream is to one day own a Tessla (sp? they don't do anything for me - I saw one recently and thought it was a Lotus), and another who just purchased a Hemi Orange Challenger SRT8 that really is a beautiful car.

Another drools over my new Corvette and swears he's going to buy a 2014 this year or next.

I think it depends on which "young professionals" we are talking about.

The ones my daughter works along side with (ME, EE, etc) favor German cars but they appreciate my Vette when they see it.

The lawyer's all drive Prius & ride bikes in skinny shorts.

 

[LLC5]

The lawyer's all drive Prius & ride bikes in skinny shorts.

Hopefully they get run over by real carbon fueled vehicles...... Just kidding, sort of....

 

[Tuna]

The lawyer's all drive Prius & ride bikes in skinny shorts.

My attorney drives a Vette and a Volt and rides a mountain bike.
She's also my wife!

 

[Hib Halverson]

I think it depends on which "young professionals" we are talking about.

The ones my daughter works along side with (ME, EE, etc) favor German cars but they appreciate my Vette when they see it.

The lawyer's all drive Prius & ride bikes in skinny shorts.

Well...at least I know I'm not a lawyer.

I ride a bike but I can't even come close to wearing "skinny shorts". I'm stucking wearing "fat shorts". That's why I'm riding a bike, actually.

 

[Huskerman]

Well...at least I know I'm not a lawyer.

I ride a bike but I can even come close to wearing "skinny shorts". I'm stucking wearing "fat shorts". That's why I'm riding a bike, actually.

Don't forget you gotta keep away from the In & Out Burger stores when you are on that bike.......

 

[Mac]

It's no surprise GM would be looking at this. Pontiac is gone. Olds is gone. Saturn wasn't about sporty. Cadillac is upscale. Buick is your dad's car. That leaves Chev to carry the torch. Between Camaro which was (is) recycled styling with modern technology and Corvette which is the bleeding edge, there is a gap for an entry level sports car. It will be interesting to see if they try a watered down Vette (I doubt it), buff up something boring currently in the lineup OR build something from the ground up ala Boxster/Cayman. To be honest, the third option works for me but I wouldn't be surprised to see a hotted up Malibu.

-Mac

 

[Hib Halverson]

Don't forget you gotta keep away from the In & Out Burger stores when you are on that bike.......

Well....the only In n Out Burger in my town is too far to ride...at least in a timely manner so that rules out that "problem".

That may change though. So far on this new bike, I'm always riding in high gear. I'm going to change the front chain rings to increase my top speed. Then maybe I can get to In and Out and back in a shorter time.

 

[Hib Halverson]

It's no surprise GM would be looking at this. Pontiac is gone. Olds is gone. Saturn wasn't about sporty. Cadillac is upscale. Buick is your dad's car. That leaves Chev to carry the torch. Between Camaro which was (is) recycled styling with modern technology and Corvette which is the bleeding edge, there is a gap for an entry level sports car. It will be interesting to see if they try a watered down Vette (I doubt it), buff up something boring currently in the lineup OR build something from the ground up ala Boxster/Cayman. To be honest, the third option works for me but I wouldn't be surprised to see a hotted up Malibu.

-Mac

A short while ago, GM had an "entry-level" sports car
Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice/Opel GT

At one time, there was even talk about moving production of the two US versions to Bowling Green. The Sky/Solstice was the first application of the 2.0L turbo DGI four-cylinder Ecotec.

They could bring it back, hang Chevrolet panels on it and call it a VetteLet.

 

[catbert]

A short while ago, GM had an "entry-level" sports car
Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice/Opel GT

At one time, there was even talk about moving production of the two US versions to Bowling Green. The Sky/Solstice was the first application of the 2.0L turbo DGI four-cylinder Ecotec.

They could bring it back, hang Chevrolet panels on it and call it a VetteLet.

Agree! I drove the Skye, and it is a nifty entry level sports car. Like the Vette, it is absolutely American in approach, but nimble, and fast with the turbo. A Corvette version would be too cool. It also has room for a V8 if the General wants to go crazy like Mallett did. I saw a V8 run at a strip once - very impressive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AtZ8zQ5We4

 

[Hib Halverson]

How 'bout the "Vettelet SS" or maybe a "Vettelet Z03."

An update of the Sky/Solstice with Chevy-esque body work and the DGI 3.6L V6 at 325. Much less weight up front than that ridiculous Mallet thing.

 

[Tuna]

GM could dig up the Opel GT blueprints and build a few more of them. Stuff that V6 Hib likes under the hood and call it ----- drum roll.....



Mini-Vette II

 

[KANE]

GM could dig up the Opel GT blueprints and build a few more of them. Stuff that V6 Hib likes under the hood and call it ----- drum roll.....

View attachment 14583

Mini-Vette II

The Baby Vette...

 

[82ColEd]

Noo, not the Opel-GT. They call it either:
Wanna-be-Vette or
Vette-for-Loosers
etc
here. :eyerole:L

I was thinking the FRC fiasco too, but the Solstice would be a good comeback.


-Stefan

 

[red and black]

I think it can be done. Start emiminating all the bull schizz and stick with the basics. A simple fixed roof coupe with no sun roof or "T" features, a single speed motor for the side windows. RADIO? Hell the radio can be an option too, I hardly have the thing on. Keep the instrument panel simple and the tire wheel combos limited in that range.

MERCEDES ... I will say this. BULLSHIT and I'll believe it when I see it. Twice they used it as bait to lure me in and I never took delivery of the car because they had no intention of making it.

When they introduced the little 190 sedan in around 1983, I tooted on down to put an order on a base car. The salesman wouldn't take money but added me to the list. At this point I was nursing a VW Sirocco and and MG Midget, just getting by. Every month I go speak with him about when my car was coming in till one day he took me out back and told me to go somewhere else. Mercedes had no intention of making a base 190 as long as they could sell them out optioned up. It was good press and got folks to the showrooms.

When the ML320 was announced, I went right down and put my $500 down on a base silver with cloth seats, no options, the only option I want is the Outside Air Temp and I can get that at Radio Shack for $20. No, I don't wan't a sun roof, no fancy leater, no optional wheels .... no, no, no and no again. I was one of the first with a deposit but all I got were annoying calls from MB about "we are getting ready to build and want to give you one last chance to option up" .... yeah, like 20 times. Again, I waited months after other folks were driving their cars and realized I would never see a base car. It took them a damned long time to refund my money. BELIEVE NO BULL SHIT FROM MERCEDES! :ugh

 

[catbert]

I think it can be done. Start emiminating all the bull schizz and stick with the basics. A simple fixed roof coupe with no sun roof or "T" features, a single speed motor for the side windows. RADIO? Hell the radio can be an option too, I hardly have the thing on. Keep the instrument panel simple and the tire wheel combos limited in that range.

MERCEDES ... I will say this. BULLSHIT and I'll believe it when I see it. Twice they used it as bait to lure me in and I never took delivery of the car because they had no intention of making it.

When they introduced the little 190 sedan in around 1983, I tooted on down to put an order on a base car. The salesman wouldn't take money but added me to the list. At this point I was nursing a VW Sirocco and and MG Midget, just getting by. Every month I go speak with him about when my car was coming in till one day he took me out back and told me to go somewhere else. Mercedes had no intention of making a base 190 as long as they could sell them out optioned up. It was good press and got folks to the showrooms.

When the ML320 was announced, I went right down and put my $500 down on a base silver with cloth seats, no options, the only option I want is the Outside Air Temp and I can get that at Radio Shack for $20. No, I don't wan't a sun roof, no fancy leater, no optional wheels .... no, no, no and no again. I was one of the first with a deposit but all I got were annoying calls from MB about "we are getting ready to build and want to give you one last chance to option up" .... yeah, like 20 times. Again, I waited months after other folks were driving their cars and realized I would never see a base car. It took them a damned long time to refund my money. BELIEVE NO BULL SHIT FROM MERCEDES! :ugh

You are not likely to get a car optioned the way you want it from any manufacturer. I can't think of any sports car available truly bare boned at this point. Sounds like your issue is with MB, and I'm sure Chevy is happy about that.