News: GM's Henderson: Corvette's future is secure

[redneck]

A lot of sound thinking guys...

Though it's good to hear the corvette *pays the rent* I too didn't hear a "yes , production is planned for a c-7" anytime soon . I also wonder about the quality of any future vettes coming off the line now that G.M. will need to be meaner and leaner . For the car to die while at the top of it's game seems like a possibility dosen't really ? . One thing is for sure , if it does die , corvettes value will start to go through the roof . Unlike the 1970 dodge daytona , 65 mustang , 302 z28 camaro and others I let go for peanuts back in the 70's , this time I will have a very desirable machine . Not that it's about money , but , it counts . By the way my personel retro favorite brought back to life has to be the new challenger....it sure looks like the old dayz ride I remember . Save the wave friends....redneck

 

[Victory Red C6]

That's an interesting statement because I thought when the C6 was being discussed in pre- and post-production, one of the points made was that it's almost entirely new with not much being carried over from the C5? :confused

The following paragraph was copied from an article on the C6 written by Jack Nerad who writes from Driving today.

The C6 retains key features of the previous-generation car -- backbone structure, hydroformed steel frame rails, cored composite floors, enclosed center tunnel, rear-mounted transmission and aluminum cockpit structure -- but with suspension components that have been substantially changed. In fact, none of the suspension bits have been carried over from C5. The short-long arm double-wishbone front and rear suspension configuration remains, as does the transverse leaf spring independent design, but the control arms, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars, and steering gear are completely redesigned.

So, other then several structural items, it appears all other components are new to the C6. There are the obvious items like power steering pumps, master cylinders, etc. that are probably the same design as the C5, but thinking the all GM components like this are the same across all GM vehicles.

 

[Norseman]

Howdy,

Thanks for your comment, however, I believe you meant to say that "No car company can possibly sell enough...".

You are correct but it certainly helps and will generate excitement and thus interest in the other profitable and wide variety of offerings by the company. Also, having a "special interest vehicle" that seats four or more helps many individuals to justify the purchase of a new vehcile in which to transport the family, friends and/or in which to commute to and from work or business.

Regards,

Don Cordier

Don, your right; thats exactly why I bought my Subaru Impreza STi. It seats 5, has 4 wheel drive, has 300 HP, a no lag turbo, and gets good milage in 5th and 6th gear, has a relatively large trunk too. Also voted "Car of the year" by Car and Driver or or maybe it was some other mag. in 2004.

 

[catbert]

Ya know, that's been one of the biggest complaints by reviewers worldwide..."Cheap interior pieces". Seriously, if Chevy can spend millions developing the C6 ZR-1, why can't they put a few bucks into making an interior that's at least somewhat comparable to the european models in which it competes against? "Oh look, more GM gray plastic and pleather interior trim. How nice!" :eyerole Take a cue from Callaway, just ditch the mostly god-awful pastel colors he/they choose.
If GM made a interior worthy of a $100K car, the critics would have nothing else to complain about! And it's not like this is a new complaint...

All those cars cost a hell of a lot more than the Vette. GM is walking a cost tightrope with the Vette, and has to use the parts bin and other ways to cut costs. Bob Lutz said that the few small changes to the interior of the Pontiac Solstice to create the interior of the Saturn Sky cost over $300 bucks a unit. If the Vette is to have a European quality interior, it'll have a European price. There is no such thing as magic.

We have to make up our minds: bang for the buck or world class ammenities. Personally, I'd rather have world class performance.

 

[Norseman]

All those cars cost a hell of a lot more than the Vette. GM is walking a cost tightrope with the Vette, and has to use the parts bin and other ways to cut costs. Bob Lutz said that the few small changes to the interior of the Pontiac Solstice to create the interior of the Saturn Sky cost over $300 bucks a unit. If the Vette is to have a European quality interior, it'll have a European price. There is no such thing as magic.

We have to make up our minds: bang for the buck or world class ammenities. Personally, I'd rather have world class performance.

All you have to do is order the full leather interior for another 8 grand; and you have the equal of any european supercar. So in the words of a great American cartoon character "Eat my shorts."

 

[maineyak_2000]

I am not buying it. Did they the know (or admit) that they would shut down production for most of the summer?? Unless they make the vette a "Super Green Machine" rather than a "Super Car" IMHO this adminsistration will be more than happy to see that it is cut. It might be better to go out on top rather than becoming an enviro-weenie mobile !!! Sorry to be negitve but that is reality!!

Zaaackly ... Let's See ...a Super Green two seater .. That would be a Golf Cart ..Right

As for the shut down...People in the know say 2 week normal shutdown for Bowling Green...Let's hope they are right.

 

[darkstar]

These are some lean times. Priorities are different for everyone. Basic survival -food, shelter and transportation are necessities. The Corvette is way beyond basic in my opinion. But I love mine and hope to see the next "Vette" as secure as possible with a pricetag that some can continue to afford. Long live GM and the mighty Corvette.

 

[mdbuffy]

Thanks for posting.

The C5 survived because of creative accounting in Chevy that allowed the development of the C5 to stay alive. The creative accounting within Chev was because of executives who drove Corvettes and were not willing to see the marque end even though they risked losing their jobs over the creative accounting.

Good news that Mr. Henderson drives a Vette.

 

[jcdouglass]

changes?

my 96 330 6spd will outlast me.
I will need parts in the future for sure.
Please keep a few on the shelf for us.. thx

 

[Alberni Redneck]

I didn't hear him say that the C7 was not on hold. All I heard him say was that they are continuing to improve upon the present C6 and make it better.

Did I miss something, or are others reading something else into it?

He did say that at one time they had plans for a C7 that would have been a big leap forward, but that now they are just continuing to make the C6 better a little at a time.

Where does he say that the C7 project is still alive and moving forward?


Jim S.

I agree that the future of the Corvette is only as healthy as the future of GM, and that is not necessarily a strong future!

We all know they had to skip a production year for '83, That didn't hurt a thing waiting for the next generation to make it's debut.
Long live the C6, the C7 will be along soon enough sometime in our future. The Vette will always evolve and survive. It's the only Darwin car I know of !

Glen.

 

[ScottEP]

I saw a new Camaro that was in the local dealer's driveway for less than a day. Reminded me of the VW/Porsche 914, better-looking in person than in photographs, but still not very pretty.

I agree with you there, sub.

 

[Hib Halverson]

The Vette is as safe as the rest of GM. That's what worries me.

"Corvette" as a nameplate is likely pretty safe.

Corvette as a high-performance sports car is only good to about 2011. After that, all bets are off for true GM perfomance cars such as Cobalt SS, Camaro and C5 Corvette.

 

[stinger396]

I think that GM will always build the Vette. It's more than just a means of transportation. The Corvette has become an American Icon. It's the only American car to have it's own museum and dedicated owners. We as Vette owner have to let our goverment realize that Corvette is more than a car its a American Legend.

 

[JJU]

Maybe I missed something in the video... I didn't hear anything about a "plan" for the C7. It sounds like the C6 may be safe for a few more years if Fritz has anything to say about it. What's to say the "Obama show" won't force him out at some point too.

I have to agree with what someone said earlier... When the government is involved, this could turn sour real fast.

I'd like to believe there will be a C7. I'm still cautiously optimistic. The video didn't change my opinion one way or the other on Corvette's future.

 

[Aceves81]

Regarding the Corvette's future...

That's an interesting statement because I thought when the C6 was being discussed in pre- and post-production, one of the points made was that it's almost entirely new with not much being carried over from the C5? :confused

It looks like the Corvette's future is secure, according to Fritz Henderson. The Corvette is a "Halo car" for GM...too important to just kill it dead, and GM management knows this. They sure know better than to discontinue the American Icon, in production since 1953...by the way, on another note, Evolution 1980, I love the custom paint on your 1980 Shark!...what do you call that color, and is it a custom mix?...I'm thinking about re-painting my '81 Shark with the same color as yours. Please let me know, thanks!...I also like your Victory motorcycle, the new American motorcycle!...I'm glad the U.S. now produces four (4) American-made motorcycles: Harley-Davidson, Buell, Indian, and Victory...it gives buyers an option over the Jap bikes, which I'm glad.

 

[njlouc]

Neville Chamberlain told the British people that Peace was in hand after his visit with Hitler.otfl IMHO any vette/camaro sales you see near term will be sold to those who want to be first on the block and to those who want to own the last vette/camaro, hoping that in future years it will be worth more. Eventully the govt will outlaw these cars. we are living in different times.:soapbox

 

[yellowsubmarine]

I hate to pee in anyones Wheaties but any time the government gets involved things can change quite rapidly. I think Corvette is in as much danager as the whole of GM. If GM sinks it is going to take Corvette down with it. I think ole Fritz is just being P.C. Remember he works for the government now.

Exactly! When fascism comes to America, it will come in the form of a...
that's right, a government controlled company. GM now stands for "Government Motors." And you all know what kind of automobiles we'll see from that unholy alliance.

 

[longdillon1]

I hopt the government doesnt do what was done it the early 70s and kill performence for emmissions. I have the slowest vette because of that( "75 vette" ) I dont want another "SLOW" Vette. Just my 2c.
Dillon
P.S. I saw this coming during elections though!

 

[lnirenberg]

Let's get a grip here, Obama and his administration had nothing to do with the state of GM, he just has the unenviable job of trying to pick up the pieces and save as many american jobs as he can. It may feel great to rag on the government but let's place the blame for this debacle where it belongs. Greedy bast**ds on wall st and at our major banks brought the economy to its knees. GM is struggling disproportionately to the rest of the industry because of the inept aholes at the top of the food chain that have run the company into the ground. Government hand outs, dare I say corporate welfare, don't come without strings. However, Obama and his key team have already proven that they are both more pragmatic and more intelligent than others in the immediate past and the focus is on jobs, profitability and getting our (yes yours' and mine) money back.

The Corvette has something other nameplates could only dream of which is an unshakable and fanatically loyal fan base. If the Corvette is, as stated, a profitable unit than either GM or a stand alone owner will continue to produce it. Thankfully, unlike most other car brands past and present, keeping cars on the road won't be a struggle whether Corvette survives or not given the huge aftermarket/reproduction industry.

PS-I love the look of the new Camaro modern but with styling ques from the 1st gen, independent rear, ridiculous base engine and a catalog of LSs to pick from. Top of the pony food chain and if I had room for another toy and/or lived in a warm 12 month car climate I'd be 1st in line for a 6 spd SS. Nice job GM.

 

[MARLTON LT-4]

Let's get a grip here, Obama and his administration had nothing to do with the state of GM, he just has the unenviable job of trying to pick up the pieces and save as many american jobs as he can. It may feel great to rag on the government but let's place the blame for this debacle where it belongs. Greedy bast**ds on wall st and at our major banks brought the economy to its knees. GM is struggling disproportionately to the rest of the industry because of the inept aholes at the top of the food chain that have run the company into the ground. Government hand outs, dare I say corporate welfare, don't come without strings. However, Obama and his key team have already proven that they are both more pragmatic and more intelligent than others in the immediate past and the focus is on jobs, profitability and getting our (yes yours' and mine) money back.

The Corvette has something other nameplates could only dream of which is an unshakable and fanatically loyal fan base. If the Corvette is, as stated, a profitable unit than either GM or a stand alone owner will continue to produce it. Thankfully, unlike most other car brands past and present, keeping cars on the road won't be a struggle whether Corvette survives or not given the huge aftermarket/reproduction industry.

PS-I love the look of the new Camaro modern but with styling ques from the 1st gen, independent rear, ridiculous base engine and a catalog of LSs to pick from. Top of the pony food chain and if I had room for another toy and/or lived in a warm 12 month car climate I'd be 1st in line for a 6 spd SS. Nice job GM.

I could not disagree with you more. Are you saying that our gov't had nothing to do with the implemention more and more rules and restrictions on US car makers?? Did you ever hear of CAFE std's?? The requirement to build electric and hybrid cars that only a few want?? How about the gov't making sure the UAW gets everything they want through legislation?? Please do not take the socialist POV and blame the private sector which cannot remain private. If you want to be at war with private business along with the white house and congress I hope you know what will be on the horizon. hnoes