vettepilot said:
Ain't THAT the truth!!:L :L
Sometimes I feel left out in the cold, seems like every forum I go to everybody has a brother, sister, uncle, cousin, father in-law, brother in-law, or good friend and neighbor who works for GM, or Chevy, is on Dave Hill's short list or some other high insider position. I have to be content with using what I read and with a little logic try to figure out what it all means.
What I see is one of several white mules, nice wheels, big ole tires in the back, Brembo looking brake calipers, and drilled rotors. Whether or not the new Z06 will be a fast back fixed roof coupe, or the FRC like the current Z probably is already decided for the first year. But a mule doesn't necessarily mean that's the final design.
I for one seriously hope we don't see a bunch of useless carbon fiber in places where it doesn't enhance performance, (like center dash panal trim etc.) if it is going into the car, at least use it for a component large enough to make a significant weight savings, hood, outside door panals, roof etc. Carbon fiber trim panels are for kids, the Z06 should be a serious performance car. Everything that goes into the design and construction should be there as a performance enhancement. That will keep the price down to a reasonable level, and do what the Z06 is supposed to do, be the gold standard to beat as was the 01 and 02 Z06s.
Well, that's my 2 cents worth on that.:eyerole
vettepilot...... with my flamesuit on
I totally agree with you. Although I have to admit, I like the carbon fiber trim panels if they're integrated tastefully. I'm not sure I can admit that they are useless when it comes to weight reduction. If enough of it is used on the interior, it can all add up to a pretty significant weight savings. This is one of the reasons why some models of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Porsche, etc., utilize a high amount of it in their interiors.
Now...with that said, in the interest of the Corvette, the more CF that is used, the higher the price of the car. The Corvette has always had the reputation for being "the most bang for the buck." Since I believe the goal of the C6 Z06 is to shove a massive egg up the Ford GTs' and European exotics' tail pipes at half the cost, it would make the most sense to use the most CF where it counts - as you say.
Again, my personal prediction: more extensive use of carbon fiber in exterior body panels of the C6 Z06 (not just the hood as seen in the 2004 RPO Z16 Z06 - and leave the carbon fiber trim up to the aftermarket. Now with that said, just imagine if Corvette Engineering brought a Z06 to market manufactured out of this:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57892
I would still, however, absolutely
LOVE to see Corvette engineering bring a Chrysler ME Four-Twelve-like-Corvette to market with EXTENSIVE use of carbon fiber, kevlar and ceramic / graphite composites.
Corvette has always been about high-tech and GM has the money behind it to utilize these technologies. Companies like Ferrari and Aston Martin can do it and they are but a pimple on the butt of automotive production as compared to an industry giant like GM.
The Corvette, in my own personal opinion, has always been evolutionary...not necessarily earth-shattering. Sometimes too restrained and too refined. I'd like to see Corvette Engineering/Design come out with something totally wild, and off the wall that truly breaks away from "Corvette Tradition." Something exotic that doesn't make people say just "oh cooooool", or "wow", but more like....."hollllllllllllllyyyyyyyy ****!!!!"
If Chrysler can do it, and Ford can bring the GT to market, GM can do the same with an exotic Corvette.
That's why, when I started to hear rumors of "the Blue Devil" circulating around, I got really excited. Hopefully, we'll find out in the future, that they weren't just rumors. Fingers and toes crossed.
Flame suit on.