Motor Trend Insight

[LMN8R]

The current Motor Trend issue (the one with the Vette/Viper cover) has a little blurb somewhere in it talking about the bodies of the C6 and the Caddy XLR. It says that there's some sort of new sheet metal fabrication process that is going to allow them to make the Caddy out of steel instead of the plastic composite which is currently planned.

The first 2 years of the XLR will still have the composite body, but the writer speculates that they will change it over to steel after the first 2 years. The also state that the change in material will be accompanied by exterior design changes, but it will keep the "art and science" theme.

More interesting is speculation on the C6. They state that this "revolutionary" new body manufacturing process may also effect the exterior of the C6 by the 2006 model year, and specifically say that the 2005 C6 may be a one-of-a-kind.

I just can't wait to get a look at one of these things. I actually think the XLR is a pretty cool looking dude, so I bet the Vette is going to be incredible.

Greg

 

[LMN8R]

Additionally, it looks like they may go to, um, sheetmetal on the C6.

Whatever works, I guess.

 

[Rick Daniel]

One of the new articles on my web site talks about the new technology in highdrofroming the frame. They are now able to change the thickness of this process witch up to now was not possible. This will be a big weight saver in the frame. If the technology jump is as big as it was from the C4 to the C5 ;worship :eek It will be something.
http://www.corvettesbyrickdaniel.com/C6INFO.html

 

[Rob]

I read that in Motor Trend as well. I think that both sheet molded composite and aluminum manufacturing technology continues to progress into an area where strength and cost efficiency make it more suitable for widespread automotive applications.

The plastic body of the Corvette has come a long way from the early days of the 1953 where the fiberglass body panels were hand-laid.

Although I'm not trying to start rumors, I would have to wonder if we may see an aluminum bodied Corvette at some point; either with the C6, or next generation after that.

I don't know if there would be a weight savings in switching from SMC to aluminum but it would be interesting to see what develops.

I think one thing is for sure though. Based upon the published claims of a proposed reduction in overall size for the C6, and the potential for reduced weight by the use of new hydroforming technology, I think we'll see another 100-200 lbs shaved off the overall curb weight of the next generation Corvette.

This is something I have been very anxious to see and I was happy to see that Corvette engineers have worked hard to reduce weight in the Z06 model. I've also read in past published articles where upon interview, Corvette Chief Engineer, Dave Hill has mentioned that his team is paying particular attention to removing weight out of the Y-body platform. I think this is extremely important in terms of overall performance and fuel efficiency. Personally, I love the overall look and design of the C5 with the wide rear end, but I would not lament one bit if I could not fit my golf clubs in the trunk.

To me, the Corvette is a sports car meant to enhance one's driving experience and pleasure. Reduced size and weight help contribute to that overall driving experience. Hauling my golf clubs around in the back of a Corvette can be accomplished just as easily as tossing them in the back of my pickup truck. Now....if I was a golfer and owned a set of golf clubs, maybe I would think otherwise.

I only wish the same technologies that went into helping to reduce the weight of the Z06, were available back in the 1990s for integration into the ZR-1 model.

 

[Black Ice]

Hogwash, Gm will not spend that kind of money to retool the XLR in just 2 model years. To date GM has not invested a dime in C5 changes and its higher volume and selling well.

 

[LMN8R]

Rob- I agree totally. A DOHC, stiff, well-suspended ZR-1 would be the end-all be all. It sure would be nice to have all of the technology and style in a single car!

Ice- Yeah, GM drives me nuts too, but (call me optimistic) I do think that Lutz has lit a fire under some of the design teams. The article reports that these are changes with his influence in mind. With that evidence, I'd say that there is a chance things can change fast. He seems to make things happen like Pontiac's GTO, the Solstice concept, and the return of RWD vehicles in general. These are his direct influence, and as far as the automotive industry is concerned they're happening fast. I can't remember exactly how long it was, but I think the Solstice went from Idea to running concept in a little under five months, in both the coupe and the roadster models.

At the end of the day, we'll just have to wait and see. Your point is well-taken, and I'll try to keep my optimism at bay to avoid a big let-down.

Greg

 

[JBsC5]

I believe the new sheetmetal process will be what GM uses to differeniate future XLR models from the Corvette.

I don't know that I would agree plastic of some sorts would be replaced on the corvette. JM0 ..

I do think the XLR needs to be slightly restyled for a more sensous look though.

Just a bit too blocky and sharp edged..

The sooner the better as far as I could see. Its not a bad design just not up to competing with the MBSL500 or the Jaguar XK8.

 

[Black Ice]

Well, Bob Lutz may very well like to change everything but will GM give him the Millions it takes to make design changes?