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Stan A
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Although the Corvette is only 1% to 2% of all Chevy sales depending on the year, we have to remember that it is grouped in the car category which is about 40% to 55% of the entire production line. No knowing how many cars they will actually sell, the Corvette percentage could rise up to as much as 5% to 6%. Even at this level its very low but in the scheme of things, it does have some effect. There are other factors in the GM grouping which have included the Camaro and Firebirds which also used the LS series motor too.
With the demise of both these cars after this year, more focus should be on the Vette and their numbers. However, the EPA and CAFE requirements in most cases will force or reduce the power plants we will see. So in a sense, if CAFE does not get them EPA guidelines will in the long run.
In modern times GM (since the 1960's and 1970's)has never produced a car with more horsepower than 405 for stock street use. The ZR1 was first and now the Z06. So far the main reason has been the "gas guzzler" tax which at this time may or may not be in effect. As much as we would love to see more ponies, I believe that GM position will not change anytime soon even without the outside effects of EPA and CAFE.
Again, in reference to high horsepower like the LS6, we have to remember that each engine that the big three use in their vehicles has to be certified. Costs are a little over a million dollars per engine. As long as they stay with the original development format, re-testing does not need to be for certification. However, when changes come about through testing and development like with the LT5 back in 1988 and in this case a whole new motor, certification again had to be done.
The "bean counter" want to save money at every turn so by eliminating this process of certifications each year, they have chosen to use only three or four motors through an entire car line for a number of years in a row.
One other thing that we all need to look at is the engine application and reliability over years of use. The LS6 according to GM sources has reached 95% of its output limit of power based on its current setup. Yes, more power can be added but when you warranty a system repair and replacement costs are the real keys to whether more power is produced. Its the profit line that counts.
Increase in horsepower only occurs when sales are low or drop off or competition is present that is in the same price range. Currently, the Corvette product has no direct competition in its price range. The first year sales of the Z06 were good and the second year is expected to be higher and the 20 ponies has helped this. Note this year with regards to the 2003 Z06..no increase! Reason is that the ticket to increased sales will be based on the 50th Anniversary edition.
I still believe that the C6 will be marketed like the C5. Coupe first, than convertible a year or so later, and than a Z0? three to four years later. This process has worked well for two decades. Why fix someting that is not broken.
Stan
Although the Corvette is only 1% to 2% of all Chevy sales depending on the year, we have to remember that it is grouped in the car category which is about 40% to 55% of the entire production line. No knowing how many cars they will actually sell, the Corvette percentage could rise up to as much as 5% to 6%. Even at this level its very low but in the scheme of things, it does have some effect. There are other factors in the GM grouping which have included the Camaro and Firebirds which also used the LS series motor too.
With the demise of both these cars after this year, more focus should be on the Vette and their numbers. However, the EPA and CAFE requirements in most cases will force or reduce the power plants we will see. So in a sense, if CAFE does not get them EPA guidelines will in the long run.
In modern times GM (since the 1960's and 1970's)has never produced a car with more horsepower than 405 for stock street use. The ZR1 was first and now the Z06. So far the main reason has been the "gas guzzler" tax which at this time may or may not be in effect. As much as we would love to see more ponies, I believe that GM position will not change anytime soon even without the outside effects of EPA and CAFE.
Again, in reference to high horsepower like the LS6, we have to remember that each engine that the big three use in their vehicles has to be certified. Costs are a little over a million dollars per engine. As long as they stay with the original development format, re-testing does not need to be for certification. However, when changes come about through testing and development like with the LT5 back in 1988 and in this case a whole new motor, certification again had to be done.
The "bean counter" want to save money at every turn so by eliminating this process of certifications each year, they have chosen to use only three or four motors through an entire car line for a number of years in a row.
One other thing that we all need to look at is the engine application and reliability over years of use. The LS6 according to GM sources has reached 95% of its output limit of power based on its current setup. Yes, more power can be added but when you warranty a system repair and replacement costs are the real keys to whether more power is produced. Its the profit line that counts.
Increase in horsepower only occurs when sales are low or drop off or competition is present that is in the same price range. Currently, the Corvette product has no direct competition in its price range. The first year sales of the Z06 were good and the second year is expected to be higher and the 20 ponies has helped this. Note this year with regards to the 2003 Z06..no increase! Reason is that the ticket to increased sales will be based on the 50th Anniversary edition.
I still believe that the C6 will be marketed like the C5. Coupe first, than convertible a year or so later, and than a Z0? three to four years later. This process has worked well for two decades. Why fix someting that is not broken.
Stan