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Popular Mechanics Gets the Hard Facts on Chevy’s Supercharged ‘Vette
With all the rumors swirling around Chevy's new supercharged Corvette,
Popular Mechanics' legendary Detroit editor Jim Dunne decided to get
some hard answers straight from the horse's mouth. After consulting
the largest Corvette dealership in Michigan, Dunne is back with some
surprising responses. For instance, we have a feeling that a lot of
Corvette drivers are going to have itchy left feet when they find out
that the blistering supercharged version of the car will only be
offered as an automatic.
DETROIT — Rumors abound on details of the new, hyper-speed Corvette, so it’s time for a reality check. Here’s what we hear from the largest Corvette dealer in Michigan. —Jim Dunne
1. Chevy will offer manual transmission on the new ’Vette.
Verdict: False
Word is that the blown engine is too strong for any of GM’s manuals, so the uber Corvette will only come in automatic. It’s a reversal of precedent—the automatic transmission proves stronger here than the manual.
2. The super Corvette will have twin turbochargers to develop 650 horsepower.
Verdict: False
A single supercharger nestled between the cylinder banks with do the job all by itself. Reports have the intercooler mounted above the supercharger, just under the air scoop in the new hood.
3. Chevy plans to produce 3000 of the new ’Vettes.
Verdict: True
Dealers are already accepting orders for the 1500 cars we’ll see each year for the next two years. Then production will stop.
4. The new Corvette will cost $100,000.
Verdict: True
The price tag we reported earlier could climb even higher. We now hear “between 100 and 125” as the target for Chevy marketers.
5. GM will drop the current Corvette Z06 from its lineup.
Verdict: Jury’s out
We’ve heard stories both ways—that the Z06 will continue on the moderate end of this high-performance series, or that it’ll be gone altogether. Not sure how this will shake out, but we’ll keep you posted.
Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4219082.html
With all the rumors swirling around Chevy's new supercharged Corvette,
Popular Mechanics' legendary Detroit editor Jim Dunne decided to get
some hard answers straight from the horse's mouth. After consulting
the largest Corvette dealership in Michigan, Dunne is back with some
surprising responses. For instance, we have a feeling that a lot of
Corvette drivers are going to have itchy left feet when they find out
that the blistering supercharged version of the car will only be
offered as an automatic.
DETROIT — Rumors abound on details of the new, hyper-speed Corvette, so it’s time for a reality check. Here’s what we hear from the largest Corvette dealer in Michigan. —Jim Dunne
1. Chevy will offer manual transmission on the new ’Vette.
Verdict: False
Word is that the blown engine is too strong for any of GM’s manuals, so the uber Corvette will only come in automatic. It’s a reversal of precedent—the automatic transmission proves stronger here than the manual.
2. The super Corvette will have twin turbochargers to develop 650 horsepower.
Verdict: False
A single supercharger nestled between the cylinder banks with do the job all by itself. Reports have the intercooler mounted above the supercharger, just under the air scoop in the new hood.
3. Chevy plans to produce 3000 of the new ’Vettes.
Verdict: True
Dealers are already accepting orders for the 1500 cars we’ll see each year for the next two years. Then production will stop.
4. The new Corvette will cost $100,000.
Verdict: True
The price tag we reported earlier could climb even higher. We now hear “between 100 and 125” as the target for Chevy marketers.
5. GM will drop the current Corvette Z06 from its lineup.
Verdict: Jury’s out
We’ve heard stories both ways—that the Z06 will continue on the moderate end of this high-performance series, or that it’ll be gone altogether. Not sure how this will shake out, but we’ll keep you posted.
Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4219082.html
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