[Press] New Corvette Will Boast 400-Plus Horses

[Rob]

[Press] New Corvette Will Boast 400-plus Horses

May 8, 2003

<div align="center"><b>New Corvette will boast 400-Plus horses</b></div>

By Paul Lienert

The sixth-generation Corvette (code name: C6), due to begin production in late summer 2004, will make its public debut next January at the Detroit auto show. It will retain the current (and long-running) front-engine/rear-drive layout, and will still be powered by a 5.7-liter V-8, mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transaxle.

It will share some underbody components with the all-new Cadillac XLR roadster, but will be priced considerably below the Caddy.

Among the details on the C6 that are circulating within the Corvette community, the new model is said to have fixed headlamps, a longer wheelbase and shorter overall length, and higher output (400-plus horses). It is also expected to share much of the whiz-bang electronic chassis technology from the XLR, including StabiliTrak, MagnaRide and MagnaSteer.

Source: Detroit Auto News - http://info.detnews.com/autosinsider/sneakpeek/index.cfm

Additional Resources:

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27942

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24624

 

[LMN8R]

Sounds like this is right on track with most of our threads here. Hopefully it'll debut with a 6-speed auto instead of the 5-speed mentioned.

 

[Tuna]

I think Mr. Lienert should be corrected - the XLR shares the Corvette technology of Active Handling (StabiliTrak), MagnaRide and MagnaSteer not the other way around.

Granted MagnaRide was on the STS first and I don't have any idea how long MagnaSteer has been out and which other GM cars have that. Just the impression that the Corvette is getting something from the XLR that it doesn't already have is false!

 

[Bob Yates]

I think GM should leave the caddy out of the vette picture. If Harley Earl was alive I don't think he would mix the two. They both need to stand alone and proud.

 

[Stan A]

Mr Lienert comment on horsepower output is somewhat optimistic. Our GM sources tell us the hp will range between 360 to 375. We have to remember that Corvette is not in a "horsepower war" at this time. With no direct competition, higher ponies are not needed at this time.

The first group of cars will support both the automatic and the six speed. GM has promised this as stated last year at the Carlisle show.

As to when the production of the C6 will start will depend on the success of the XLR. Early evaluation by most experts are saying the limited production will be a directed by the number of unit purchased. The figure now being theown out is around 2500 at best. If this be the case, we will the XLR run stopped by early December, 2003. Re-tooling for C6 will take about two to three months and the C6 could be in the dealers as early as March or April, 2004. Even with a good sales run of the XLR ( 5,000 plus units), the new C6 wouls show up by fall, 2004. GM will not allow the plant to stop all production activities between runs. The beancounters will guide these activities not buyers, magazines, or enthusiasts. Money is the key here.