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Comments
Fotorich
Randy
AC off (Snowflake with slash line)
Temperature controls set at 60
Outside air open (interior recirculation off)
Fan set at the second third or forth setting.
When starting the car, and driving for a reasonable amount of time, under these circumstances the temp of the outside air coming in is usually not more than a few degrees warmer than the ambient temperature. This is true even when sitting in heavy traffic. Under these conditions the occurrence of extremely hot air blowing from the vents is rare. I repeat, rare but it has happened.
However if the car engine is stopped even if the ignition is only turned off momentarily or for an hour or so, with the comfort controls set as described above, the air coming out of the vents will rapidly climb to 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit. I do not mean to imply that hot air blows and than dissipates as one drives the car. I mean the hot air will continue to blow and climb as you drive at highway speeds. The only relief is to turn on the AC.
Now I do not like to drive with the AC on all the time especially on a nice day. It also robs the car of power and eats up gas mileage
Fotorich.
1 = MX0, 3LT, NAV (Std. \ base suspension)
& 1 = MX0, 1LT, Z51.
Brief background. I have driven 4 door sport sedans for many years. Last Corvette I drove was a ’98 or ’99 C5 owned by a business associate about 5 years ago. Last one I have been inside, except at a show or (stationary) at a dealer, was a Y2K C5. My current ride is a 2005 GP GXP (5.3L V8, 4 speed manumatic w/Paddles), with published quarter times generally clustered in the low 14s.
Paddle Shift A6. One of the reasons I have waited until now to allow myself to seriously consider a Corvette has been the previous 4 speed automatic trans. No offense intended to anyone with that trans., but each of my past 4 sedans has had a 4 or 5 speed manumatic trans. – and I know I would miss that feature, a lot. ( I have posted several reasons for my preference elsewhere on the Forum. ) This 6 speed trans. with paddle shift manumatic function is an acceptable implementation. Shift response to paddle command could certainly be quicker, but I am reasonably certain now that I could adapt. Otherwise, the driveline is smooth and refined. Engine response is always sharp & immediate. LS2 = great V8!
Z51. Not as much ride difference as I’d expected, but expecting to put 15K mi / yr on what will be a daily driver ( unlikely to be driven on a track or auto-X ), cheaper & longer lasting front tires, etc. mean I’d be fine with the Base suspension. I did not stress the car, handling-wise, in my drives, and thus would not have been able to evaluate any difference(s) in ultimate limits. I trust the published numbers – as I believe the Quarter Mile ET-s I’ve seen.
The ride of the base suspension suits me & my driving requirements just fine. The ride is certainly firm, but I found it well controlled \ damped & I expect that it will be livable for my long trips as well as my commute. Also (and one reason I did not fight the suggestion that I drive a Z51 as well as a Base car) neither of these 2 cars showed any signs of extraneous noise, such as creaks or groans or squeaks from interior plastic bits rubbing or from anything that might not be bolted (screwed, glued) together perfectly. I noticed no wind noise at the (brief) 70 MPH cruise intervals. ( Sound systems were off during all of both drives. ) I presume that it would be the same at any speed I’d be comfortable holding & cruising = typically 80 MPH or so. No vibrations noted at any speeds – in either car. I heard no ‘click’ on brake applications.
The overall impression was of a very well engineered & carefully assembled car. Remarkably so. Kudos, GM.
Sport seats = excellent comfort & support! 1LT \ base seats, not so much.
The controls and displays are well done & I felt immediately comfortable in the car – and given that the driving position is a good 6 or 7 inches (or more) lower than anything I have driven in a long time, that really impressed me.
Acceleration. Well, ‘acceptable’ hardly covers this. ( New cars, low miles, no abuse.) But there is definitely enough acceleration ability to appreciate the difference between my current sedan (again, low 14s) and a 13 flat or better sports car.
Sound. I will probably replace the exhaust at some point, with something just a bit more aggressive – but the combination \ blend of engine & exhaust was OK. For now.
Handling. I certainly did not stress these cars. They both felt sure footed, planted, confidence inspiring. I expect that it will be rewarding to drive at 6 or 7 tenths, without being punishing to drive over imperfect surfaces.
Steering. See above. And: Effort, response, road feel, & kickback = all excellent on the 5 mile (or so) loop I drove.
Outward visibility. OK. Rear mirror size & placement, etc. is not quite as good as I had hoped (and I am used to) but I think it will be OK. The only remaining issue \ concern for me her is the low roof line & ability to see things like overhead traffic signals. Best I can tell, I ‘lose’ about 6 to 8 inches of windshield height, compared to what I am used to seeing, looking forward. My ‘Solution’ = I will order the CC3.
HUD = very cool. Even better than mine. I have one in my GXP, and use it literally all the time. This particular example had a slight ( but would be annoying ) distortion, likely in the windshield glass at that particular area – as I moved my head side to side while driving. ( Not caused by polarized sunglasses. ) But the Tachometer display as well as the gear selected & the MPH means I would even more rarely have to look down at the instruments. Well done.
3LT. 1LT. I already knew that I would want the 3LT. As stated, I found the sport seats (2LT & 3) to be exceptionally comfortable as well as supportive. (I am 6’0” and approx. 225 \ 230 #s.) The 1LT \ Base seats, were noticeably less comfortable, at least for me. I’d also find the lack of the current trans. gear display on the HUD (3LT) to be annoying in a 1LT or 2LT – having to divert my eyes well down off the road, to the DIC display, below the Speedo & Tach. And the telescoping wheel allows me to adopt a more comfortable driving position.
I will once more mention that I noted ( and thoroughly enjoyed ) the very significant difference in acceleration feel between my current sedan (again, documented as a low 14s) and this 13 flat (or better) C6 A6. Because this is one primary reason for my lusting after the C6, and these drives met my (high) expectations. In my street driving, I can rarely even approach the handling limits of any car, as I always want to leave some measure of safety margin, to allow for the unexpected (for example: sand or oil on the road surface, an idiot move by another driver, etc.) even in (um) ‘spirited’ cornering. But I can ** ALWAYS ** manage a safe place to use WOT. Even if only briefly.
Yet, quite clearly, the C6 is much more than a very quick accelerating sports car. There was certainly no doubt in my mind after these test drives that the C6 is a thoroughbred: A refined, but very capable grand touring machine - as well as a an outstanding overall sports car. Exactly what I am looking for, right now.
So. I expect to order a 2007 – for delivery in late September to late October.
MX0, 3LT, CC3, Monterey Red \ Titanium.
Thanks to everyone here who has posted information & answered question.
Comments welcome.
- Ray
Very favorably impressed.
Randy
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
Could be.
Since I was not going to buy that particular example, I only mentioned it to the sales person & moved on with the test drive.
I have made a note on my ‘Checklist’ to be certain I verify the HUD clarity when ( note, not ‘if’ ) I pick mine up.
Thanks!
- Ray
Psychologically ready to buy, but not quite financially ready . .
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
I'm dissapointed but not surprised with what I'm reading, it's the same story I read 10 years ago when I thought I would buy a vette - well, once again, GM is selling to dreamers and not enthusiasts. That is most evident in how they treat their customers - you will not find this treatment at a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan Dealership - Or Volvo or even BMW. I really thought they changed, but it seems they haven't. If the Nissan deal (or Toyota) doesn't materialize - GM is doomed.
I work in a customer support organization on a program that produces fighter AC at $130M a copy, there is no way we would survive if our customer where making posts like these. I have serious doubts about GM making it without the "help" of Toyota or Nissan.
I have yet to buy a Chevy (I've owned Ford, Honda, Volvo and Toyota) just as quickly as the new C6 caught my eye, I have canned the idea once again of buying one....GM will not gain a new customer as long as real people are making posts like the above.
I have my own Nissan dealership horror stories....
If automakers spent as much time and money on quality control as your organization does on fighter aircraft or mine on space launch hardware no one could afford the cost of the automobiles. The quality has to be built in by design, robust manufacturing processes and minimal touch labor. There's bound to be escapes and unfortunately the folks affected will complain loudly to the rest of us as they have a right to do. But don't let the negativity get in the way of your decision.
There are a lot of dreamers AND enthusiasts who buy C6 Corvettes and they too are real people having a great time driving a great car!
I hope your research went just a little deeper. Since there have been about 34,000 Corvettes produced in each of the last few years, the number of complaints here is surprisingly small. BTW, there are other complaints that don't show up here but do at the make specific boards.
Some times approach is more important than the facts, shouldn't be but life isn't always fair. I take my C5 to the track, some times 5 days in a month, some times 1 or 2 days. Last Friday it was just over 100 degrees and I was doing over 100mph at four points on a 2.5 mile track each lap, amazing what a robust design will stand up to. That has been the case for over 3 years on a 5 yr old car and the local dealer replaced my full ABS system a couple months ago under extended warranty. That is with a car that has an after market oil cooler, harness bar and 3" wide 6 pt belts hanging behind the seats. What does that prove, nothing, just like any other one off situation. Corvette has been getting good overall ratings for the past several years and is the best of what GM offers. Too bad you won't get a chance to try one out.
Even Consumer Reports, a publication very very Japanese Automaker biased, shows that the Corvette is one of the most satisfying cars to own. And it is.
I doubt every car GM makes is perfect. But then again, not every car Toyota makes is perfect either. It would be nice if every 'imperfect' car sold could be returned and replaced, like Nordstrom, but no car manufacturer in the world does this. It's just not feasable.
The C6 Vette is a great car and don't let a few disgruntled people tell you otherwise. Do the research yourself and you'll find the vast majority of people (even enthusiasts!) agree.
tom
You can go to the GM site and get into the gear ratios of the Z51, 6 speed, auto, and Z06. The Z51 ratios produce a faster car off the line but have a higher ratio also in 6th gear and thus not as good mileage if you are driving it any distance.
I am sure that you will hear from those that race theirs that the Z51 is the way to go. But that was not my desire.
I anticipate taking delivery the week of August 7.
Good luck with your decision!
By the way, my previous '96 M3 had a ride that was harsher than the Z51 I test drove so I wasn't worried about the daily drive with the Z51.
Any other open cases on this same issue?
What dealers has any forum member contacted?
This is a repost of current A/C air vent blowing hot air
worse than Chevrolet's See No Evil attitude and denials:
"Thanks to all who have responded to my HOT C6.
Let try and explain the problem again.
After a day or more, and starting the car for the first time; the AC,fresh air and temperature
controls having been left as follows:
AC off (Snowflake with slash line)
Temperature controls set at 60
Outside air open (interior recirculation off)
Fan set at the second third or forth setting.
When starting the car, and driving for a
reasonable amount of time,
under these circumstances the temp of the
outside air coming in is usually not
more than a few degrees warmer
than the ambient temperature.
This is true even when sitting in heavy traffic.
Under these conditions the occurrence of extremely
hot air blowing from the vents is rare.
I repeat, rare but it has happened.
However if the car engine is stopped even if the ignition is only turned off momentarily or for an hour or so,
with the comfort controls set as described above, the air coming out of the vents will rapidly climb to
100-120 degrees Fahrenheit.
I do not mean to imply that hot air blows and than dissipates as one drives the car.
I mean the hot air will continue to blow and climb as you drive at highway speeds.
The only relief is to turn on the AC.
Now I do not like to drive with the AC on all the time especially on a nice day. It also robs the car of power and eats up gas mileage."
Being a Software Engineer and Investor maybe I'm picky but
I'm so disappointed to hear of C6 problems, its cheaper to buy a Porsche 911!
Just a thought, but what difference does having a fast car make in a world of 65/75 speed limits? I know, I do the 0-75 romp myself and with after market exhaust it is even more fun, but it is really limiting and doesn't teach you much about the car.
Now, I don't "race" either, street cars don't have the required safety equipment to race, btw. But I do take my C5 to Hi Performance Driving Events (HPDEs) and after more than a year of getting instruction feel I'm a better driver in the car, both on the track and off the track. It isn't racing but I do pass many other cars under the rules of the day, groups are different with their rules, and even with 350hp
Before you dismiss getting some instruction that is mostly available on track you might want to get more info.
Randy
Short bursts of speed allow you to maneuver around traffic, move around the sleepwalkers, skip lightly around risky drivers. And, with a good radar detector, speed limits are relative, mere suggestions. :shades:
As for classes around the Bay Area, the least expensive is probably the Thunderhill Street School (THHPDS) that I think is up to $225 for the day, your car. Modest instruction in following the line on track but maybe too little on how to shift smoothly and be in the proper gear when needed. For that you need more class time like at Russell Racing at Infineon/Sears Point or similar school at Laguna Seca. As for the estimate of $1,000 per day that is light when driving a school provided car and when you get up to speed with experience is almost what I figure it costs to run the C5 for tires, brakes, brake fluid, rotors, not to mention that I've added oil cooler, brake ducts, front and rear, 6 pt harness, & fire extinguisher. You do need a helmet but TH does provide some rentals. In the beginning it is no where near that costly since point of fact you aren't really going that fast or hard. You might feel that you are but the wear on those items will tell you different.
I am no longer spring chicken , drive a 2006 LX470 that recently has become very bored.
It is scary to indulge myself into this expensive vehicle and reading your post makes me wonder.
The Lexus service is impeccable , if you a loaner , No Problemo.
I am still thinking maybe should get SC400.
Any help welcome
Lou
After reading many of the forum letters I've decided to avoid the Z51 option (live in a winter climate). I need the coupe as being a triathlete I can actually put my bike in back! My questions revolve around sport seats or not, and which transmission to choose?
I've read little about sound systems. Does it matter? Is the exhaust note that good?
I got the 3LT option which was not cheap but brought many options including the better seats. I cannot compare it to the base seats but the upgraded seats are excellent! The 3LT also includes the upgraded sound system and XM radio. I have had XM and thus was already spoiled. I highly recommend it.
The C6 is very comfortable. I will use it on some short and long trips and have no reservations whatsoever in doing so.
I have not owned an S2000 but almost ordered one. The reviews that I read however were very negative on the car for any long distances and as a daily driver. The trunk was small and amazing (to me) was the fact that car insurance was cheaper on the Vette.
The car is awesome! I have gotten so many positive comments on the car in the short time that I have owned it.
I strongly suggest that you test drive one. I think that you will be pleased.
The exhaust note is good but not great unless you really get on it.
I got the manual and cannot fathom anyone getting the automatic. However, half of the Corvettes sold are automatic transmission. If you are in heavy stop and go traffic then I guess that it should be considered but to me the 6 speed manual is half the fun of driving it.
Just an amazing car!!!
Hope that this may have helped in your decision.
Color is all about personal taste, so don't base you decision on what anyone else thinks. Look at the combinations yourself and decide what you like best.
Stan
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
As you so rightly point out, with the engine being so flexible I'll probably be shifting a lot less. Brian, my son says the antennae for the XM is "really ugly" do you think so?
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
It's just one of those trade-offs. Your changing to a car with almost 3 times the displacement- there are going to be differences. You just have to decide what you really want.
The 6 spd auto is quite reasonable, I don't have to deal with the "skip-shift", and it's still very fast, especially for everyday use.
Good luck!
tom
BTW, the XM/Nav antenna is in the front windshield and is not exactly pretty, but I wouldn't say I really notice it either.
Now how does one get to really see what its like.. when one is a 20 yr old in SoCal.
I do not think a dealership will take me seriously, especially if I do not show up with my father. I already drive an 05 G35 Coupe so hopefully they'll see I am serious.
Any advice??
If your son thinks the XM antenna is ugly on the Vette he better educate me as to where it is because I have yet to figure that out. The owners manual says that it is "on" the roof or the trunk lid. Again, I don't see where it is. (I had read that it was hidden and that appears to be true.) I have the coupe. I suggest that you look at and try to figure out where the antenna is. Also, drive the manual for the experience of the manual but give it a chance.
The car truly is awesome. The S2000 may have a shorter throw and feel lighter on the road. But this is a world class 400HP car. It truly is awesome! The Z06 is comparable to cars that cost $100,00 to $200,000 and that is not my opinion but the opinion of the car magazines.
The 6 speed manual takes some getting used to. My first impression was that I hated the 1-4 skip shift but it is easily avoided once you get used to the car. (Shift from 1st to 2nd below 15 mph or above 20.)
Try it.
To the guy who is 20, drive up in your present car and hopefully you can convince them that you are serious.
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
I believe that in 2005 ( only ) on the C6 it was the same "wart" I have on my 2005 GM Sedan.
"(U2K) XM Satellite Radio included with Bose audio systems and features hidden antenna" - GM \ Corvette Changes for 2006
Enjoy the drive!
- Ray
Still debating . . .
To all who have commmented on the transmission, I am going to test drive both but, let's face it, I'm a guy who likes to shift so I know I'm going to get the 6-speed. Know anyone who wants a S2000, 2001 with only 18,100 miles?
To Jayellenseven I must tell you the local dealership would not provide me a test drive in their single example of the 6-speed Vette. I am a physician and their store is only a 3 minute drive from my office! If a doctor whose office is around the corner can't get a test drive God help a 20 year old. Best bet is to actually write or email a few dealerships with your story and see if anyone responds: I quess.