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Chevrolet C6 Corvette
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The easiest way to say it graphically is 10 hp for every 100#'s is needed to B/E or compensate when it comes to power to weight ratio and also this equates to 1-3 mpg. Most folks would know this but.... So most Euro competitors are easily 400-600#s more than the Corvette (my Z06 is 3150#s, 405 hp/torque, for discussion sake) The Porsche GT (mega bucks more) is app 2970#'s.
For example in X country crusing, the Z06 at 90-100 mph has a cruising range of app 450 miles. How many other of its competitors can match that? It can also get app 26 mpg with the AC at freezing (ok, 65 dgrees with the ambient temp at 104) Want more range and better mpg? Go 70-80 mph and you are pushing 30-32 mpg. for 540-576 miles.
So for example when I was doing the reseach (on price only) the BMW M-3 came on the radar. It weighs 3400#'s. So from a performance point of view; what mods at what cost, to get what hp, do I have to do to match the Z06 performance? Or to approach it the other way, what weight does the BMW M-3 need to be, to match the P/W ratio of the Corvette?
Suffice it to say all the options (or most) have some weight penalty.
MN6 Auto
2001 16.0 vs. 19.6 = 35.6 45%
2002 16.9 vs. 18.9 = 35.8 47%
2003 17.3 vs. 18.2 = 35.5 49%
2004 12.6 vs. 21.5 = 34.1 37%
The Z06 makes up a big portion of the manuals, about 50% in 02/03 and but less than that in 01/04. But, as noted, history helps prediction on a level playing field, and what we have is a sea change to manual standard vs. extra cost option. With no Z06 in 2005 I doubt it will exceed 50% but it will be interesting to see the results in both '05 and '06. Going back further you would probably see more years that are not as close to 50%.
GM will surely address some of the refinement issues that we have discussed and make changes for 06 and 07. For those who want to be the first kid on the block I understand but I will wait.
In 06 I would look for GM to make side airbags standard and make many other small improvements, work out the bugs, etc.
At the same time we will probably be able to purchase the Vette below MSRP.
Please GM get rid of the truck steering wheel in the base Vette and replace it with the ZO6 or similar steering wheel.
Randy
Using 6 gear at 70 mph, can be almost a sleepy experience. Do a double (de) clutch from 6th gear to 3rd and the thing can almost be described as a BEAST.
Should I not buy a first year new model car ? Corvette history says don't buy the first new model year
Then again the C6 has had some issues, 6sp tranny, and I'm not sure what else and as you suspect that is always true. But, is there an unknown at this point, hard to guess, they are getting better at getting it mostly right out of the box. Those I talk with are really happy with the C6, at least as happy as the C5 crowd.
I have the First C5 Z06 (2001). One noticeable one is it came with 385 HP/torque due partly to the fact they did not perfect the catalytic converter soon enough to bring to market, so they had to go to catalytic pups. When they were able to bring the perfected system to market in 2002, they dropped the pups. It added 5 hp and they scrubbed real hard to enhance internal breathing modifications; shaking loose another 10 hp, for 405 hp/torque. Another year revealed the clutch did not have enough safety factor. So another improvement a year later was a slightly bigger and thicker clutch.
There will be probably be a few changes/improvements for 06 but they won't start building them until September. I want to get one for spring/summer and before the wife changes her mind; so I ordered one yesterday. I spent quite a bit of time examining a C6 they had on the lot. The car looks pretty good to me. It isn't prefect but I found the assembly detail to be really good. I also drove the same car and it didn't have squeaks, rattles, or abnormal wind noise. The torque and HP are really impressive. It is also amazingly docile for around town driving.
Randy
Now I have to wait for the darn thing to get built and make the trip to the west coast. Hopefully I will have it towards the end of April.
If anyone here has used the GM-S program, I have a few questions for you. Thanks in advance.
- Mike
I'm trying to decide whether or not to sell my 2003 Audi A6 4.2 in order to buy a new C6 Corvette. The Audi is a great car that does what it's intended to do very well. It's luxurious, powerful (300 h.p. V8), beautifully built, and extremely satisfying to drive. The only "problem" is that it's not a sports car (and it doesn't try to be one).
I'm giving serious consideration to selling the A6 and ordering a C6 coupe - 6-speed, Z51, Nav, and XM. I'd really enjoy hearing from anyone who has feedback on some of the things that concern me:
1. Can I expect squeaks and rattles? I know that past generation Corvettes have been notorious in this area. What about the C6?
2. How's the freeway ride on Z51 cars? Too harsh? Anyone here drive more than one suspension version (standard, Z51, F55) before deciding which to get?
3. Is it true that cars equipped with the navigation system get only a single-disc CD player?
4. Can the navigation system be programmed while the car is in motion?
5. Does anyone make a better-looking (metal?) trim plate for the center stack / console? (I know about the body-colored ones available through the Chevy parts department; is there anything of higher quality through the after-market?
6. After living with the car for awhile, what DON'T you like about it?
Thanks in advance.
- Mike
1. Yes, previous Vettes did rattle. This was my number one criteria: The C6 is first Vette that does not rattle, and is tight.
2. I thought the Z51 was too harsh. I went with the F55 and it is perfect as you have tour/sport modes.
3. Yes it is true. I purchased XM radio-forget CDs. I was originally against XM- Not now.
4. I am not sure of this. But do get the Nav, it is wonderful and looks better and high tech.
5. Not yet. However, I purchased the slick silver and the center console compliments the exterior. It is the only Vette color that does this. No after market junk yet..
6. Good question: Minor stuff, ie: no auto power window up and if you are taller then 6'- 2" head room will be tight but thats it..you will love this car.
XM or Sirius... you will be happy either way. I have XM in 3 vehicles and love each version:
1 factory installed in a GM
1 Alpine aftermarket install on a Jeep Wrangler
1 FM modulated installation in a BMW - looks factory
The BMW has the 'worst' sound of them all because of the modulation. It is not on par with a CD, but leaps and bounds above the XM. The Alpine and factory install both sound great.
There is a Satellite radio forum here on Edmunds...
-Paul
2. How many of you are living with a vette as your daily driver? Pros/cons?
3. What are service costs like, does the dealer give you a loaner vehicle?
I'm now in CA and my commute to my office is less than 5 miles, plus I'm single with no kids/pets so snow/space etc isn't an issue.
I just drove the C6 at the autoshow in motion in San Fran and I think I'm in love.
Biggest problem I'd see is that you won't warm up the engine oil in a short 5 mile commute. I do 1 mile to the freeway, about 5 miles on freeway and then into BART station and the oil is only up to 150/160 degrees, so I'm sure to get at least 15+ miles at least once a week, mid-week and keep the oil changed as well. The problems that the C5 had, rocking seat, some column lock, and oil usage have not been issues for me beyond the seat. Not sure what the C6 feedback is since I don't expect to get one for about a year +. Enjoy!
Randy
DETROIT - Chevrolet unveiled the 2006 Corvette Z06 at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in January, and now GM Performance Parts is unveiling the crate engine version of the LS7 engine that powers it. This latest Z06, billed as "the fastest, most powerful car ever offered by Chevrolet and GM," has enthusiasts looking for that kind of power in a crate engine. GM Performance Parts is ready to end that search as it offers the LS7 (P/N 17802397) at GM dealerships and Authorized Centers, nationwide in August.
This small-block V-8 dreams big, displacing big-block cubic inches at 7.0 Liters (427 cubic inches) and big-block power at 500 hp at 6200 rpm. It also benches 475 lb.-ft. of torque at 4800 rpm. Helping to create its high power and high revving capability are details such as cylinder heads with computer numerical control (CNC) intake and exhaust ports and combustion chambers - which creates ports with surgical accuracy for maximum power production. In addition, the intake valves and connecting rods are made out of high-strength lightweight titanium.
The LS7 engines are assembled by hand at GM Powertrain's new Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich.
Pricing will be announced mid-summer; however, early estimates indicate that the GMPP LS7 crate engine will sell for well below the cost of comparable custom-built aftermarket engines.
Enthusiasts who must have the latest technology, maximum horsepower and the largest production cubic-inch displacement small-block ever built will be able to purchase the LS7, as well as other GM Performance Parts crate engines, blocks, heads and components, from GM dealerships or GMPP Authorized Centers nationwide. Following the release of the LS7 in a crate, GMPP will offer select parts, such as the crankshaft, connecting rods, cylinder heads and valves separately, and in kit form. To locate the closest GM dealership or GMPP Authorized Center or dealership, call 1-800-GM USE US or visit www.goodwrench.com.
Good review!
Not sure your ref, to the "A" plan, but I know that getting either GM employee or supplier pricing on C6 Vettes is really hard to do. The $2-3k off seems consistent with what I hear if people do the work, while there are many local dealers still asking for many K over MSRP, I don't get why people pay that. Enjoy the Vette, don't forget to wave and glad to see another smile out there. Did you go through the Forum, Action Center or other web source? Seems like Maxie Price is in the top 5 nationally for deliveries so they work to make a good deal.
I will probably wait for supplier pricing but I know why it isn't available at this point. The dealer ends up with about $500-600 at the end of the deal and that's about 6k off. Nobody needs to go that low at this point and it is a business, the discounts are as much about moving inventory as doing a favor for a loyal customer.
Now the only questions are exterior color and transmission choices. The color nominees are LeMans Blue, Victory Red, and Monterey Red. (The interior will be Ebony). While I think the 6-speed manual would be a lot of fun, I worry that in Bay Area traffic it would quickly become a nuisance. If I go with the automatic, I'll order a 2006 as its automatic will be a 6-speed as opposed to the '05's 4-speed.
I also have to decide whether it will have Z51 or F55. My only concern with the Z51 is whether or not it produces a ride that's excessively harsh. Can anyone here share their experiences with either set-up? Thanks very much.
- Mike
Thanks,
Joe
For the Automatic, only a 4sp currently, I'm betting that getting the electronic magnetic shock suspension would be the best match for a touring car and probably not even bad for the drags once in awhile. That would not be a car to get out on the road course, I'm guessing, although I've seen several auto's do track days in the past. Pretty hard to match revs on down shifts in an auto.
As to the Z51 we have it on both our Vette's and the wife loves rowing the gears as much as I do. We have been on trips up to 1400 miles and find the ride to be very comfortable with no undue tiring when doing a long day either driving or being a passenger. I know one couple with a Z06 and a stock suspension coupe and they try not to take the Z06 on long trips having done it once. FWIW
Randy
I've had the six speed and drive it every day as a business car. I am now getting a 05 with automatic because as you say the stop and go traffic is a nuisance and I never thought I would say that. You mentioned the color "Monterey Red" which is actually "Magnetic Red" and the original color I had and the same as my new one. Maybe you haven't heard but this color and the yellow have been dis-continued by GM. Doesn't make sense to me.
If I were to get a red, the Magnetic Red would rate serious consideration over the "Corvette " RED! It is truly an eye catching color without hitting you between the eyes with a 2x4. I don't think I would like the extra janitorial duties however.:)
I got a Speedway White Z06 . In terms of numbers, they did not sell very well (1/352/5773). But since I do a lot of long distance driving in the deserts, it suits me fine.
You'll love the C6. I traded my Z06 on a 2005 silver/cobalt red coupe, and it has many, many improvements/enhancements/differences from the C5. The power "feel" of the C6 is similar to the Z06, in my opinion. I drove the Z06 4 years, and a '98 targa for 3-years, so I know the cars pretty well. I also had a '67 big-block L36 Sting Ray rag...side pipes....wow.
Regarding the Bay-area, I drove the Z06 3,000 miles, along with 25 other Vettes, to venture UP to the top of San Francisco (like BULLITT backwards), to drive en masse down the gorgeous Lombard Street 'corkscrew'....police escort and all...we were an NCRS group enroute to Monterey).
I chose the Automatic this time for the C6, as it performs very well....can downshift for hills etc if you so desire. I have the F55; it is a versatile and solid suspension. Color choices is VERY personal....go for it. The C6 interior is very well appointed, and is as good as it needs to be, and the improved HUD is tremendous. I may go for Corsa Sports, though.
ENJOY.....
- Mac
So I now have a silver one sitting in my garage and just spent most of the day driving it. This is the first GM car I have owned in 25 years and my first muscle car. Calling it a muscle car really doesn't do it justice. It is a pretty refined and comfortable sports car that happens to have a heck of lot of horse power, braking power, and corning power. It is always fun to drive and surprisingly comfortable for long distance runs.
Randy
http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2005/05/29/news/cults.txt
While the lights on the C6 are better, I like the look of the pop-ups. IMHO I feel the C5 was the best looking Corvette ever produced by GM. The final choice is yours. Remember a new C6 stickers at $53,000 for the coupe and $61,000 for the vert. You can buy a nicely equiped C5 for a heck of a lot cheapier price than a new C6.
But whatever you decide just remember a Vette is a Vette. Hope is helps and don't forget to wave.
Don't forget, the 2006 Corvette automatic will be 6-speed.
Sweeeet!