The New Corvette: 400hp, 4.3 to 60, 186 mph, $45,000. Why don't I want one?

[89911]

The specs on this car keep getting better but it still doesn't make me want to buy one. Am I alone or do others wonder why they don't consider one either.

[FenderGuy]

I hate vettes plain and simple never liked never will...

[bwell]

The PO of my car bought a Z06. Funny, though, even he wasn't all that excited about it. Just said he wanted to try one for a while.

I've been meaning to take one for a drive, but I think I'll wait until a few new ones (C6?) show up at the dealer.

[rzepko6194]

Yes, it's only $45K but what about the cost of all those gold chains, which have to be worn while driving it? ;-)

[JNadal]

the motor is on the wrong end of the car!

[MikeSid]

A 59 Corvette is pretty durn cool car. In 45 years will a Z06 look that great? I don't know, but I don't think so. The vettes lost their soul....sometime around the start of 1983. I think this happens with any long run of auto body styles....even the 911.

[Glasgow 911SC]

Over here, Top Gear on the BBC is testing a Corvette when it's next on. I assume it'll be the one Mike mentioned. The video of it'll probably turn up on the net soon after.

[UK Carrera]

How do you think the Stig will get on with that one?

Probably to the strains of 'Rhinestone Cowboy'.....

[s_wilwerding]

One reason I like Porsches over Corvettes is that they are at least sophisticated. A Corvette has a pushrod engine in a tubular frame body (which ain't all that light, either). My Boxster is a steel unibody with a double overhead cam, variable lift engine. Even 1965 911s have overhead cams. You can certainly get a lot of power out of pushrod engines, but it just seems like such an old, unsophisticated technology.

In fact, the whole Corvette strikes me as an unsophisticated car. Their handling comes mostly from making the hub carriers strong enough to carry huge wheels, not from any technological advancements. In fact, as a corrolary, look at how many patents Porsche applies for when they develop a new engine vs. how many Chevy applies for.

Have never and will never like Corvettes.

[Tinker]

I saw the preproduction photos of the new Vette and it looks nice. Much better than the discoed 70's or wedged 80's and 90's.

The guy that designed it has redeemed himself after he produced one of the most disgusting automotive creations every to roam the roads, the Pontiac Aztek.

I have been on the track with those Z06's. They are fast right out of the box. For your hard earned dollars they are alot of car.

Tinker

[KobaltBlau]

Z06 is light for what it is. The chassis (suspension and structure) is pretty impressive. I think it would be fun on the track, but different strokes for different folks I guess. I'm happy with 180hp and I like rear engined dynamics so why change?

[Schrup]

I think the Z06 is an impressive car. Fact is I can't afford one & even if I could I couldn't afford the up keep. I doubt they would stand up well to the way I drive. The 911 is the first car that has gleefully taken the punishment & I can fix whatever I break.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Wonder how many of you dissing the 'Vette have had the chance to drive one on the track. I had the opportunity to take an '03 (or was it an '04?) Z06 out and let me tell you, it was an eye-opening experience.

I love my 911, but I wouldn't turn my nose up at any Z06. Nor would I challenge one to a race unless it was missing 3 wheels.

[jtkkz]

I own a 911, but had a chance to drive a Z06 and a C5 and those cars are fast and fun.

I got a chance to ride with my friend at the track, he is a 2 year SCCA autoX champion in his Corvette C5 (stock motor). He had beaten many porsches like GT2's and 996 TT.

Those newer vettes handle very well. I would never challenge a corvette driver who knows how to drive these cars.

I like my porsche but I respect those vette's

[jmarenas]

They have been zooming around here for months, test mules, then the pre production cars. (one of the bennies living in the detroit area), Looks good from 50 yards, then get closer too plastic looking, the main reason I wouldnt bite even with my GM employee discount is DEEpreciation, they make too many of them, a dime a dozen especially around here. True lots of bang for the buck, and there will be 25,000-40,000 running around by model years end, depending on demand.
From July Manihiem Auction results, most paid 38K-49K new here depending on coupe-convertable.
2002 Corvette 8G 2DCV A PS PB AC 21,684 YELLOW 33,600
2002 Corvette 8G 2DCP A PS PB AC SR 14,560 BLACK 31,400
2002 Corvette Z06 8G 2DHT A PS PB AC 8,974 SILVER 33,200
2001 Corvette 8G 2DCV 15,212 BLACK 31,900
2001 Corvette 8G 2DCV A PS PB AC CV 23,322 SILVER 30,850
2001 Corvette 8G 2DCV A PS PB AC CV 4X2 25,998 PEWTER 30,750
2001 Corvette 8G 2DCV O PS PB AC CV 28,892 RED 30,500
2001 Corvette 8G 2DCP 6 PS PB AC HT 4X2 26,233 RED 26,900
2001 Corvette 8G 2DCP 6 PS PB AC CV 46,887 MAROON 26,000
2001 Corvette 8G 2DCP A PS PB AC 32,436 GREEN 25,500
2001 Corvette Z06 8G 2DHT 6 PS PB AC 15,645 YELLOW 30,000
2001 Corvette Z06 8G 2DHT 6 PS PB AC HT 26,559 RED 28,000

[DIANA]

Only one girl?
I donīt like corvette.In my 911 more girls.

[rich22]

Yeah, that's right. 2001 996's have hardly depreciated at all.

The front suspension on a Vette is a lot more sophisticated than the struts on a 911. The old z06 lapped on par with the 996 TT and GT3, yet was slower in a straight line. There's no denying how well they handle.

[89911]

First, let me go on record as not "dissing" and Vette's. I have seen some blow by me at the track and I have no qualms that the car is much faster then mine. But is that all there is?I guess I've come to a belief that a car is more then numbers, specs, and ratings. If you gave me $50,000 and told me to buy a new sports car, I still don't think I'd get one. I'd also have a tough time figuring out what other new sports car I'd want. I think I'd settle for a used 993TT!

[Jack Olsen]

Originally posted by rich22
There's no denying how well they handle.

Really? In California, I never see fast ones on the track.

[jtratza]

Looks good. Goes good. Interior's too cheap looking for me. Maybe that's why the owners wear gold chains. I'll stick with the Porsche but can't say I'm not tempted if they'd improve the interior.