Cheaper Corvette C7 In Development? MT Says Hardtop Coupe Coming

[Perian]

Motor Trend

April 2013; Page 13

Article Quote:

"The new Stingray is the only base Corvette for now. Corvette engineers are reportedly working on a 'low-cost' C7 for 2015 that will be powered by a version of the all-aluminum, direct-injection 5.3 liter V-8 that will debut in the new GM trucks.

This car, which will be sold only as a hardtop and badged 'Corvette Coupe', will have fewer than 400 hp, and changes to the front fascia, front fender and rear diffuser to visually differentiate it from the Stingray.

Coincidentally, the 'Corvette Coupe' started life as 'Project Stingray'."

[Perian]

The Camaro goes a little up market, and the Corvette goes a little down market.

It's like a baseball game; Chevy is trying to cover all of the bases, enhancing and possibly insuring the profitability of the Corvette C7 over its life-span.

While some will no doubt object, the end result will be a better business case for Chevy and the Corvette. The production line in Bowling Green will benefit in the long run here with this possible new addition.

Anyone care to wager that this possible new model will have round tail lamps?

[b4z]

They should offer a fixed roof hatchback as a matter of course. Would bring some additional chassis stiffness.

[jbelant]

Sounds similar to the 1999-2000 FRC Corvettes.

[Orbit Orange]

I posted this in another thread, but it sums up my stance.

I read that too. Probably magazine writing to drum up interest in their dying customer base.

BUT ... I would like to see say a 385 HP 5.3 V8 base model Vette that would be more in reach of someone like me. Cut out the carbon fiber on the interior. Go with a vinyl (pleather) or decent grade cloth. Cut out some of the extra electronic gizmos and leave off the NPP exhaust. Maybe get it down into the high $40's for a base price. I think it would be tough to get it down to that price though just by decontenting it. Corvette used to have lower HP, lower cubic inch engines, why not try it again. It seems the current Stingray basically takes the place of the GS. This could leave room for a lower horsepower V8 base model without all the extras. I would think it would still be very close to the performance of the 2013 1LT Vettes anyway. I know some hate the idea, but it would be something I could possibly afford AND NO I don't want a Camaro either as I see that thrown out a lot on Corvette sites.

I'd love to see it but I bet its just MT trying to drum up readership.

And because I read it in about every other Corvette forum I'll put in this preemptive statement. That NO I don't want a Camaro. I see a lot of what I think are ridiculous posts of "go buy a Camaro". They are apples and oranges. I don't want an apple. I want a slightly cheaper and slightly less tasty orange.

[BlackGTP]

I have no issue with that - still will be a huge amount of hp. It's not like GM is putting a 4 cylinder in it. Nor do I expect this to be a $30,000 car, I'd expect it to be a few thousand to maybe $5K cheaper. Assuming MT isn't blowing smoke....

And where is my #$%#$ Motor Trend????? I must be on the delayed mailing schedule.

[demonspeed]

And because I read it in about every other Corvette forum I'll put in this preemptive statement. That NO I don't want a Camaro. I see a lot of what I think are ridiculous posts of "go buy a Camaro". They are apples and oranges. I don't want an apple. I want a slightly cheaper and slightly less tasty orange.

I see what you did there... well played

[DetroitIron]

Not a good idea at all.

[Z284ever]

A 5.3 "Billy Bob" version? Don't hold your breath, guys.

[90 z28ss]

I personally don't believe for a second this will happen. "IF" it were to, wow what a dumb dumb move. Eveyrthing does not need to appeal to everybody. To me that sounds like a corporate think tank decision and I bet the Corvette team, who are quite passionate about the car they design, a car they love, would fight a move like this tooth and nail to not dumb down their prized C7 creation. These guys are a proud bunch. I don't see it happening. Even if you just look back at history facts with no emotional attachment, base Corvettes just dont sell well, the last FRC "lower cost" Vette did not sell well, given the choice...option laden Vettes sell well(i.e the more expensive ones)

[Rock Brocaine]

I know twin turbo V6 would be a neat new flavor for Corvette. I'm guessing the 3.6 TT will be around 400hp.

[hrcslam]

What about a 5.4L (327) LTx based engine with 400 hp and 8-9K rpm? That sounds interesting. Hard top only. No lux futures and FE5 suspension. $45-48K sticker.....

I'd buy one and I think it fits the realm of what a Corvette should be. It's like a base model Z06....

[jzchev28]

Not sure I'm believing this but I suppose anything is possible.

[CaddyLac10]

Sorry, not happening. Nice publicity stunt.

[ChevyRules]

Don't make me insert the " noo god noo" video again......