CAFE bites: Corvette C7, RWD Impala on hold

[1931Chevy]

Well-placed sources have confirmed GM has put the next-generation C7 Corvette program on hold, pending a review of the impact of the 35-mpg CAFE laws due to come into effect in 2020.


The problem for GM is that, while 35 mpg is the target for 2020, automakers have no idea what the transitional fuel-consumption targets are in the interim. In other words, they have no idea how they should be planning to get from today's CAFE number to 2020's. Transitional fuel-consumption targets are not expected to be finalized until the end of 2009.



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[CADILLACSIXTEEN]

This is BS..... Regardless of CAFE, the Vette will always have a V8... so who cares. This is just more propaganda....

I Highly doubt the C7 program is on hold.
ANd we already heard Impala was canceled.

[coaster.n3rd]

They could Twin Turbo a V6.. it wuld not be as fun, but hell... I'll take it.

[Ach]

Originally Posted by coaster.n3rd

They could Twin Turbo a V6.. it wuld not be as fun, but hell... I'll take it.

The 'Vette already is really efficient for what it is. And don't expect a twin-turbo V6 to do much better than a similarly powered V8 in terms of MPG.

[rhvfd10]

Originally Posted by 1931Chevy

Transitional fuel-consumption targets are not expected to be finalized until the end of 2009.


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This right here is why the government has no business telling automakers how to make cars. They can't even decide how to themselves!

[EldoFan]

Originally Posted by rhvfd10

This right here is why the government has no business telling automakers how to make cars. They can't even decide how to themselves!

Well yeah, as far as Chrysler is concerned....

[nadepalma]

Originally Posted by CADILLACSIXTEEN

This is BS..... Regardless of CAFE, the Vette will always have a V8... so who cares. This is just more propaganda....

I Highly doubt the C7 program is on hold.
ANd we already heard Impala was canceled.

This isn't a powertrain issue -- I don't think that's it.

We had a story a few days ago that talked about the size/composition/etc of the next Vette. There was some speculation that it may shrink in size or use exotic materials to get it closer to compliance.

They are looking for concrete numbers so as to figure out all the logistics in regards to the above.

Originally Posted by rhvfd10

This right here is why the government has no business telling automakers how to make cars. They can't even decide how to themselves!

Yup, and to add insult to injury, it may all change if there is enough pressure from the next President or elected Congress ---

Which is more reason why the Government shouldn't be playing with what htey dont' understand -- let alone try and forcibly affect an industry that depends on critical long-term planning.

[skylark68]

I think the Corvette will be killed off before GM allows anything less than a V-8 be dropped in it. The '53 and the '54 will and should be the only ones that ever had a six in it.

[bballer113]

Originally Posted by Ach

The 'Vette already is really efficient for what it is. And don't expect a twin-turbo V6 to do much better than a similarly powered V8 in terms of MPG.

This is the automakers trying to wip up chaos among us auto gear heads so that we can put pressure for change on the government.

[TheWraith]

Originally Posted by bballer113

This is the automakers trying to wip up chaos among us auto gear heads so that we can put pressure for change on the government.

DING!


for the record, it won't work either. the enthusiasts and insiders are the most knowledgeable of anyone in terms of how many things GM could already be doing better, but they aren't - like widespread use of 6 speed automatics, and quicker rollout of the "latest and greatest" of engines that are introduced virtually every model year in one or two models, yet take half a decade to "trickle down". on the other hand, if GM steps up big time, and then it's obvious CAFE is causing issues, then it's time for the enthusiasts to step forward

[HoosierRon]

The Corvette gets better mileage than a Toyota Highlander. And Toyota sells 10 times as many Highlanders. If Toyota does not see the need to discontinue the Highlander, I canot fathom how GM would need to discontinue the Corvette.

You cannot make the car any smaller or lighter (at least not enough to have any impact on mileage). A 4.0 L supercharged V-8 easily would match today's engine and increase mileage even more. With the Camaro eventually hitting showrooms, the Corvette needs to move up-market anyway. Making a supercharged engine standard is a perfect way to do it.

[VCDJ]

It is really simpley to improve MPG's on Vette. Reduce weight by 400lbs (use carbon fiber and aluminum). Add DI. and what BMW has that valve matic. When you add those two things to engine it will increase power. With that increased power and reduced weight you can reduce displacment of engine. Add cylinder deactivation and Vette will be very efficient. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. Come on GM it is very easy. Do not make it hard.

[camaro_freak]

leave to the bone heads in Washington to make a requirement but not the steps to get there...

[stukesmd]

What type of penalty is does the car company face if it does not comply with CAFE standards?

[jbernie]

Maybe we will also see more electronics in the gearing of vehicles. Not that I like the idea, but an economy mode and a sport mode. Something more agreesive than the DoD technology, ie a switch which keeps the vehicle at a lower cylinder count.

Pretty much anything and everything is possible right now. It is damn near impossible to design a car around a bunch of government waffle when you need specific goals to aim for. GM does not need to shoot itself in the foot by putting $6k worth of extra tech in next model when they could do $2k now and incriment it up.