The Unexotic Exotic

[61BelAir]

Originally Posted by Frankster177

How high in capacity do they have to keep going though? 9, 10, 15 litres?
When other companies do the same or more with less capacity.

What exotic car company makes a comparably priced car with as much HP, performance and fuel efficiency as the Vette?

[geozinger]

Originally Posted by Frankster177

How high in capacity do they have to keep going though? 9, 10, 15 litres?
When other companies do the same or more with less capacity.

I don't know if GM will go much higher than 7 liters. Not like Chrysler and the 8+ liter Viper V10. I think at this point, that GM will stick with superchargers for increased power out of the Corvette. I imagine that going over the 7 liter mark may affect some of their racing elegibility in some racing series.

However, I do notice that Ferrari, Lamborghini, MB, BMW are all starting to approach the 7 liter mark in their production cars. Maybe one them will be the first to go to 10 liters in the 21st century? I do remember reading about the first OHC racing engine, a Renault 14 LITER in 1903, I think?

[skylark68]

OHC has been around a long time. Duesenberg had OHC back in the '20s and '30s if i remember correctly.

IMO i'd much rather have a car that costs a fraction of a Ferrari that is just as capable or perhaps even moreso. This is a no brainer for me. Everyone has their own tastes though.

[jry]

Originally Posted by 91 s-10baja

http://www.lacar.com/modules.php?nam...rticle&sid=962

The specs speak loud and clear. 430 horsepower rockets this 0-60 in 4.3 seconds. The lightweight composite body panels, hydroformed steel frame with aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis component, and a curb weight of just 3,246 pounds is on par with many of the fastest cars on the road. The interior is form-fitting for two, but not cramped. Oh yes, the top speed is 190 mph in the coupe and just a little under that in the convertible.

In every reasonable means one can think of, this is an exotic supercar - except for one thing. The problem stems from the price. Most cars of this caliber are supposed to be easily in triple digit territory when it comes to dollars. This one small but significant fact prevents the Corvette from taking on the aura of a Ferrari or Lamborghini. Well, that and it does happen to be made right here in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

The question is, can an exotic truly be exotic when so many exist? This has been a nagging problem lately, but one that most companies wish they had.

This generation Vette, and perhaps the previous model, can be confused with some ultra rare Italian job if it weren’t for the badging. Sadly, this for many enthusiasts takes it down a notch or two in their minds. The reality is this is as close as many will ever need to owning a full bore race car.

Extremely well put. What a fine ride. I'm wondering why i did not spring for one sooner. With the glass top off, this car is striking and stands right up there with the rest of them. One other thing, the mileage is probably too good to be an exotic.

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by Frankster177

How high in capacity do they have to keep going though? 9, 10, 15 litres?
When other companies do the same or more with less capacity.

Just because OHC can make more power at smaller displacement doesn't mean they are better.

In fact the displacement of a 4.0L V8 OHC engine may be smaller that that of a 6.2L OHV, but the packaging is the same or larger.

Example, compare the physical size of the BMW M3's V8 to the Corvette's LS3.

[91 s-10baja]

Originally Posted by DuSpinnst

Just because OHC can make more power at smaller displacement doesn't mean they are better.

In fact the displacement of a 4.0L V8 OHC engine may be smaller that that of a 6.2L OHV, but the packaging is the same or larger.

Example, compare the physical size of the BMW M3's V8 to the Corvette's LS3.

Exactly, consider the front view of a pushrod engine versus a DOHC engine, and how much wider the OHC engine is in relation, in particular the Head and Valve cover size. Pushrod works perfectly for the vette, skinny and low. I am sure that is not the sole reason for the use of this design in the vette, but I bet it was a reason for the styling. does that make sense?

[red_rider]

Originally Posted by Frankster177

How high in capacity do they have to keep going though? 9, 10, 15 litres?
When other companies do the same or more with less capacity.

They don't. Those "other" companies that use OHC just put the extra capacity into other forms. You're just falling for the "displacement=size" myth. You think more camshafts outside of the block don't take up volume or have mass?

While there are many OHC engines that are really good engines, cylinder displacement really isn't part of the equation. The bottom line is mass, volume, power at various rpm's, reliability, mpg, and sound. Aka you can't tell an engine's displacement from looking at it, hearing it, or driving it.