the new vette ss

[CamaroAJ]

http://www.popularmechanics.com/blo...ws/4219082.html (http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4219082.html)

DETROIT — Rumors abound on details of the new, hyper-speed Corvette, so it’s time for a reality check. Here’s what we hear from the largest Corvette dealer in Michigan. —Jim Dunne

1. Chevy will offer manual transmission on the new ’Vette.

Verdict: False
Word is that the blown engine is too strong for any of GM’s manuals, so the uber Corvette will only come in automatic. It’s a reversal of precedent—the automatic transmission proves stronger here than the manual.

2. The super Corvette will have twin turbochargers to develop 650 horsepower.

Verdict: False
A single supercharger nestled between the cylinder banks with do the job all by itself. Reports have the intercooler mounted above the supercharger, just under the air scoop in the new hood.

3. Chevy plans to produce 3000 of the new ’Vettes.

Verdict: True
Dealers are already accepting orders for the 1500 cars we’ll see each year for the next two years. Then production will stop.

4. The new Corvette will cost $100,000.

Verdict: True
The price tag we reported earlier could climb even higher. We now hear “between 100 and 125” as the target for Chevy marketers.

5. GM will drop the current Corvette Z06 from its lineup.

Verdict: Jury’s out
We’ve heard stories both ways—that the Z06 will continue on the moderate end of this high-performance series, or that it’ll be gone altogether. Not sure how this will shake out, but we’ll keep you posted.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

DETROIT — Here’s the latest on the new super Corvette, the SS: Formerly know in various circles as Blue Devil, Sting Ray and Z07, the hottest ‘Vette ever (and probably the first Chevy ever over $100,000) will carry 650 supercharged horsepower under that modified hood. But horsepower is not everything for the ultimate in performance. Ask any race driver—light weight is a key element, too. And that’s were we see some major changes in this ‘Vette SS.

Check out the brand-new spy shots below at right, and look at the roof. Even given the rough edges you see on some prototypes, this roof still doesn’t look right. One consultant suggests that carbon fiber is the material for the roof, lending its strength to the structure and light weight to the car’s mass—an advantage especially important for the top section of the car.

That hood covering is just as important. It covers the bulge (and air scoop, too?) for the supercharger, and it may be built out of carbon fiber.

A close look at the wheels shows ultra-thin spokes set in five sets of two—possibly another application of exotic materials that reduces unsprung weight. What can we say about the size of the tires? They appear larger than those on the Z06. You can see proof of this in the added “mud flaps” on the rear fenders and those probably hidden by the covering on the front fenders.

In the rear, we spot a new look at the top of the deck. A small aero lip stretches from side to side, housing a stingy CHMSL—a completely new wrinkle in rear-end design.

Finally, what is going on with the wide coverings on the front fenders? The front mud guards can’t take up that much space. We’ll check into that and much more with the GM camp and get back to you soon. —Jim Dunne

[WS6]

The Z06 will not go anywhere if they are only planning to make 3k of these SS cars. The new vettes do have paddle shift six speed autos so that may not be so bad, but no manual is lame even if the auto is a faster shifting device.

[robyrd]

This is what a magazine says about what a dealership says, I wonder how reliable this is? Seems to me like they could get a beefed up Tremec transmission? I'm definitely not saying that I think I know more! haha Just wondering as it seems like a manual transmission would be a popular option for those that would buy this car. No matter what happens that is going to be one really really cool car! I can't wait to see it!

[blackbeast]

seems like with a car like this it could have a limited warranty. Who would really expect a 100,000 mile warranty on a 650 hp car? Can't believe they can't make a tremec handle the power too. If companies like D&D sell packages they claim can handle 850 hp reliably, 650 horse on a relatively light car like this vette should be no problem?

[LateNight72]

seems like with a car like this it could have a limited warranty. Who would really expect a 100,000 mile warranty on a 650 hp car? Can't believe they can't make a tremec handle the power too. If companies like D&D sell packages they claim can handle 850 hp reliably, 650 horse on a relatively light car like this vette should be no problem?

They can, but I have a feeling a Paddle-Shift would serve a large base of people, and put the "SS" in there with the Ferraris.

I am betting there will be atleast a 50,000 mile warranty.

I really would like to see it called "ZO7" or "ZL-1" or "ZR-1" or anything else.. I really DO NOT want to see the "SS" name badge carried over to the Corvette, though.. :machine:

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Requests for GM:

1). Don't cancel the standard Z06.

1A). PLEASE don't name this car Corvette SS. ZR1 is much more fitting, or just come up with another three letter acronym. There's never been a Corvette SS, and as far as I'm concerned, there's no need to change that now; especially in lieu of some of the other current SS' available.

2). Offer a manual as an option (Clutch is an issue here as well: I don't think the LS7 clutch is good for 650hp, which is probably an underrated number as well).

[WS6]

Way back when GM built a concept/show Corvette for the autorama and they called it SS. I am guessing that's why they want to call this thing SS. I am with you guys though. It sounds dumb, and how can you make an SS model of an already badass car?

[CamaroAJ]

i don't want to see SS on that thing either, call it a stingray or ZR-1 just not an SS. as far as transmissions go if GM wanted to that could make auto or manual happen. i do know a few people with more money than they know what to do with that want a Z06 with an auto transmission though since they have bad knees and can't drive stick.

[Smock67]

No need to call it an SS. GM better come up with a better name then that. It just doesn't have a ring to it. They need something that will strike fear into the hearts of everyone that hears the name.

[CamaroAJ]

They need something that will strike fear into the hearts of everyone that hears the name.

Le Mans? :bananna2:

[robyrd]

I kinda like the ring of the name they've already come up with.. BlueDevil is one scary sounding car!

[Ralph LoGrasso]

They should name the car, Corvette ZOX.

Unfortnately, most people wouldn't pronounce it as "Zee-Oh-EX", but rather "Z0X". You drive a what? Corvette Sox? Haha.

[180SX_Faktory]

It's just my thinking, but for that kind of money, someone could build up a Z06 to be even more badass. Compete with the $400,000 exotic car group? They already do! Here where I live, we have Z06s that whip Ferrari, Porsche, and Lambos regularly in planned shootouts. Am I missing out on any of the selling points of a planned super vette?

[trapin]

It's just my thinking, but for that kind of money, someone could build up a Z06 to be even more badass.
You're probably right. But I'm guessing this car will have other attributes (outside the drivetrain) that will set it apart from the Z06.

[180SX_Faktory]

Yep, and there's always gonna be someone who'll pay for it.

[StRacerDuke]

I personally don't trust popular mechanics info here. I think a lot of it is just speculation. I would be shocked if GM didn't have a 6 speed as an option. I don't think torque is an issue being that the viper guys put 1500+ hp through modified t-56's. Another thing I highly doubt is the 'SS' on a Corvette. A large segment of their market for these cars are going to be vette enthusiasts. I highly doubt they would want to upset anyone by stealing the 'SS' from camaro, chevelle, etc.

[BAD6SPD]

Yes, speculation....That first point is totally incorrect...there will only be one trans....but they are wrong in which it will be....I love how they speak in absolutes when they really have no clue....

[LateNight72]

Another thing I highly doubt is the 'SS' on a Corvette. A large segment of their market for these cars are going to be vette enthusiasts. I highly doubt they would want to upset anyone by stealing the 'SS' from camaro, chevelle, etc.

I dunno, they put it on a Cobalt, Silverado, Trailblazer, etc... :machine:

[jeffandre]

Tweakers will get this engine to produce 750+ hp in no time. SS doesn't seem right, maybe Grand Sport II or Grand Sport Z?

[David Pozzi]

The original 1957 Corvette SS race car:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/07/corvette_ss_2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/07/corvette_ss_1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/07/corvette_ss_4-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/07/corvette_ss_3-1.jpg

[CamaroAJ]

i wonder if i should build my car on wood saw horses haha

[Smock67]

i wonder if i should build my car on wood saw horses haha

Use whatcha got....

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Tweakers will get this engine to produce 750+ hp in no time. SS doesn't seem right, maybe Grand Sport II or Grand Sport Z?

A quick (smaller) pulley swap and tune should net 800+hp with no issues. Just look at what the '03 Cobra does with just a pulley swap and tune.

[180SX_Faktory]

Tweakers will get this engine to produce 750+ hp in no time. SS doesn't seem right, maybe Grand Sport II or Grand Sport Z?

That's a given!

I agree that SS doesn't seem right, but Grand Sport II or Grand Sport Z kinda rings of SUV. I don't know why, but it does... I think something like Z06 Limited would be kinda neat. It implies exclusivity.

It's kinda like it was with Nissan Skyline GTR classes- GTR, GTR VSPEC I, VSPEC II, VSPEC II Nur. Each carried something different from the other, and the difference was definitely in the price tag.

[trapin]

I thought they should have called it "Stingray". I agree, the SS moniker has never been associated with Corvette.

"Blue Devil" would have been cool...but I think the people at Duke would have had a problem with that one. Perhaps that's why they didn't stick with it.

[180SX_Faktory]

I thought they should have called it "Stingray". I agree, the SS moniker has never been associated with Corvette.

"Blue Devil" would have been cool...but I think the people at Duke would have had a problem with that one. Perhaps that's why they didn't stick with it.

Stingray is good, since it is within the vocabulary of Corvette.

[WS6]

I thought they should have called it "Stingray". I agree, the SS moniker has never been associated with Corvette.

"Blue Devil" would have been cool...but I think the people at Duke would have had a problem with that one. Perhaps that's why they didn't stick with it.

My understanding on the Blue Devil name was simply because one of the higher ups at GM was a graduate of Duke. I can't recall what he had to do with this car though. I think he approved it or helped get it approved. They did it as a show of appreciation. That and the test mule was blue. Remember the picture of the blue vette that went airborne at Nurinburg(sp?) during testing? That was the Blue Devil mule

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Why not just call it the Z06R? It's basically a Z06 on steroids anyways--and you've got C5R and C6R heritage implied.

[180SX_Faktory]

My understanding on the Blue Devil name was simply because one of the higher ups at GM was a graduate of Duke. I can't recall what he had to do with this car though. I think he approved it or helped get it approved. They did it as a show of appreciation. That and the test mule was blue. Remember the picture of the blue vette that went airborne at Nurinburg(sp?) during testing? That was the Blue Devil mule

Nurburgring at the section they call the "airfield" because the crests are so tight that anybody with a ball of speed going will get airborne. I wonder what it clocked after a hot lap? I know that the new GTR has nothing to do with this thread, but it's a natural conclusion to think that this Blue Devil will be competing with it when it debuts in North America.

[trapin]

My understanding on the Blue Devil name was simply because one of the higher ups at GM was a graduate of Duke.
Rick Wagoner (CEO) graduated from Duke.

[180SX_Faktory]

So, can I get a Blue Devil in Tarheel Blue? How about NC State Red? "Hey bro, I just got my Blue Devil today!" "Say... your car's white. Shouldn't it be called a White Devil?" "No man! It's a Blue Devil!" "Uhmmm! Yeah... right. Whatever you wanna say it is, bro."

[LateNight72]

I know that the new GTR has nothing to do with this thread, but it's a natural conclusion to think that this Blue Devil will be competing with it when it debuts in North America.

Have to disagree with that. Although the GTR will be a very nice car (not my cup of tea) it won't be able to compete with the Z07/SS/ZR1/Z06R/Blue Devil/whatever. And it may not be able to keep up with the Z06 either, around a track.

JMHO

[180SX_Faktory]

Have to disagree with that. Although the GTR will be a very nice car (not my cup of tea) it won't be able to compete with the Z07/SS/ZR1/Z06R/Blue Devil/whatever. And it may not be able to keep up with the Z06 either, around a track.

JMHO

Not in stock form, but we'll see. It would definitely suck to see a Z06 smack GTR a$$. That would leave us former GTR owners wondering if Nissan took the wrong turn somewhere. As for the former R32-R34 GTR chassis, those cars did better against the Z06 and the Viper in Japan. Not a big window of difference, but would come down to driver experience, but yes, we'll see how it all pans out in the next 12 months. You just know someone is gonna do a road and track review. That's a given.

[StRacerDuke]

"Blue Devil" would have been cool...but I think the people at Duke would have had a problem with that one. Perhaps that's why they didn't stick with it.

Being that I AM a Duke (Last Name) I officially give GM my permission to use "Blue Devil" as the car's name. Now they have all they need....

- THE Duke

[bingham72]

I found this with. French site, but who needs to understand what they are saying.

http://news.caradisiac.com/Corvette-Blue-Devil-le-moteur

That would look sweet under a 69 Cowl Hood!

[boodlefoof]

Mako Shark. ;)

[StRacerDuke]

I just read a recent article in Motor Trend yesterday that said 700hp and they are calling it a the Z07...

They also said the next CTS-V will have a de-tuned version of the same motor and be 600HP...