AWD Corvette Coming?

[camarorider]

First the talk of a Mid-engine corvette (doubtful) now there seems to be rumors of an AWD corvette coming. Take it for what its worth.

Article link
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/supercars/next-gen-corvette-to-get-haldex-awd/

[Project69]

I hope not...

[strangler]

I hope not... X2!

Corvette's have a heritage.....

If GM wants a supercar let them build one, but don't mess with the awsome platform that is attainable by the average working man if he just re-arranges some priorities. -Scott

[camarorider]

I agree but I really question Detroit these days. They seem sometimes to go with whatever seems popular and the other half go completely the other way.

The transmission upgrade alone is understandable and needed to continue the technological progression of the corvette.

But I remember 3-5 years ago someone in GM saying they have plans to make the corvette more inline with a Posche 911. They have been making the car smaller and smaller (this is desirable for any sports car) and now they have added FI. The mid-engine idea I really could never see getting off the ground because there really is no benefit to it compared to the current corvette weight distrubution. But... an AWD would improve cornering and general handling.

Another thing we need to think about. Many owners love the RWD platform because of the excitment of throwing the backend around every now and then. But there are a bunch of people who have no interest in that and prefer an auto to a manual. My point being an AWD corvette would actually seem to preform better for them because it would compensate for a lack of driving skills.

Of course they could be just setting up a system that they could use to test in a corvette as a mule and then just slap it with the corvette engine in another body. It could happen.

[LateNight72]

I say let the build it! Under a different Nameplate, though..

-Todd

[Fuelie Fan]

Remember 50/50 weight distribution doesn't tell you anything about a vehicle's MOI. Moving the engine closer the vehicle's centerline should improve this. How much would the corvette's MOI improve with a mid-engine layout? I couldn't speculate, but I think to say there is zero advantage is a bit strong. I've read a few shootouts where the drivers state that it feels heavy at turn in compared to, say, a Ford GT despite being 100lbs lighter; this could be due to an advantage in MOI.

[bookends]

I hope they don't build it, that would be a heavy sled. mitsu 3000 gt and the stealth versions were 4200 lbs. besides everything is packed in the c6 vettes tight enough the body would have to get huge to fit it all.

[Project69]

I hope they don't build it, that would be a heavy sled. mitsu 3000 gt and the stealth versions were 4200 lbs. besides everything is packed in the c6 vettes tight enough the body would have to get huge to fit it all.

Mmmhmmm AWD is just another term for 4x4 meaning huge, heavy, slow...like my truck lol but its sure great for off roading.

[MrQuick]

If they do build it, it will most likely be a special version such as the Z06. That way the average consumer can still afford one.

You can still throw an AWD through a turn sideways but that is what Camaros are for. I'd buy a Vette and expect it to go good. Turn the traction control on.

As far as weight, they will find a way to keep it lighter than you'd expect. Remember gobs of HP and weight = stability.

[Project69]

If they do make it. I cant see it (that model) lasting longer the GTO's run did.

[nbecker]

http://www.jtruck.net/misc/4x4cars/full/RedCorvette.jpg
like this

[camarorider]

Does anyone say this about the Porsche AWD Turbo? Why cant they follow the exact same production model.
Offer a RWD and AWD.

I didnt think FI was coming to the corvette a long time back but hey we are here. I dont think now it is too far fetched to think that an AWD corvette couldnt be arriving in 2012.

[Aceshigh]

I think it would be cool personally.

As an upgraded option on the higher end pricing spectrum.
Not all of them, just a few available to those that can afford it.
Personally I'd love to see it.

[Project69]

Does anyone say this about the Porsche AWD Turbo? Why cant they follow the exact same production model.
Offer a RWD and AWD.

I didnt think FI was coming to the corvette a long time back but hey we are here. I dont think now it is too far fetched to think that an AWD corvette couldnt be arriving in 2012.

But porsche had been producing AWD cars since 1986. So there not new to it. GM has NEVER produced an AWD Sports car yet so the change will be rough.

[trapin]

Personally I don't see what the point is of building a "Super Corvette" whether it be this supposed SS or Blue Devil or whatever the hell they're calling it (and no I can't comment). And I don't see what the point of an all-wheel drive Corvette is either. Let's face it...Corvette's usually find themselves in the garages of middle aged men and women in the 45-65 age bracket who really aren't all that concerned with lighting the asphalt on fire with massive clutch dumps or drifting around turns like some teenager high on caffeine. They like the car for the novelty of it. It's like the certified public accountant who goes out and buys himself a Harley Davidson. You think he's going to be gang bangin' down at Jake's Snake Pit with the rest of the Detroit Renegades or some other voracious bike club?

Think for a minute who's buying these cars. Only a handful of millionaires with money burning holes in their pockets are going to want a $150,000 Corvette. And aside from a little noteriety in Hot Rod Magazine and Car And Driver...I don't see how this promotes future financial gain at GM. I really don't.

Given the financial means...gimmie a 2008 Corvette with a 6-speed any day of the week. If you can't have fun with a car like that, then you need to have your head examined.

Anyway...that's my $2.23 on the subject.

[bookends]

http://www.jtruck.net/misc/4x4cars/full/RedCorvette.jpg
like this
:barf: people that do that to sports cars should be beaten

[Jim Nilsen]

I wonder what it will be like when we are saying how we liked the AWD Corvette a lot better than the new ElectriVette and the new super lithium neutron battery .

I have hated a few ideas in cars until I got used to them and the cars really were better ,kinda like computers in cars :cheers: