Sub-Stingray “Corvette Coupe” Allegedly In The Works
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The 2014 Corvette Stingray is expected to raise the bar for American sports cars when it finally launches this summer. From increased power, to a more refined interior, to zanier looks, the new Stingray is a red, white and blue fist ready to punch Porsche square in the pancreas. But it may be too much for the crowd that seeks something a little more… basic. And according to a Motor Trend report, a Corvette model is set to debut below the Stingray in the 2015 time frame that will allegedly be called the “Corvette Coupe,” like today’s basic model. It will reportedly be more affordable and less powerful than the Stingray.
Don’t worry, it will still have a V8, just a smaller one. MT states that it will be powered by a 5.3L displacement V8, the same size as one of the EcoTec3 engines set for the new 2014 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. The reported Corvette Coupe will also feature slight changes in the front fascia, front fenders, and rear diffuser compared to the Stingray we all saw during the 2013 North American International Auto Show.
If true, it might off-set the exotic impression the new Stingray left on everyone, and put the Corvette back into the stigma of “a successful plumber’s car,” which we’re not entirely sure is a good thing for the car’s image. Future sales figures, on the other hand, are probably what GM had in mind with such a model.
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I am all for it. Just curious as to what the changes will be to the exterior, and what the final HP numbers will be.
I think it is safe to say the price of this “base” Stingray Corvette will jump compared to the C6 Coupe.. So a softer, cheaper, model does makes sense to keep that low price point.
My guess is horsepower around 375 and less carbon fiber to bring down the price.
I’m calling BS. I know Camaro is a 4-seat compared to Vette’s two, but introducing lower cost isn’t going to help brand image and move more metal. The truck engine is for trucks and Covette hasn’t had a less than 6.0L since C5. Why put a 375-400 HP lower model in when the current SS level of Camaro is past that already? This just doesn’t make sense and I’ll believe it when I see it with my own eyes. Also, since when has Carbon Fibre brought the price of any car down?
What I mean is less carbon fiber compared to the Stingray.
This has been tried before in the late 90’s with the FRC (fixed roof coupe). Even though these did eventually evolve to become the 2001-2004 Z06, the idea really did’nt work as planned. In my opinion if they ever wanted to offer a lower priced/entry Corvette, really make it a focused “track” car. Offer options/packaging that is only available on that model? The other problem is the availability of nice used C6 Corvettes? $35-40K will buy you a mighty nice used C6 including the the 2006-07 Z06 cars of which there were many thousands produced.
I don’t want to see this model for several reasons. Sure, it’s good to see that they want more people to afford it, but there is always a negative reaction.
If they sell tons of crap versions, then it will bring down the image of the rest of the lineup. Not only does it hurt image, it will also hurt the other’s resale values, not make them all the same price, but hurt them. Really, the cheaper model will just make the other Corvettes more expensive to own if they need to sell them one day. (I couldn’t imagine someone wanting to sell one of those bad boys. 🙂 )
The only benefits I can think of this is that obviously it will be more available (may also be a negative), and that the legendary name Stingray won’t be for the poser-Corvette.
You need to understand all the facts and goals of the Corvette team to get this.
#1 The Vette team is out to capture more buyers from segments they are not reaching. The people they are reaching are older affluent buyers and they need to do better than that. Last year they moved 12K units and the goal is to double that. To do so they need to reach younger buyers and people who can not afford the higher priced Stingray.
Many in these segments can buy the car and do their own mods as they did in the past for more performance and handling.
#2 is to appeal to the guys who are weekend racers and track time drivers. They can buy the cheaper car and build it to their needs for where they use it no matter if it is the SCCA or a local auto cross.
The simple fact is GM needs more volume in this car as if it drops anymore their will be issues on making a business case got a C8. The Vette team made it clear a the C7 into that increased volume is a must.
The Vette if it continues will go the way Buick and Cadillac did and have a much older segment and as they die off so do sales. It is not a given today kids fall in love with the Vette anymore. In the past it was the dream of most kids but today there are many other choices. With many growing up in a Honda does not translate to buy American thinking anymore as they see Honda as an American company because they are based in Marysville.
With new thinking today it will take new ideas and tactics to sell product.
Even yet Harley Davidson today still offers cheaper models for those who can not afford a V Rod or one of the other high end bikes. The volume pays the bills.
Actually, They don’t necessarily need a cheaper model to attract younger audiences. I know tons of people who will tell me, since I’m a car guy, that the “Stingray car looks freakin’ sweet”. A car really sells by looks, just give Hyundai a glance. 🙂
In a Corvette, ultimately price doesn’t matter too much to bring in the younger generation. This car is designed to take on the fastest production cars for not even a third of the price sometimes. It needs the looks that they, the next buyers like, since the older generation won’t always be around…
Also you will need to factor in the future of the Vette where we may have a V6 model.
While they are wanting to keep with the V8 Tadge stated that there is a contingency plan for the V6 if the need arises.
Everything is on the table at this point. They will continue with what they want to do and if they need to they have plans for what they may have to do.
Any corvette can’t be priced lower than $50,000. It will just hurt the value of the vehicles and the brand. It also can’t have less than 400hp.
I agree, this is not a good idea for the corvette’s image, by putting a smaller less credible engine in this car. GM stop messing up your brands by doing such stupid things when you have a good thing going on.
So just maintain the damn 6.2 LT1, and work from their to protect the Corvette’s image.
I hope it DOESN’T get a lower price than the current base Corvette. I know it sounds odd, but the last thing the Corvette wants for its image is more Corvettes on the road.
Im on the fence. If it turns out to be true, hopefully its executed right and doesnt do more harm than good.
Imagine the harm done if they do not attract younger buyers and sell more cars.
It would be one hell of an image if they do not sell the car anymore. Yes it could happen and is a concern to the Vette team as we speak. Contrary to popular belief they do not just get a free pass every new C model.
There has been talk of Chevy offering a smaller sports cars and even a higher level Vette with Mid Engine along side the Front engine. They have looked at several things and building a lower car could not be a bad thing if done correctly.
Based on some of the rumblings I would not over react yet and just wait to see what they have in mind. I think the team that came up with the Stingray has the right ideas when putting a car together.
Porsche for years has offered a wide range and versions of the 911 and even the most basic 911 never hurt their image. If anything it enhanced it as more people could afford to own the car. Not everyone can afford a limited edition GT4.
If anything the lower end car if done right would open the door for the more expensive cars to go places and do things that they can’t do now.
That is the problem with most sports cars and performance cars today is they are all going over 40-45K and more in price and there is little left on the low end in RWD.
Now if they kill off the top end cars to go this route you may have something but if they keep the other ranges and continue to enhance them the low end car if done correctly will only add to the volume and grow owners from this level up.
Like it or not the Vette has gone from just a coupe and convertible to a brand of its own. To live on it must be more things to more people.
Selling a low price sports car is difficult. Only the Vette and Miata have survived while many other have come and gone like the MR2, 280/300z and RX7. Even greats like the XKE has come and gone in the time of the Vette.
The key is to make enough changes that it is still more desirable to own a higher model but still make the entry one satisfying. Styling need to change some and the power needs to be a little less. I expect with less content it would also be lighter so there is one for the weekend warriors.
I think we all should at least let them show what they have planned before we pan this idea. It could be a bust but on the other hand it might just turn out a lot better than you thing. In the hands of the Vette Team I have enough trust to let them show me what they have before I dis it.
It is like hating a car in Camo. How do you really know you hate it?
What’s needed is a two models one high end Stingray & one below it Corvette, both prestige & with a premium price all with V8 & no cheap model ether do not dilute the brand.
I feel the Corvette brand can grow & has lots of marketing potential, keep it as a Chevy have two maybe three models, carefully positioned where they want them. The Corvette name has heritage and a legacy over the years & if done right would be exciting, I’m not saying saloons or SUVs most certainly not ! However a track day two seater (similar to Elfin Clubman) a 2+2 coupe/convertible/targa & the Stingray above that, that’s what I’m getting at. 😀
a corvette for the masses, do you want to see your neighborhood full of cheap corvettes, may hurt in the long term image, not sure if thats good or bad, but maybe now ,the average guy can afford a C7 he’s always wanted.
You are all, mostly, assuming this car is going to be cheaper than the current C6 base coupe price of $50k. Who says the Stingray price won’t be jumping to $60k and this cheaper version will maintain the $50k price point for Corvette fans.
A few more comments on this:
1. Tadge Juechter has recently commented that they need to double the sales of recent years to be “OK” ? Basically they need to be selling 22-24K Corvettes a year to justify further development of the car. One would think initially they can hit that number based on the response to the new design, but how long will that momentum last? 18mos.? 2 years?
2. I agree with others that would be a terrible idea to simply offer a de-contented or cheap version of this new Corvette? It must have a purpose, some kind of theme to set it apart?
That’s why in my opinion three models is a must, a 2 seater sports car/ track car (small) bit like the original idea, then your more traditional large coupe/convertible/targa & above that the expensive one everybody would like. If done right I feel it would work, it would be a shame in years down the line if Corvette was to disappear due to lack of interest or understanding this ‘brand’ has potential make it happen.
I don’t think a 50k version would hurt it’s image because you’re still not going to see one on every corner. Not everyone wants a two seater or can afford 50k. Camaros run the gammut of v6 to high hp v8s. Might steal a couple of sales from high end Camaros though (and Mustangs/Challengers). You’ll always have a premium model to aspire to…. I need a v6 Camaro roadster.