The National Corvette Museum is holding its Bash event this weekend to officially kick off the 2013 season as well as the 2014 Corvette C7, and one of the official details that was revealed yesterday (besides C7 pricing info) was that the 2014 C7 coupe without the Z51 package has an estimated curb weight of 3,298 pounds (1,496 kg)Â — or 90 pounds (41 kg) heavier than the 2013 C6 coupe’s 3,208-pound (1,455 kg)Â curb weight.
Here are the detailed mass reductions and additions to the C7. Keep in mind that these may not be all-inclusive:
Areas Of Mass Reduction
- Frame: 99 pounds lighter
- Body panels: 37 pounds lighter
- Hatch: several pounds lighter
- Control arms: now hollow, several pounds
Total weight savings is in the vicinity of 150 pounds, or 68 kg.
Areas of Mass Addition
- 35.2 pounds — direct injection, VVT, AFM
- 6.6 pounds — standard engine oil cooler
- 13.2 pounds — dual mass clutch
- 15.4 pounds — steel torque tube part of AFM
- 5.5 pounds — AFM exhaust valves
- 11 pounds — 7th transmission speed
- 18.5 pounds — strengthened differential, half shafts
- 18.3 pounds — larger fixed brakes
- 17 pounds — new interior appointments and safety features
- 17.2 pounds — upgraded seats
- 18.5 pounds — structural safety requirements
- 31.5 pounds — new infotainment and cabin technology, as well as relocating battery to the rear
- 3 pounds — bigger fuel tank
That’s a total weight gain of 210 pounds, or 95 kg.
Opting for the Z51 performance package would add transmission and differential coolers, a rear sway bar, larger wheels, electronic differential, and a spoiler. Although unconfirmed, these changes will most likely result in the addition of 150-200 pounds.
The GM Authority Take
As it stands, despite the various weight-saving technologies and components, the 2014 Corvette C7 is heavier than the outgoing C6. It’s not heavier by much… but it is still heavier… while being more capable, refined, and luxurious than the outgoing model.
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Comments
As long as the weight is doing something, who cares?
I expect this to decrease with the performance models. GM really wants to get the weight to 3000 pounds. A Full Carbon Fiber body may appear on the ZR1.
The less weight you have the more added performance you will get. Not just MPG but the fact you will increase handling performance and braking in ways you can not with HP alone.
I think the Z06 will also show less weight. They may not get to 3000 but I expect they will not see added weight like the present ZR1 does today or they will see very little weight.
The new technologies will permit Automakers to make Carbon Fiber in less time and it will cut the cost to where we will see much greater use. GM is working with Molded Carbon products now and if they can perfect it with their partner they will have a great cost edge.
The C6 Corvette is an exhilarating car, but its interior has all the appeal of a kit-car, with a steering-wheel plucked straight out of the GM parts bin, a keyless-entry and pushbutton-start system from the CTS and STS, and a sat-nav system that’s one or two generations behind. And it smelled like a glue-factory.
A couple hundred pounds’ worth of weight to lux-out a car that’s probably faster to begin with seems like a worthy tradeoff to me…
As long as hp is over 470 and 475lb-ft performance will not suffer
I do understand all the improvements, and they were all needed. But, while under development, there was so much rumour and even comments by GM that the C7 would be lighter (frame but not car is not the same). And it ends up being not just the same weight, but heavier. I was expecting it to be at least 200 lbs. lighter, so I am disappointed in this regard. I sure hope GM and Molded Carbon come up with something great, and in not too many years.
It has gained weight in all the right places.
I’m kinda surprised how much weight is added just for the AFM, and I would have expected to see more for structural/safety additions to insure a 5 star safety rating. The three pounds for a bigger fuel tank probably doesn’t include the weight of the extra fuel.
@tjs well, if you start off with a solid frame and complementing platfom, you shouldn’t need any structural or safety additions to ensure world-class safety. Luckily, the C7 has an awesome frame:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/01/deep-dive-the-light-yet-stiff-frame-of-the-2014-chevy-corvette-stingray/
true, good structural design doesn’t need to be heavier if done properly and you have the budget to use the optimal materials. I was just comparing the difference between the Cobalt (3/4 star) and Cruze (all 5 star) as an example of safety improvements that could add weight to a new gen vehicle – twice as many air bags, much wider door sills (side impact protection?), probably many more you can’t see. Good job GM, and thanks GM Authority for keeping us up on the latest news!
So Alex, with all this leaking information bit by bit, I really now expect these power ratings is just around the corner right? I mean look the 5.3 with D.I gets 40+ hp increase. So why would a 6.2 have an incremental 14 hp increase? The weight is no problem, because it has gone in the right places an I expect the car to handle better anyway.
Therefore, I think that this D.I 6.2 should at least get 50+ hp and lb-ft increases.
DI doesn’t add an exact HP %. That 6.2, naturally aspirated, could be factory tuned a hell of a lot higher. But they are providing an equilibrium for the entire powertrain
An engineer doesnt just go “ok we’ll incorporate direct inject, there’s a 60hp bump”
I wouldn’t kick this C7 girl outta my bed if she 90 pounds.
Still the weight factor will have to be addressed in time in nearly everything on the market.
The fact is HP does not fix everything but masks it. The Viper is a classic example.
The dynamics that less weight will bring are not ones you should discount. I know they are not lost on the Vette team as they have their goals and will continue to work toward the.
Just think what ZR1 brakes would do on 3000 pounds. Also the improvement in handling is something that would make a difference.
GM will get there but it will just take a little more time. I just do not want to see a ZR1 at 3400 pounds. With the cost of this car they can afford the lighter materials.
To discount weight you are only getting 1 of 3 dimensions of performance. If you think the car is good now the weight loss would make it even greater. GM just has to harness the cost factor.
carbon fiber brakes, 44 lbs. reduction!
44 lbs and over $10,000 in price.
I think you mean carbon ceramic, but ya, like Robert Bernie said, they typically carry a 5-figure price tag (StopTech $15000, Brembo $12000) but I have seen people upgrading to the Z07 brake kit for $8000.
For the street, their performance is kind of useless, but they can last a long time (could be the lifetime of the car) in normal street use.
thanks for the correction on the nomenclature, carbon ceramic makes more sense. i was looking at the 2013 options list for the zo6 and it showed a package deal for 7,500, that included the brembo carbon ceramic brakes and about four other items that would be a great advantage for competition but not desirable for street driving.
It had to be done, but 35#s extra for the direct injection and 5.5#s extra for the exhaust valves, seems high, there must be more to it ????
no way, if the c7 is heavier than the c6 then that added weight should be worth it.
seems to me that the corvette has been 3300 lbs for the last 50 years!
This car is a true disappointment and end of corvette as a sports car-seems like a great replacement to Cadillac XRL, not C6. 3300 for base and 3500 for Z51 make C6 look like Lotus Elise-no wonder GM was hiding the weight, just like it still continues to hide the horsepower-more failures to come for sure.
You realize the C7 has a lot more weight adding features than the C6, for both performance, amenities, and fuel saving, yet weighs just 90lbs more of sprung weight than the C6 Coupe. And the Z51 is going to be about 90lbs more than the C6 coupe GS model?
That little bit of sprung weight is meaningless when you consider the new engine, the new stiff chassis, the suspension, more power/torque, etc.
It is far from making the C6 look like a sub-2000lb Elise.
Get back on your meds Petey.
You need to lay off the kool aid if you think extra weight improves performance and fuel economy.
First of all, you’re an idiot. And there is no second.. you’re just an idiot.
That extra weight it from performance and fuel saving parts. It (the LT1) has 30hp more than the out going naturally aspirated LS3 6.2L and will definitely achieve higher MPG figures.
No where did I say extra weight saves gas or adds performance.
Meds, get back on them, Petey.
“You realize the C7 has a lot more weight adding features than the C6, for both performance, amenities, and fuel saving,”
Your own words you tool. Now, keep drinking GM v kool aid while Tadge and rest of the crew continues to defy the laws of physics and abominate the former sports car. What a moron!!!
Refer the first sentence of my last comment..
Aluminum chassis on base corvette (unlike the C6 which only featured full hydro formed Al chassis on Z06/ZR1)= weight saving
Use of more carbon fiber body panels= weight saving
That’s just listing two of the weight saving features for the base C7 models.
Direct injection = fuel saving and added power
7 Spd manual trans = fuel savings
All new V8 engine = fuel savings and power and lightness
The whole new, competitive, interior= the mentioned amenities
All of those are exactly as I said, but you are too two-dimensional to realize that while some of this new tech and new parts save gas/add performance they also add weight. So yes, as I said, originally, the car weighs more, but it also employs more weight saving features and parts which contribute to more power/torque than C6 coupe. Do you realize they added direct injection for more power and fuel economy but made a small sacrifice by the additional weight?
Less than three months left and still no actual hp and weight figures revealed by GM. This upcoming Corvette will be redefining failure and certainly motivate me to make my current C6 the last Corvette ever. Zora must be rolling in his grave seeing this overweight and underpowered disgrace called C7.
@PeterMJ
“Less than three months left and still no actual hp and weight figures revealed by GM.”
It recently occurred to me that this might be part of Chevy’s launch strategy for the C7, whereupon they might release specific details of the car (power, fuel economy, weight, safety ratings, etc.) weeks ahead of launch. Holden is currently executing a similar strategy with the VF Commodore, and it is working like a charm.
” This upcoming Corvette will be redefining failure”…
Say what now? Why and or how?
The only time actual information is withheld is when there is nothing to brag about and when reality contradicts sales hype. Apparently LT1 is already no go on E85 in spite of Tadge bragging about more power on ethanol?
Cannot compare pedestrian car marketing with supposedly hipo car although the real results will be known after these cars go on sale.
This is my fourth and last Vette. If GM wants to market fuel economy and convenience in Corvette, while diluting performance and adding electronic nannies, I will not buy this car. I seriously doubt I am the only one feeling this way. Between AFM, weight, lack of power and skinny tires, I will not walk away from Corvette-I will RUN.
Add carbon ceramic brakes to the Z51 package, that would eliminate 44 lbs. at a very important place, unsprung weight. The cost would be about three thousand dollars. They don’t rust.
Actually, not even $3000, they are something like a $1000 option on the Z06
That’s if they are offered on the “base” Stingray… I think @bsax is referencing an aftermarket price — which sounds about right.
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