2015 - Another no ZR1 year

[taximan]

Sounds like the General is bringing out the 2015 supercar as a Z06. Corvette engineering has stated they will be doing only a single one off super car version of the C7.

Is this good or bad for future value of our C4 ZR1s ?


2015 Corvette Z06 to be shown at January’s Detroit Auto Show

by Mitch Talley on December 4, 2013

http://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/2013/120413_1b.jpg (http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2013/12/04/2015-corvette-z06-to-be-shown-at-januarys-detroit-auto-show/)
Well, the moment Corvette (http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2013/12/04/2015-corvette-z06-to-be-shown-at-januarys-detroit-auto-show/#) enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting is nearly here.
Chevrolet announced today that the 2015 Corvette Z06 (http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2013/12/04/2015-corvette-z06-to-be-shown-at-januarys-detroit-auto-show/#) will be unveiled to the public in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the same place where the 2014 Corvette Stingray (http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2013/12/04/2015-corvette-z06-to-be-shown-at-januarys-detroit-auto-show/#) first saw the light of day a year earlier.

Chevy released a photo showing a much larger front fender vent on the Z06 and a partial view of the wheel, but we’ll have to wait a few more weeks to see how the complete package looks.
Click here to see a larger version (http://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/2013/120413_1.jpg) of Corvette Z06 teaser image.
Nevertheless, in a press release, Chevrolet did call the Z06 “the most track-capable Corvette ever, designed to deliver supercar levels of performance through unique powertrain, chassis, and aerodynamic features.”
Interestingly, that same release noted that the 2015 Z06 – slated to enter production in late 2014 – will complete Chevrolet’s performance car lineup that also will include the Corvette Stingray Convertible, Camaro Z/28, and SS sedan.
Does that mean that the Z06 will be the ultimate C7, or will a ZR1 (http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2013/12/04/2015-corvette-z06-to-be-shown-at-januarys-detroit-auto-show/#) enter the picture later?
Regardless, Chevy can already boast of being America’s favorite performance car brand, according to Alan Batey, senior vice president, Global Chevrolet, “and for 2014 we are going to offer enthusiasts more choices than ever before. No other manufacturer will be able to match the breath of performance cars from Chevrolet.”
Consumers are definitely taking note of the work by Chevrolet’s engineers. The automaker has sold one out of every four performance cars in the U.S. in 2013, with the Corvette and Camaro both leading their segments.
The Corvette – despite seeing production shut down for six months while the assembly plant in Bowling Green switched over to production of the C7 – has seen sales jump 229 percent year-over-year and outsold its closest competitor, the Porsche 911, for the first 11 months of 2013.
Likewise, little brother Camaro also whipped its traditional foe, the Ford Mustang, during the same period, outselling it by 10,000 units in retail sales. That puts the Camaro on track to be the best-selling sports car in America for the fourth straight year.
Chevy expects its performance-car domination to do nothing but increase in 2014 with the first full calendar year of sales of the 2014 Chevrolet SS sedan, the first full year of sales of the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible, the arrival of the most track-capable Camaro ever with the Z/28 coming in the second quarter of the year, and the debut of the 2015 Corvette Z06 late in the year.
It’s definitely a good time to be a performance car enthusiast in the United States.

Source:
GM (http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2013/Dec/1204-z06.html)

[XfireZ51]

I don't believe they won't do a ZR1. The C6ZR really raised the Corvette brand in the sports car world. It struck a chord with the younger crowd as well, especially since they seem to be the ones that recognize the LT-5. Or they are incredulous when they see a DOHC motor sitting in a Corvette. So I think the ZR1 moniker has produced a real halo effect as the ULTIMATE Corvette and Ultimate American sports car. They trademarked LT-5. Who knows what that brings.

[Paul Workman]

Yeah. I had the same reaction/questions too. However, the C6 ZO6 carried on for, what, 3(?) years before the C6 ZR1 came out in 2009? Could be a C7 ZR1 is on the drawing boards - waiting in part to see what wrinkles might need addressing in the C7 Z before going into production.

Time will tell, I recon. But, really...If Chevrolet were really serious about building a world beater again, would a front engine, push-rod car be the answer??:o

[taximan]

I don't believe they won't do a ZR1. The C6ZR really raised the Corvette brand in the sports car world. It struck a chord with the younger crowd as well, especially since they seem to be the ones that recognize the LT-5. Or they are incredulous when they see a DOHC motor sitting in a Corvette. So I think the ZR1 moniker has produced a real halo effect as the ULTIMATE Corvette and Ultimate American sports car. They trademarked LT-5. Who knows what that brings.



Dont discount the possibly that the new engine in the 2015 Z06 is an LT5.

[Paul Workman]

Dont discount the possibly that the new engine in the 2015 Z06 is an LT5.

Wouldn't THAT be interesting (assuming the new LT5 = DOHC, of course...).

[Z51JEFF]

[QUOTE=taximan;189842

Is this good or bad for future value of our C4 ZR1s ?

[/QUOTE]

Bad,just how much worse can it get?Seeing how the C6 ZR1 did nothing to nudge the values of C4 ZR-1s I dont see how a new ZR1 would make any difference and I do believe a C7 ZR1 is in the pipeline.

[JThomas]

I think the C6 ZR1 followed the same "demise" as the C4 ZR-1.

Both cars were approximately twice the price of the standard Corvette. Horsepower was one and a half times the standard car. Production for the C4 ZR-1 went along for six years and the production for the C6 ZR1 lasted only five years. Production declined each year, but I think overall, there were more C4 ZR-1 produced than the current C6 ZR1.

I believe the market and the brand benefitted from both cars, but realistically, I don't think too many Corvette faithful are willing to put up the cash for this Super Corvette. In the end, not many people could tell the difference between the C6 ZR1 from a Z06, which looked like a Grand Sport, etc.

In order for the Super Corvette to really be worth the extra monies, it should be totally set apart from the rest.

In my opinion, which means nothing, I can only see GM repeating this same recipe for the next generation. They will create excitement, which is great for the brand, but in the end, will the car be in high demand? For the first couple of years maybe, for those with disposable income to afford 100,000 dollar pleasure vehicles, but after that it becomes a car that others would be looking for as a great deal, three to four years from now.

:handshak:

[edram454]

The ZR-1 designation has been used by GM on cars that stretch the limits of performance in there particular model years. The first Zr-1 1970 Corvette was basically an L-88 with a Lt-1 small block in it. It had to be ordered basically stripped. why, Zora was adamant in wanting a screamer small block to compete in b production classes and he pushed and named the rpo. this continued in 1971 with a zr1 and a zr2. zr2 was a big block version of the zr1 with the fabled ls-6 big block. again, stripped for racing. So in 1989 engineers wanted something real special and got the ok to go crazy and brought in Lotus to design a whole new engine and make a super corvette. I remember when one of our wealthy club members showed up with one of the first zr1's in 1990. there were crowds around the car and then he autocrossed it. on film, it made the other vettes seem that they were running in quick sand. zr1 means optimum performance regardless of price. cars to compete with the best the world has to offer. that is what owning any zr1 is. todays zr1 kicks *** all day long. they have put it up against those flat pancake lambos , ferrari, etc... 2,3,4 5 times the price and most times,, it kicks there butt. for 120k,, a c6 zr1 is an excellent value. Ours are a steal.

regards,

edramos..#3028:cheers:

[rhipsher]

A C7 ZR1 won't do anything for the value just like the 2009 ZR1 didn't. The LT5 was totally different from any other corvette engine which is what seperated it from the rest. The big difference with the LS9 was a supercharger. Without it it made the same power as a Z06. BFD. It was still just single cam engine. There will never be another endeavor like there was with the LT5 ZR-1 so just forget about it. This country is moving toward socialism. There is nor will there ever be any interest from GM to ever make that happen again. Everything just came together back then.

[Z51JEFF]

Im still trying to figure out what Mercury Marine is going to put that motor in,what if?:dancing

[XfireZ51]

Im still trying to figure out what Mercury Marine is going to put that motor in,what if?:dancing

It's a crate motor. Put it in anything you can shoehorn it into.

[Schrade]

Still rather have the ZL1 - either 1 of the 2...

[rkreigh]

the new merc marine engine is a work of art. but unfortunately I don't think it will see the light of day in a vette anytime soon unless someone stuffs it in there.

it's very expensive, heavy and big. doubt it would even fit.

the hoodline on the c7 is pretty tight. will the vette see another DOHC

yes. it's inevitable. but the C7 again shares the "truck engine" to maximize profitability across the line and allow the base c7 to be a very affordable and capable car.

as soon as chevy ponies up and produces a blown DOHC vette, I will be saving up for one.

in the meantime, the old LSV upholds it's honor quite well and is a joy to drive.

but I'm certain of one thing. one drive in the the c7 will "ruin me" the car doen't have have spectacular looks I crave, but it sure drives nice.

I'm resisting as I'm finally climbing out of debt with all my project cars and getting my daughter through school.

but by 2020, I'm looking at a new vette if I'm still kicking it.

anyone want to give me 50K for the LSV? if so, it's sold :-D

[GOLDCYLON]

. Or they are incredulous when they see a DOHC motor sitting in a Corvette. So I think the ZR1 moniker has produced a real halo effect as the ULTIMATE Corvette and Ultimate American sports car. They trademarked LT-5. Who knows what that brings.

Thats true Dom two weeks ago at a show someguy asked me if my car came that way or did I order a special crate motor. Yeah I chuckled at bit. What really has been interesting is the response to Lee's MAP sensor cover. If they dont remember the history of the car they seem to remember that mercruiser did a special engine for a special Corvette.

[cvette98pacecar]

Dont discount the possibly that the new engine in the 2015 Z06 is an LT5.

The new engine will have either the L88 or LT4 moniker. The ZR will use the LT5 moniker.

I think the C6 ZR1 followed the same "demise" as the C4 ZR-1.

Both cars were approximately twice the price of the standard Corvette. Horsepower was one and a half times the standard car. Production for the C4 ZR-1 went along for six years and the production for the C6 ZR1 lasted only five years. Production declined each year, but I think overall, there were more C4 ZR-1 produced than the current C6 ZR1.

I believe the market and the brand benefitted from both cars, but realistically, I don't think too many Corvette faithful are willing to put up the cash for this Super Corvette. In the end, not many people could tell the difference between the C6 ZR1 from a Z06, which looked like a Grand Sport, etc.

In order for the Super Corvette to really be worth the extra monies, it should be totally set apart from the rest.

In my opinion, which means nothing, I can only see GM repeating this same recipe for the next generation. They will create excitement, which is great for the brand, but in the end, will the car be in high demand? For the first couple of years maybe, for those with disposable income to afford 100,000 dollar pleasure vehicles, but after that it becomes a car that others would be looking for as a great deal, three to four years from now.


:handshak:

Joe, you could not have stated the obvious any better. While the C6ZR has a place in Corvette history the key word is history. Our cars are the perfect example, 5 years ago you would have thought someone was crazy if they told you that you could have bought your Aqua blue car for what you did. Or if I could have bought my Aerobody or Ruby for what I did. One thing is certain 5 years from now the C6Z and C6ZR are going to be worth pennies on the dollars and there will be a lot of great deals.

THere is around 2000 less C6ZR to C4ZR

Im still trying to figure out what Mercury Marine is going to put that motor in,what if?:dancing

While that would be great if a new DOHC engine was being produced for the C7ZR. It is highly unlikely though, the C6ZR extensive price tag did not come from the Engine. If GM did install the DOHC engine in the C7ZR the price tag would have to be 175K.

[Hog]

Lets not forget that the 1650hp version of the 1350hp Mercury Racing engine runs of race fuel.

I think in the C7 with teh GEn 5 engines, we are going to see the equivalent of the Cadillac/Camaro ZL1 with the LSA and the ZR1 with it's LS9.

The ZO6 GEN 5 engine will be a warmed over blown LT1 with around 600hp, and the ZR1 GEN 5 engine will be a high output version with the better internals. Although even the naturally aspirated LT1 gets the forged pistons and crank. Something only the LSA(forged crank/hyper pistons)/LS9(forged pistons/crank). I'm wondering what blower they might use. Maybe a COPO Camaro screwcharger?

12657236 LT1 wet sump
12657248 LT1 dry sump
Either crate engine is $10,700. Quite a jump over the GEN 4 LS3 engine 19256529 for $5,800. Heck and LSA engine 19257899 can be had for $8600.

peace
Hog