Something does not look quite right about the C6.

It seems to have nice flowing lines only to be broken up by angular profiles and edges. It is like they had a good idea but had to hold back a bit to appeal to more people...as Jeremy Clarkson describes the new RX-8..."it is like a committee designed this car (RX-8)...". This could apply to the C6.

That said I would have to see it in person. I am 6'5" and could not fit in a C5...I don't think I will fit in a C6 .

 

Maybe the transom was designed by Carver Yachts

 

I've always liked how the C5 looked, especially the 3/4 front view; that pointy nose and rising tail made it look like a beautiful dart. Like Lance, the back end never looked too big for me, although I know many have cited this as a design flaw. To each his own.

The C6's new face looks angry, derivative and a bit awkward. The black plastic teeth of the grille looks more at home on a Cavalier and out of place for such a high-performance car. We'll see how it looks and feels in person. Photographs can really distort the personality of a car.

 

We shoudl probably wait to see it in person before taking real strong opinions on the C6. Although the C5 may of had some quality issues, my 996 also has some quality issues such as the interior materials and durability and other things like that. Regardless, the C5 was a big leap ahead in terms of what Vette engineers can do. I expect the C6 to be a very good in terms of quality. I read the other day that American cars now rival Japanese cars in terms of quality and dependability. It is just that American Car comapanies can't shake the image or notion that their car's are not as dependable as a Toyota or Honda. I drove an XLR a couple weeks ago and that car is very, very fast and agile with a 300HP Northstar. With 400HP V8 in the vette with a similar body, forget about the 996, look out 996TT.

Bobby

 

So what is really wrong with the Corvette?
Maybe this:
"People who want Corvettes can't afford them;
People who can afford Corvettes don't want to be seen in them"

 

I just really have a problem with American cars. The interior pics on this new vette seem to bother me somehow and I'm not all that excited about the styling. I'm not going to get into a quality of build issue because I think the 996 could be much improved for a car that cost as much as it does, however these cars are not much better.

The cost is attractive (55K??) but I think the above post is accurate. If you could drop 55K on a car you probably would opt for a used M, or a used 996.

Rob

 

Too bad. I thought we were all car guys who appreciated a good car, regardless of make when it came along. Seems like I was wrong and we're more worried about the emblem on the hood and the bragging rights of driving a foreign car. I love my porsche but appreciate any great car from the mini cooper to the acura nsx and everthing between. If the reason you don't like the vette is because of what other people think or being seen in it, then your missing out on a lot of great things. BTW, regardless of engineering, variable timing, turbos or anything else, nothing can beat a thrust and torque produced by a chevy v-8. It is a different thrill, not better or worse but different and everyone should realize and appreciate that.
Bobby

 

I like it. It's very nice. The steering wheel is hideous though. Can't they just throw in a 3 spoke??

 

Well said, Bobby.

I'm going to look at the new Vette with an open mind. 400 hp and no rear main seal issues has at least some appeal. Probably will stick with P-cars in the end--it's really the steering feel that always keeps me coming back, but I agree the visceral feel of that kick in the pants torque has it's merits.

 

I was going to stay out of this, but now I feel the need to chime in. I own a 2000 C5 with the Z51 ("autocross") suspension and I long ago got rid of the stock runflat tires in favor of Pilot Sports. One of the main problems with the Vette has always been the runflat tires, but now the C6 has different runflats with more flexible sidewalls. The active handling system in the C6 has a special input for low tire pressure which allows this. I'm here because I have always admired Porsche, and thought I had reached a point where I would seriously consider leaving the Vette camp. The paint job, fit and finish, leather interior, and the general aura of things done right regardless of some extra cost is a powerful draw. After monitoring this forum and others, I've decided to pass on Porsche for now because of drivetrain reliability problems and will purchase the Z06 version of the C6 in a few years. I seriously hope that the prospect of some Porsche customers moving away from the brand will alter the attitude of Porsche management and result in changes in the future which will restore the reputation for reliabilty that Porsche once enjoyed.

 

I love all kinds of cars, in fact, you mentioned the Mini... I test drove one and I think I'm going to buy one. It's fun, different and puts a smile on my face. I've owned (years ago) a '78 Trans Am with a 403 Olds engine and a 4 barrel Holly carb. It could pull your house off it's foundation - however that thrust feeling is somewhat fleeting (and very scary around any turn). It's really just a matter of styling and I would include the new Mustang, the new Cobra, Viper - it looks like they are trying too hard. The 911 has simple lines and a clear lineage. I mentioned above that I would love to have a '68 Vette... beautiful cars they had style, vintage Cobra, 65 Mustang - all beautiful cars and I wish I could own all of them. These new generation of American cars lack something... I'm not even sure what.

However, I am excited about the new Ford GT... now that looks like a nice car!

As for the build quality of the new vette, we really can't say yet.

Rob

 

Riad- do you mean a '67 Vette? I've driven quite a few Corvettes, have owned 2 (84 and 93) and came within inches of buying a ZO6. For daily driving, they're hard to beat, and the comparative purchase and maintenance costs underline the word value. Cars do tend to look different in person, but I'm guessing the new C6 and especially the ZO6 will achieve Porsche conquest sales. AS

 

SteveJ you said:

"I've decided to pass on Porsche for now because of drivetrain reliability problems and will purchase the Z06 version of the C6 in a few years. I seriously hope that the prospect of some Porsche customers moving away from the brand will alter the attitude of Porsche management and result in changes in the future which will restore the reputation for reliabilty that Porsche once enjoyed."

What reliability are we talking about?
Don't use this forum as a sample for Porsche's quality.
Use a Consumer Guide Index.


This is seriously laughable. Ask you mechanic how reliable the early 964's were. They f'n leaked like sieves where the block met the cylinders b/c they used a metal gasket that warped.

I don't think that the new cars are anymore or less reliable than the older ones.
I can tell you about horror stories for each. And I can also tell you about horror stories about Vettes, Lexus' and Mercedes', and I can also tell you about good stories.

So go ahead and buy your Vette.

If you want a kick in the *** torque feel by the new Dodge Ram with the Viper motor. It's cheaper and it'll do what you want it to do.
Smoke the tires.
Sound great
Oodles of torque.
And feel good going straight.

 

Alexander - a '67 Vette is that a Stingray? Those are the Vettes I love. I'm not even talking older split window Vettes which are also beautiful.

I do believe for the price point the Vette will do extremely well, no doubt about it. I could never actually use one as a daily driver living in the north east - would hate to put snow tires on that car.

Rob

 

I've decided to put down some comments on the initial review of the interior. While there are some things done well, there are others that I think could be done better and some that would require just a simple change to make a marked improvement.

Here's what I've come up with in visual form.