UPDATED:8/9/02-10:50pm (Changes to Engine specs)
For over two years the world has been hearing little tidbits about the next generation Corvette from the automotive press and in magazines. Some facts have been right, some way out in left field. The editors here at
www.GM-Cars.com and
www.GMInsideNews.com have taken the last 6 months to dive headfirst into the onslaught of info, to dig out what’s right, and what’s wrong. We must tell though, that even we are not 100% of the “facts” presented in the following article. We’ve taken great pains to only publish accurate information, at the same time as keeping our sources as protected as we can. After all, security on C6 is the highest of any GM project ever, with any access well behind 3 or even 4 locked and guarded doors. But, some info has gotten out, and here it is.
Style:
Remember when Motor Trend came out with its first “C6 Scoop!”? The angular lines and exposed headlights in their renderings were surprisingly correct to the current styling models that were being worked on at General Motors at the time. But then something happened. Were not quite sure what sparked it, but the whole design was scrapped. “Too bland” was used to describe the models, so C6 went back to the drawing boards. In fact, the 2003 Viper had a little do to with it also. The MT drawings suggested very large and angular side vents on the C6, almost exactly like the ones on the 03 Viper. Now, C6 had them drawn first, but Viper was going to make it to production first. GM stylists didn’t want to be viewed as “copycats”.
Another feature shown was exposed headlights. What, exposed headlights on a Corvette? How could this be? Well, this part that MT got right, still applies. C6 is due to be the first Corvette in over 3 generations to have non-popup headlamps. But, don’t get to down yet. These new lamps will be either HID or Xenon lamps, with much greater visibility than ever before. Look for a little late C1 styling influence to creep its way into the reflector design.
In other areas, look for a more muscular design to grace the exterior. We’ve heard it described as an “Exaggerated C5”. Look for shorter overhangs front and rear that contribute to an overall shorter length, while the wheel base grows approximately 3-4 inches to accommodate the new 5-speed automatic (more on that later).
The side vents have also been described to us as C5R’ish looking, wider and larger than on the current C5. The rear will get a smaller treatment, and the familiar duel tail lamps will remain, but somewhat combined under one larger covering or indentation for each side. Look for larger bulges over the front wheels, as well as more pronounced C3 like humps over the rear wheels. We’ve also heard that C3 style door handles could be a possibility (which is backed up by the placement of the door handles on the XLR).
Chassis and Power:
So, the C6 is just a C5 re-skin, right? Wrong. Numerous chassis improvements are on the way. The most significant is the move to an all aluminum frame to reduce weight and improve structural strength. Aluminum? Isn’t the XLR’s steel frame based off the C6 frame? Well, yes it is based off it, but no, it’s not steel. GM’s keeping hush-hush about the fact that the XLR’s frame is really aluminum until close to production. This way they can throw off the public about any links to the C6. Another improvement is the refinement of the hydro-forming process. Hydro-forming is the process in which steel is blown up, almost like a balloon, with water, to expand into a preset mold. This stresses the metal very little, for a very strong frame. The only problem up until now is that hydro-forming creates a uniform thickness across the whole piece of metal. GM has discovered a new way of hydro-forming for the C6 that will allow metal thickness to be controlled over the whole length of the piece. This way, extra metal (and weight) is removed.
Speaking of weight, the standard C6 is expected to weight anywhere from 200-400lbs lighter than the current C5, and that goes for the new Z06 variant. Less weight is almost better than more horsepower, as you’re not losing any fuel efficiency with better performance. Seem like a lot of weight to lose? Add composite plastic windshields, windows, and rear greenhouse. Also factor in a possible carbon fiber hood that’s being toyed with and a much more extensive use of titanium and magnesium. Chassis length has been increased mainly to accommodate the 5th gear in the new 5-speed automatic transmission. A new generation 42volt electrical system allows for smaller wiring harnesses, reduced weight, and more power hungry devices such as magnetic shocks, and other advanced technologies.
Now comes for the engines. This is the only part that the automotive magazines have somewhat gone wrong on. Displacement on Demand (DOD) will most likely not make it into any C6 model, and though an engine with two cams in the block might. The base engine, dubbed LS2, will be somewhat based off the current LS6. It will retain its 400+hp status and OHV layout but with possibly two variable timed cams, inside the block. Expect improved fuel economy, and performance (mostly due to the reduced weight). The strange part comes strait out of aviation history books. The high performance version of the C6 (possibly still named Z06) will be powered by a new generation of cam-less engine sometime in the 2007-2008 MY timeframe. That’s right, electronically actuated valves. Not only will this give the HP version of the C6 infinite valve timing, but close-to, if not north-of 500hp. Cam-less engines have been used for years in radial piston aircraft engines where placement of a cam is impossible. Companies such as Siemens have been working on cam-less systems for 5-7 years. Snake tamer is one word we hope to use with the C6. These little bits of engine information has already gotten close to 14 people fired from GM, and is one of the C6’s most closely guarded secrets.
Interior:
Interior enrichment is on the top of the list for C6, with the Audi TT set as the basis to improve on. Expect little bits of aluminum, as well as more expensive looking pieces to be used. Rumor has the radio and HVAC controls being controlled by LCD screen, although we’re not sure if these reports are accurate. Another cool bit we’ve heard is being toyed around with, is the possibility for a completely digital instrument cluster, with the option of switching between digital and analog gauges. We think that’s being hopeful though, so don’t get disappointed if analog gauges are what finally gets the stamp.
Testing:
Believe it or not, there are “C6’s” out testing right now. Although, any that leave the testing grounds are either in C5 or covered XLR drab. Also look for ½ XLR-½ C5/C6 mules. C6 alphas are rumored to be just getting their new bodies inside the proving grounds in Arizona and Michigan. We’ve also had confirmation that testing has been done at one private track in the southeast United States during late winter. Reports state that the C6 mule out lapped a Z06 by a large margin. Also, we expect, but have no confirmation that C6 mules are to be tested in northern Canada and Australia starting this fall. And if your feeing brave, and want to try to take a look for your self, C6’s have been reportedly spotted running down the large back strait-away at GM’s Milford proving grounds just before dawn in the recent weeks. Just don’t get into the view of any security cameras, as the minute your spotted, you won’t see anything.
Well, that’s it! As of right now, that’s all we can confidently tell you without risk of making ourselves look like fools. Check back to
www.GM-Cars.com and
www.GMInsideNews.com for updates as soon as we get them! And if you feel lucky, send us your C6 rumors, information, and any pictures you may have or spy shots you may take.
I see T-tops!
