C8 Corvette Z51: deep dive and technical review | Video

https://www.youtube.com/embed/bd4i2N0O_z0

Why is the C8 Corvette Z51 so drastically different on track than the base car?

We put a Z51-equipped C8 on our lift to take a deeper look and find out. Presented by CRC Industries.

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I have seen a few C8s lately out in the wild and, yeah, they still stop me in my tracks. For me in my lifetime, I’d say it’s the most revolutionary Corvette since the C4.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

I cant wait to see what the Z06 is like when we get our hands on one. From everything I have seen with the Z51 and the base model it looks like it should be impressive. 

Factory Vette Cart?

I saw one on I-95 in Rapid Blue. Wow, it’s not subtle. 

I was honestly a little shocked by the gap between the base model and the Z51. Particularly on brakes. If the Z06 is another leap like this it's going to be absolutely bonkers.

Also wondering whether there'll be a Grand Sport analog, pairing the Z06 chassis bits with a normal (or slightly upgraded) base engine.

Seriously makes me want to go out and buy a new pair of all white Nike walking shoes.

David S. Wallens said:

I have seen a few C8s lately out in the wild and, yeah, they still stop me in my tracks. For me in my lifetime, I’d say it’s the most revolutionary Corvette since the C4.

Wouldn't you like to revise that statement?  I picture a white 1982 Corvette with T-tops, turbine wheels, properly tuned crossfire injection, and 20k miles on the clock.  Then, I picture a red 1984 Corvette fresh out of the box.  I'll take the '82.  Maybe to compare a Mk2 Supra to a Mk4 Supra would be better.  It's like going from a stretched Celica to a street icon.  I could be wrong, but Corvette has finally crossed into supercar territory with the C8.

Chevrolet should offer these as a free loaner car to every McLaren dealership.  After the 3rd warrantee repair owners might be ready to put their ego to bed and make the trade into a car that starts, runs, and drives.

How do you order that rolling chassis bare frame car? I'll build my own body. 

In reply to Junkers :

I stand by the statement. From my birth until 1982, the Corvette evolved. It was an old car still sold at the dealership. Then, with the C4, we got something that truly looked new. The Corvette, at least to me, finally became a modern machine. 

In reply to David S. Wallens :

Indeed.  The '82 could trace its lineage to the early 60s and it felt like it.  The C4 was massively better in every way, better steering, better suspension, better brakes, everything in the design of the car, not just the appearance.

The C5 was a great leap forward but the C4 was a pretty big step up as well.

I just can't see spending Ferrari or Lamborghini money on a GM product and I love GM products.....  a 991 turbo could be had instead too.

AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter) said:

I just can't see spending Ferrari or Lamborghini money on a GM product and I love GM products.....  a 991 turbo could be had instead too.

A Silverado costs Ferrari money, in the right context...

The problem with the Corvette is, it sounds like a Silverado.

Pete. (l33t FS) said:

AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter) said:

I just can't see spending Ferrari or Lamborghini money on a GM product and I love GM products.....  a 991 turbo could be had instead too.

A Silverado costs Ferrari money, in the right context...

 

The problem with the Corvette is, it sounds like a Silverado.

No, the problem is that the styling was done by the same people that did the silverado.

In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :

That made me LOL.  That sums it up well.  

The Z06 will be another massive step change.  It necessitated chassis design changes as it was hot enough to bend the chassis under load.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

But today a C4 does nothing sitting next to a C3 - for me at least.  I get what you're saying, but I guess we'll just have to call it a personal thing to you.  To me a C4 is just a typical underpowered, no-handling flop.  GM acknowledged the failure of the C4 when they muted advertising for the T-Type and Grand National.  I stand by my statement and believe most people would rather enjoy a late C3 in their garage as compared to an early C4.  Again, I'd steer you toward comparing a Mk2 Supra to a Mk4.

In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :

LOL.  You have a point there!  As a side note, my dad always reasoned why everybody moved into pickup trucks from cars: It was the only way you could get a rear-drive V8 that you could order with a build sheet.  Consciously or subconsciously, America still wanted to order their cars the old fashioned way and not give up our big beautiful cruisers.  I, on the other hand, saw the fun to be had in a 92 Mitsu Mirage with 92hp.

Junkers said:

In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :

LOL.  You have a point there!  As a side note, my dad always reasoned why everybody moved into pickup trucks from cars.

Another thing is that all of the large American sedans got replaced with euro styled competitors.  Cadillac used to make lazy boy's with 500ci engines today they make BMW fighters.  If you want a lazy boy with an LS/LT engine you have to get an escalade.  

Pete. (l33t FS) said:

AnthonyGS (Forum Supporter) said:

I just can't see spending Ferrari or Lamborghini money on a GM product and I love GM products.....  a 991 turbo could be had instead too.

A Silverado costs Ferrari money, in the right context...

 

The problem with the Corvette is, it sounds like a Silverado.

The flat-plane crankshaft finally does solve that problem. 

I too get sick of turning my head when I hear a nice GM V8 singing only to see a pickup truck/SUV.  Some people date fat girls for their sultry voices, I guess.

it certainly looks better without the bodywork

I agree with Wallens.  I interned at the Chevy Tech Center in summer of 1980 and watch a C4 prototype being built piece by piece.  I had lusted for the C3 for years, but the C4 was revolutionary, and launched a brilliant evolution thru the C7.  I did miss the C3 body, though.