Only One ME Width For Its Entire Generation

[John]

We saw yesterday an announcement that all Porsche 992’s (next generation 991’s), will only come in a wide body configuration.

Quote=CarandDriver]The 992-Generation Porsche 911 — What's New Inside and Out

The styling and chassis changes are closely related, as all 992s will have the wide rear bodywork that currently is used only on the all-wheel-drive and GTS models. This means that all versions will have the voluptuous 72.0-inch-wide hips in the back, and these will be coupled to a 1.6-inch-wider front track with matching wider front fenders.[/Quote]

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...11-992-preview

Is the C8 going to follow in that same pattern — or is it the reverse, as the decision for the ME to have or to have not a separate wide-body version was literally made by GM at least two, more probably more years ago than that?

This leads us back to the question as to whether the entry 2020 ME will be the same body width as the 2021+ higher powered models?

We know that next year’s entry ME will have a 245 front tire.


One major factor that would tend to result in an answer to that conclusion that there will only be one width to the ME regardless of its later having a higher powered version, is that front wheel width on almost all ME’s (12 cylinder exotics and some supercars excepted), stick with a 245 width front tire — in fact some having only a 235 front tire.

Here are some other ME tire sizes:

NOTE:Every 2019 Corvette, regardless of “entry” or ZR1, runs 19” F/20” R wheel:

Tire Size /Wheel Diameter for Common ME’s (F/R)

Audi R8: 235/35/R19; 295/30/R19

Audi R8/V10: 245/35/R19; 295/30/R19 [Opt. R = 305/30R20]

Ferrari 488 GTB: 245/35R20; 305R30/R20

Ferrari Pista: Same as above Ferrari.

Ford GT: 245/35/R20; 325/30/R20

Lambo Huracan: 245/30/R20; 305/30/R20

McLaren 570: 225/35/R19; 285/35/R20

McLaren 650: 235/35/R19; 305/30/R19

McLaren 720: 245/35/R19; 305/30/R20

Porsche GT3: 245/35/R20; 305/30/R20

Porsche 911S: 245/35/R20; 305/30/R20


So if the front tire width doesn’t change much when going to a higher power version, we know that the mold for each of the front fenders is roughly $1M (thanks to Skank), and if the 2021+ ME were to buck that trend and go to a 255 tire, would it not be reasonable through wheel offset or otherwise, that the same 2020’s front fender could accommodate a tire that were only that 10MM (2/5”) wider.

There were earlier rumors that however, to accommodate the greater cooling needs of the 2021+ HP versions of the Corvette, that the rear fender’s intake scoop might be up to 5/8” wider on each side, e.g., creating a wide body version.

However, what if those rumors were wrong, and that instead, like the CAD drawings showed fvs and some other CAD experts, that the 2021+ HP versions instead of a wider rear fender scoop, we could have a return of top of rear fender NACA ducts like there are on the GS, Z06, and the ZR.


None of the previous information discounts that we are expecting that 2021+ HP versions to have a different front grille, maybe a different front fascia, some more advanced visual aero components. - including a more pronounced rear spoiler, different wheels, and perhaps also having a front hood air duct(s) as some have postulated, e.g., C7pimp and fvs. Thanks fvs for this consequent, though earlier, rendering.



What do you think as to whether the ME’s entire generation will only be on body width, or, will we again, just like the C6 and C7 generations, see a second year, wide body version arise?

[JB]

Hard to say as the wider fendered higher performance models of previous corvettes both in the 7th and 6 th generations have been a huge profit center for the corvette team.

one million dollars cost may seem expensive but in reality in my opinion is chump change.

as the owner of a “narrow body” c6 i would love to hear the end of wide body extra cost models....yet quite frankly the visual difference is minimal outside of the corvette community...

wider rear fenders to house wider rear tires of higher hp versions ranging from 600 to 800 hp would seem to make sense..

interesting discussion...yet id say wider fenders will be part of the higher performance models...

[John]

JBsC6, you are so correct that the Corvette C6’s and C7’s have been a major profit center for GM, and as you noted, that argues for continuing the same path again for the C8 gen.

[Fasttoys]

We still don’t know how wide the new ME is and if GM going wider would improve performance verses increasing drag and extra cost. One Reason the corvette FE went wider was to accommodate for the larger tires to handle more HP/torque. If you look at most of the ME competition like Ferrari, Mclaren, Lamborghini and Audi the rear body panels are very similar in size to their slower variants. I could see them adding different aerodynamic panels but not necessarily wider ones. Audi R8 just had wider side blade scoops to gain more air for the engine, many of the V8 guys would change theirs out with the V10 wider look. I do believe the active aero will be on the faster versions, not sure about wider as this is not the normal direction for Mid engine car. The Engine being over the rear tires give the engineers more options when it comes to traction verses a front engine sports car.

Lets don’t forget the C8-R race car looked like the rear fenders were wider, time will tell.

[John]

Good analysis/reasoning Fasttoys!

[Boomer]

This leads us back to the question as to whether the entry 2020 ME will be the same body width as the 2021+ higher powered models?

What do you think as to whether the ME’s entire generation will only be on body width, or, will we again, just like the C6 and C7 generations, see a second year, wide body version arise?[/B][/I]

Probably help first year sales if that was known. I don't want to be upstaged by a "second year wide body". I'm thinking the DOHC can fit in the same body width.

[tooold2race]

All I can say is 'the wider the better'..... My only 'wide body' was the '93 Ruby ZR-1. Our C6 and C7 were early production 'verts', hence narrow body cars. When we do 'cruises' we try to position ourselves behind GS or Z06's because the view is terrific. If they don't come out of the box 'wide', we will have to flip it as soon as the wide bodies shows up, as much as I hate to do that.

[Frenzy36]

I am hoping for the wide body version right out of the gate. First impressions will make a worldwide splash (cannonball) and cement the first impressions worldwide for a extremely successful launch with plenty of room for HP and Aero and Tech and Trans and AWD for the future models.

[ltomn]

This topic is, superficially, worthless! The Corvette Stingray, even in it's narrower width, is already 2.7" wider then a Porsche 911. Is it really that substantial of an asset to be 7.2" wider?? I understand the attraction of cornering function but the Corvette C7 GS is 77.40" in width. The Porsche is 71.2" in width. I would venture to say that this difference is, for the lion's share of owners, negligible.

[Racer86]

Just FYI, the Ferrari F430 is 76” wide

[John]

The Lamborghini Aventador is 79.92” wide.

[ltomn]

And neither of these two cars can really be considered competition for an auto that is going to cost mush less then them. How much less is still anyone's guess but it will be less.

[Racer86]

Don’t forget that wheels can also be offset to the inside of the car for more tire width. Not always necessary to add flared fenders to gain tire width. Wide bodies can increase drag, if not designed carefully.

[ltomn]

And neither of these two cars can really be considered competition for an auto that is going to cost mush less then them. How much less is still anyone's guess but it will be less.

[Racer86]

Agree with you on cost, but currently you cannot buy a ME Corvette for any amount of money,, so we wait!