What do you think will be the inherent advantages of a ME?
What do you think will be inherent disadvantages of a ME?
As in all things in life, certainly for all sports cars, there are always trade offs. Starting with a few...
ME Advantages:
*Lower center of gravity due to no driveline running the full length of the car;
* Better traction off the line and coming out of a curve due to engine weight being over the drive wheels;
* Better corner “turn in” due to less weight on the front wheels (less plowing effect);
* Better braking efficiency;
* GM will have incorporated six years of additional “automotive learning” in such areas as light-weighting, component evolution, powertrain advancements, aero progression, advanced safety systems, etc.
ME Disadvantages:
*Less cargo space;
*Greater cost to manufacture;
* Harder to keep the motor cool;
* Overall repair cost IMO is going to be more;
* For those persons who like to do most of the repairs themselves, some will be more difficult;
In summary, as postulated by a smart person, with his referring to what we have seen from CAD drawings, and based on his evaluating not only the above factor but also others, here is what Quinten concluded. Thank you Quinten for this concise, quality, and well-thought-out summary!
[Quote=Quinten]The Mid-engine Vette, by design, will have less mass, a lower and rearward center of mass. Better aerodynamic efficiency, and more traction. GM’s chassis engineering is world class, especially with the C7 and Alpha platform. We’ve seen how good the new (ME)suspension setup is, and there’s no leaf spring. The powertrains are going to be brand new and much more efficient at producing power. Wheel horsepower should improve due to the lack of a Long drivetrain. The mid-engine Vettes will have downforce producing, lift reducing features built into the body versus the C7 with mostly tacked on pieces.[/Quinten]
Your thoughts?
What do you think will be inherent disadvantages of a ME?
As in all things in life, certainly for all sports cars, there are always trade offs. Starting with a few...
ME Advantages:
*Lower center of gravity due to no driveline running the full length of the car;
* Better traction off the line and coming out of a curve due to engine weight being over the drive wheels;
* Better corner “turn in” due to less weight on the front wheels (less plowing effect);
* Better braking efficiency;
* GM will have incorporated six years of additional “automotive learning” in such areas as light-weighting, component evolution, powertrain advancements, aero progression, advanced safety systems, etc.
ME Disadvantages:
*Less cargo space;
*Greater cost to manufacture;
* Harder to keep the motor cool;
* Overall repair cost IMO is going to be more;
* For those persons who like to do most of the repairs themselves, some will be more difficult;
In summary, as postulated by a smart person, with his referring to what we have seen from CAD drawings, and based on his evaluating not only the above factor but also others, here is what Quinten concluded. Thank you Quinten for this concise, quality, and well-thought-out summary!
[Quote=Quinten]The Mid-engine Vette, by design, will have less mass, a lower and rearward center of mass. Better aerodynamic efficiency, and more traction. GM’s chassis engineering is world class, especially with the C7 and Alpha platform. We’ve seen how good the new (ME)suspension setup is, and there’s no leaf spring. The powertrains are going to be brand new and much more efficient at producing power. Wheel horsepower should improve due to the lack of a Long drivetrain. The mid-engine Vettes will have downforce producing, lift reducing features built into the body versus the C7 with mostly tacked on pieces.[/Quinten]
Your thoughts?
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