Lutz: C8 Little More Than C7 Version for Version

[John]

We heard Bob Lutz on Autoline three months ago say that he thought that the C8 would cost about $5,000 more than a C7. Bob quickly added that he was out of the loop (a self-effacing, but not accurate comment as it turns out as per below).

Thanks to Fasttoys for sharing with us that in this Dec ‘18/Jan ‘19 issue of Road and Track (thanks R&T), we learned that Bob Lutz said, in its “Ask Bob” segment (page 112), that “the goal is to sell the C8, version for version, at a little more than the C7.”

Coupled with a comment from Don Sherman of Car and Driver, that Don felt it would cost around $65,000 for an entry 2020 ME, and Automobile Magazine printing earlier this year that it would price “around $56,000” to start, many concluded a few months ago that somewhere in the $60,000-$70,000 range would be the entry MSRP for a 2020 ME.

However, in reaction to those estimates, many disagreed, expressing strong feelings that such pricing was wildly optimistic, that instead it would start at at least $85,000, some believing over $100,000, and criticized the validly of that $60K-$70K range noting such things as, just as Bob Lutz himself self during his AutoLine interview, that he was out of the loop, and the other two were well meaning true outsiders.

Corroboration that the entry 2020 ME Corvette would start much higher than that $60K-$70K price range, came around six weeks ago, from past Chief Corvette Engineers Dave Hill, Dave McLellan, and Bob Wallace, with their unanimously indicating their belief that it would be in a signficantly higher price range than $60,000-$70,000 to start.

However, a recently verified, impeccable source, confirmed that Bob Lutz is currently very much in the GM loop about the ME. While of course he is not involved in engineering, design, nor similar, Bob is far from in the dark about the ME. He knows a tons of intimate C8 details at this time. Thus, IMO, the fact that Bob is again now re-stating his belief that GM’s goal is to “C8 is going to be a little more than the C7” (version for version), suggests even more confirmation that, along with other reputable and informed sources mentioned above, that the starting price of a 2020 mid engine Corvette, again sticker with no options, would be less than $70,000.

Wish to see Maximum Bob’s exact statement in this month’s Road And Track:




What do you think?

[Plasboy]

I think I hope he’s correct.

[Shadow]

Yeah Maximum Bob!

[C8-wannabe]

Think he's spot on. Base can not be much more than C7, or buyers will look elsewhere if priced too high. Like he says, higher level variants for more $, just like the current generation models are.

[John]

If they include as standard equipment on the Z06, several times which have been heretofore options, I would not be surprised for that model to be starting in $90,000+ range.

[JB]

C8 fun update...i figured it was about 5 grand more than the c7 give or take whatever was optional in the c7 that becomes standard on the c8.

56 plus 5 equals 61...add in a few more for z51 heavy duty cooling and suspension, dct, mrc, npp...its another 7 grand...so it hits 68 to 70 grand...give or take a few bucks..

[Frenzy36]

Only GM knows, We will all have to wait. I just wish they would at least acknowledge the car is coming. or at least what year it will be produced would be nice. Something Official. I have been itching to purchase something new and just may pull the trigger if nothing is heard within the next couple months.

[OnPoint]

I fully expect what Maximum Bob forecasts to come to fruition.

[rmorin49]

A base price around $70K would be tolerable IF it includes a nice interior, decent infotainment and a powertrain equal to or better than the current base C7. If it's a watered down version than I'll pass. Oh, storage capacity is also an issue for me. I need a car that will hold a couple decent size suitcases for week long road trips with my better half. Fingers crossed.

[John]

Good points rmorin49. Not to be concerned, for the C8 that is revealed will meet all of your issues.

[timsz51]

C8 fun update... I figured it was about 5 grand more than the c7 give or take whatever was optional in the c7 that becomes standard on the c8.

56 plus 5 equals 61...add in a few more for z51 heavy duty cooling and suspension, dct, mrc, npp...its another 7 grand...so it hits 68 to 70 grand...give or take a few bucks.

I've been saying this all along! Corvette has had that pricing policy for 60 years, they're not going to change now!

[Milliwatt Rob]

The C7 is presently highly discounted from MSRP, while I would expect initial sales of the C8 to be at MSRP or higher. Therefore, even if the MSRP were to not increase at all, buyers would see an increase in out the door street prices.

[JB]

2013 calendar year c7 release has the wonderful c7 in the marketplace for quite a long time.

Money in the hood prevails to move the vehicles although much less than expected considering what was occurring in 2017 pre paint shop renovation.

I fully expect discounts to grow come calendar year 2019 to clear out inventory if in fact GM actually has 20k units in inventory throughout the country

That's a tremendous figure if still accurate.

[John]

I absolutely agree JB, that is it going to take some serious incentives from GM right after the beginning of 2019, to move out more 2019’s. For example, might some who are waiting for the C8, be incentivized to by a 2019 if it suddenly were $10,000 less. And/or the person who never before who thought they could afford a Corvette, were to wake up on January 1st to see new Corvettes starting at $45,590 (with even further reductions via dealer discounts) — especially when I see that the average price of a new vehicle purchased just rose to $37K.

[John]

The C7 is presently highly discounted from MSRP, while I would expect initial sales of the C8 to be at MSRP or higher. Therefore, even if the MSRP were to not increase at all, buyers would see an increase in out the door street prices.

So true. GM is however counting on buyers like many of us who want a first year one and are willing to pay full sticker. As we know, discounts on the C8’s will come later — as they do every generation.