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Forum Maintenance 10/4 from 5pm to 6pm Pacific Time

Scheduled maintenance period from 05:00 PM to 06:00 PM Pacific Time on Wednesday October 4th, 2023.
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Corvette Today: Corvette News & Headlines, Early October 2023

The automotive industry is going through a tumultuous time right now with the United Auto Workers striking the Big 3 automakers. Your CORVETTE TODAY host, Steve Garrett, teams up again with Keith Cornett from CorvetteBlogger to bring you the most up-to-date information in the world of Corvette. https://youtu.be/N-JFEwaK2PQ?si=u3tepRnTgFEcCKAM; https://podcasts.adorilabs.com/corve...AyWJ7BnoEURVpA

Besides the UAW strike, here are some of the other Corvette topics that Steve and Keith will discuss:

1. 2024 Corvette production started on Monday, September 18th

2. Two ZR1 prototypes are spotted in Colorado with no wheel coverings and no exhaust sounds

3. A C3 Corvette gets a "Mako-over" into a Mako Shark II

4. A C8 Z06 falls off a lift at a dealership

5. A 2023 70th Anniversary Z06 sells at Mecum for $247,500

6. A Chevy Silverado rolls over a C8 Corvette....ON PURPOSE!

Every other week, CORVETTE TODAY brings you the latest news in the world of Corvette to keep you informed on what's happening with America's Sports Car!
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2024 & 2023 Corvette Info Including E-Ray, SR & Z06 Pricing, SR & Z06 Visualizers, 70th Anniversary Info, Press Releases for SR & Z06 & Their Build & Price, Order Guides & Visualizers

2024 Order Guide Here: https://www.gmfleetorderguide.com/NA...=22639&type=0#
2023 Corvette Brochure: https://www.chevrolet.com/content/da...D7Q0fp8nIEE57Y
E-Ray Visualizer: https://visualizer.chevrolet.com/ui?...US&channel=b2c
Official E-Ray Press Release: https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...-press-release
Official GM E-Ray Pictures: https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...and-visualizer
+ 25 KEY E-Ray Components/Factors: https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...rs-information
E-Ray Leaked Info/Visualizer: https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...tte-e-ray-leak
Z51 & Z06 GM Track Specs: https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...ecommendations
Z06 BUILD & PRICE: https://www.chevrolet.com/performanc...d-price/config
Z06 Order Guide: https://www.gmfleetorderguide.com/NA...D=22412&type=0
Z06 MSRP and Options Pricing: https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...freight-charge
2023 SR Build & Price: https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...up-and-running
*2023 SR & Z06 Official Owners Manual: https://www.corvetteblogger.com/docs...ersManual.pdf; and,
https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...owner-s-manual
* 2023 GM Bash Major Seminar with HQ video: https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...ore-bash-video
*2023 Stingray Visualizer: https://visualizer.chevrolet.com/ui?...US&channel=b2c
* COPMPLETE 2023 STINGRAY PRICING: https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com...ion-Center.pdf
*2023 Stingray (ONLY Order Guide: https://www.gmfleetorderguide.com/NA...D=22412&type=0
*70th Anniversary Combined Press Release For SR & Z06: https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...iversary-model
*Z06 Press Release: https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...-press-release
*Z06 Reveal Pictures: https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...eveal-pictures
*Z06 Visualizer: https://visualizer.chevrolet.com/ui?...US&channel=b2c
Order Guide (unofficial): https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...-action-center
*Z06 vs Z07 Aero Components: https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...s-similarities
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Why C8 Has A Squircle Steering Wheel

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  • Why C8 Has A Squircle Steering Wheel

    Why will the ME Corvette have a squircle steering wheel?

    The Corvette ME’s square steering wheel with rounded corners was noticed a very long time ago. As we have heard, some are not pleased that next year’s C8 will have that shaped steering wheel.

    Click image for larger version

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    Thanks to Wikiapedia: “A squircle is a shape intermediate between a square and a circle. There are at least two definitions of "squircle" in use, the most common of which is based on the superellipse. The word "squircle" is a portmanteau of the words "square" and "circle". Squircles have been applied in design and optics.”

    Click image for larger version

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    Perhaps a squircle is just an “in” thing that GM is enamored with, that Corvette ME is just “copycatting” the Ferrari LaFerrari’s steering wheel.

    Click image for larger version

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    Actually not, for the ME’s squircle is not an “image” thing, but IMO the squircle steering wheel is very a functional shape for the ME.

    Taking this one step at a time for the soon appearing ME Corvette:

    1) Its flat bottomed steering wheel: GM got tired of complaints from Corvette drivers, that getting in an out of the C6 was difficult for many, so starting with the C7, the bottom of the steering wheel became flat. Of course the growing size of Americans, coupled with the Corvette being low slung and thus harder to get into and out of than most vehicles, were major precipitants in the C7’s steering wheel having its flat bottom.

    2) Its flat topped steering wheel: One of the best advantages of a mid engine car is that without a motor up front, its hood can be angled down quicker and more steeper — to give one a fantastic view of the road right in front of the car and equally seeing a corner’s apex better/more easily as a result.

    Conversely, with the C8’s sharply dropping down hood, a typical C7 curved top steering wheel would literally be in the way of your downward/forward visibility. Hence, why the C8’s flat topped steering wheel gives the best forward, lower-angle visibility (for an enclosed steering wheel).

    3) Its curved sides: Looking at the part of the ME’s wheel we can see, its sides seems to not be flat as the sides a true squircle would be, but instead have more of an outward curve as it goes from its outer, downward corners to the outer, upward corners. In that regard, it also mimics the LaFerrari’s steering wheel side curvature (which also deviates from a true squircle. Why are the C8’s sides like the Ferrari’s? Again, not for mimicking reasons, but IMO for three functional reasons.

    A) Our hands are used to such a curvature; it is most comfortable to us;

    B) Curved sides are probably easiest to gradually turn a wheel, especially executing the many small wheel-turning movements we make most of the time; and,

    C) The “wider” the side curvature of a steering wheel is, the more open visibility there is behind the wheel, e.g., the wider the digital IP that cab be seen through the wheel without being blocked by the steering wheel’s rim itself.

    Might this last component factor also suggest that the IP behind the C8’s steering wheel could be fairly wide?

    Even more to the point, these reasons collectively confirm IMO, why the 2020 Corvette ME steering wheels is functionally and properly a squircle.
    Last edited by John; 04-08-2019, 01:36 PM.
    2023 Z06: Elkhart Lake Blue, 2-tone blue interior, HTC, Standard Z06 with Z07 aero pkg, CCB’s, 3LZ, E60, every visible carbon fiber option including wheels, Jake Design Pkg. Lifetime, annual contributors, and 25 year NCM members. Home is the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

  • #2
    Cool wheel is a smart move. Shut the naysayers down early on...

    Comment


    • #3
      Yeah, I thinks it's a nice change and I don't see any downsides.
      My C8:
      '20 Elkhart Lake Blue 2LT Coupe, Natural Interior, GT2 Two-Tone Seats, Performance Exhaust, Front Lift, Carbon Flash Wheels, Engine Appearance Package 2000 Status December 27, 2019; 3000 Status January 2, 2020; 3400 Status March 10, 2020;TPW March 16, 2020; Built June 4th, 2020 (COVID-19); Delivery July 1, 2020

      Current Vettes:
      '68 Lemans Blue 327/350 Convertible
      '91 Turquoise Convertible with Hardtop
      '14 Lime Rock Green 2LT Convertible, Black Top, Kalahari, 7-Speed, Performance Exhaust

      Comment


      • #4
        I like the look and features you've mentioned.

        I'll add that the curved sides also allow your hand to follow a natural arch, maintaining the relative position on the sides. If it were say square, diamond, oblong or any other odd combination your hands would follow different paths based on the relative position your hand is placed on the steering wheel (can it be called a wheel if it's not round)?

        I could be explaining this all wrong, my mind is full of ideas I can't get out. I may be totally wrong on this too! I think of it this why... hold a square pan (anything square) and rotate it trying to hold it on a fixed center point. Now grab a plate (round one) and repeat the process. If you do get the square item to remain center its because you are having to adjust your hand/arm position to compensate for the unnatural arch. This is the simplest way I can explain what's in my head? I'm no engineer so the factual terms elude me, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn once!

        Comment


        • #5
          Squircle

          OK! New word of the day. Its legit. I also looked it up. The forum spell checker even marks it as a misspell. Makes sense that its a portmanteau of the words "square" and "circle". Somebody pronounce it for me so I can describe it to folks that ask about my C8.

          Its gonna be unique and great!


          Comment


          • #6
            Think and say “circle,” but preceded it with the SQ sound.

            To think that folks only thought we were car enthusiasts, their failing to realize that we really joined the forum to improve our vocabulary, word recognition, and pronunciation skills.
            2023 Z06: Elkhart Lake Blue, 2-tone blue interior, HTC, Standard Z06 with Z07 aero pkg, CCB’s, 3LZ, E60, every visible carbon fiber option including wheels, Jake Design Pkg. Lifetime, annual contributors, and 25 year NCM members. Home is the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

            Comment


            • #7
              My Uncle had a 1961 Fury with one Click image for larger version

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              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by John
                Think and say “circle,” but preceded it with the SQ sound.
                I can't do that. Say it again.


                Comment


                • #9
                  Skwurkel. Try that

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Shrike6
                    Skwurkel. Try that
                    I can say that. Sounds good.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Of course, my Uncle’s Fury didn’t have a mannetino, but it had sparkles in the clear parts.
                      I’m guessing that won’t be an option. Maybe that’s the delay...
                      Last edited by Shrike6; 03-15-2019, 04:06 PM.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Shrike6
                        Skwurkel. Try that
                        Phonetic Spelling for the win!

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Ripper
                          Phonetic Spelling for the win!
                          Squirrel Kill?
                          My C8:
                          '20 Elkhart Lake Blue 2LT Coupe, Natural Interior, GT2 Two-Tone Seats, Performance Exhaust, Front Lift, Carbon Flash Wheels, Engine Appearance Package 2000 Status December 27, 2019; 3000 Status January 2, 2020; 3400 Status March 10, 2020;TPW March 16, 2020; Built June 4th, 2020 (COVID-19); Delivery July 1, 2020

                          Current Vettes:
                          '68 Lemans Blue 327/350 Convertible
                          '91 Turquoise Convertible with Hardtop
                          '14 Lime Rock Green 2LT Convertible, Black Top, Kalahari, 7-Speed, Performance Exhaust

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Boomer

                            I can say that. Sounds good.
                            OK, now try this: Schuylkill
                            Delivered 5/29/2021!: Scarlet Fever 2021 2LT HTC, Red Mist Metallic Tintcoat, two-tone Natural w/ suede inserts, Mag Ride, Performance Exhaust, MRR 755 Gunmetal wheels, Carbon Flash splitter and side skirts, magnetic engine cover mod & custom painted engine cover, Soler throttle controller, SmartTop HTC controller
                            >20,000 miles
                            Proud member of the Old Dominion Corvette Club: https://www.olddominioncorvetteclub.org/

                            Never grow up - It's a trap.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by meyerweb

                              OK, now try this: Schuylkill
                              Ahhh, one of the rivers near me. This one is easy and appropriate... Sku kill.

                              Comment

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