Interesting take on second shift

[meyerweb]

Wards Automotive, which is an old line, well respected industry journal, thinks the second shift is an indication that GM plans to keep making the C7 along with the C8. Not saying I agree with their interpretation. In fact, I think it unlikely, but it's an interesting thought. It's the last story in the video.

https://www.wardsauto.com/industry/a...-april-26-2019

[tooold2race]

I believe that many in the media are using C7 and FE interchangeably. While it's only my opinion, but I don't think there is any doubt that there will be a FE Corvette and a ME Corvette built at Bowling Green at the same time. In all likelihood after the final C7 is built, they will convert to building the ME exclusively for a relatively short period of time and then when demand tapers off or normalizes, the next generation FE (most likely a 2021 or 22) will be added along side the ME in their various configurations. Expect some of the ME technology to trickle down to the FE like the DCT and engine configurations.

In the mean time, dealers will have loads of new C7s to satisfy those looking for a relatively affordable Corvette or a 3 pedal car.

Again, just my opinion.....

[electroVette]

Perhaps they'll continue to build the C7 ZO6 and ZR1 until the C8 ZO6 is introduced. Profit margins are huge on those model variants so it would be worth the extra assembly line complexity, and some portion of buyers will gravitate towards maximum horsepower.

Long term I do not believe GM will sell both a FE and ME Corvette since they both target to the same market segment. It would essential divide Corvette sales between two models, thus lessening the savings from economies of scale for various parts. Perhaps the FE could be made into a Grand Tourer with Cadillac levels of NVH attenuation in order to appeal to a different crowd, but it would need classier, less aggro styling for that to really work IMO.

[JB]

I am just taking a guess yet I seem to remember the black wing engine prodiction will take place at bowling green.

i think cadillac walked from the rear mid engine variant to go cuv and ev as halo vehicles for the cadillac brand.

to recoup a portion of their investment bowling green will pridice tje blackwing v8?

i am of the belief the cadillac division funded a portion of the bowling green expansion as well as c8 development.

[SheepDog]

What are the options as to a future FE Corvette. A C8.5 or 9.
Well, there is the unthinkable: A 50K FE . Limiter volume. Easy to mod. Maintenance friendly. V6? Why? Why not?
There is the unbelievable: A "Superfast" FE. Low numbers. Exotic engine. Spare no excess. . If really,very low numbers, then more expensive. A few-can-have car. Something different. Why? Why not?

A slot protector FE: The 60K$ FE is a slot created and held exclusively by corvette, Unchallenged? If completely abandoned, would not a pretender claim the "slot"? Wise and prudent observers point out that a C9 FE would take sales away from the C8 ME. True. That very wise and prudent observation is a clear reason for a competitor to claim the "slot". A 2 seater low slung "Stang" . Not even Mustang. Just " Stang". Fiat knows all about FE sports cars. Take the slot and take C8 sales along with it. Fiat makes a low volume 4C and can do a low volume FE.

Corvette needs to build a few. At least a few. Some creditable number of FEs as a slot protector. Or they may otherwise invite trouble. If trouble comes, then the same
wise and prudent people who now say that the FE should be abandoned, will be the first to say that management was stupid. To say that GM should have seen trouble on the horizon when it abandoned the FE "slot". The proven money maker FE. 60K$ slot. Does GM not have and hold essentially a copyrighted grip on the slot. Just let it go? Why? Why not? .

Ford works quickly and quietly. Do they not already have a "slot grabber" 2 seater low slung "Stang" waiting in the wing, pending confirmation of "slot abandonment"?

Well do not take it seriously , really no competent competitor would ever do such a thing as claim the abandoned throne. There are some things that are beneath the honor and dignity of automobile manufactures.

[Mobius]

I love my FE C7, but I think it's the last FE Corvette.

[John]

GM tried a cheaper, less optioned Corvette in 1999. It was called the fixed roof coupe. Sales were a failure. They they changed it a Z06 version with better suspension and with more power and it sold well. However, its pricing at that point was no longer an attractor of new customers.

Personally thinking the FE is over, not just for a year or two, but forever, and the “why” of that major change is that the FE does not handle, accelerate nor brake as well as an ME (power level being equal).

Since the Corvette is a sports car, moving to a past version (the FE) knowing it will brake less well, accelerate more slowly, and handle less well is not a winning idea. Bottom line is that a FE is a less efficient sports car than a ME.

[golden boy]

I think the 2nd shift is being able to get the C 8 out to us as quickly as possible. After the 2 week vacation the 1st 2 weeks of July set up for 6 weeks, and have C 8 @ dealerships by mid October. ME only sorry guys prices will drop 40% on a 2 year ZO6 with 30,000 miles. # golden boy

[ABorC]

Porsche make ME and RE cars, the RE handles better and has more power, but that doesn't preclude Porsche from making both the Cayman and the 911 at the same time.

That doesn't mean I think they'll continue making the C7 and C8 at the same time, I just don't agree with the one is better than the other as the reason why.

[Richrat]

I think the 2nd shift is being able to get the C 8 out to us as quickly as possible. After the 2 week vacation the 1st 2 weeks of July set up for 6 weeks, and have C 8 @ dealerships by mid October. ME only sorry guys prices will drop 40% on a 2 year ZO6 with 30,000 miles. # golden boy

If you have any thought of owning an ME and currently own a C7 I would think now is the time to sell and fast! Prices will most certainly drop huge in 2020. Most dealers with C7 on the lot are giving 10K-11K rebate plus the 3k GM Corvette loyalty. I am already seeing brand new C7's for what people are trying to get for a used 17 or 18 on Craigs list and Auto Trader. I spoke to my local dealer and he said they heard there might be another price drop on C7s maybe next month or June except for the ZR1. He was trying to convince me to get a new Z06 now or next month instead of waiting for my C8. I'll wait!

[John]

I think the 2nd shift is being able to get the C 8 out to us as quickly as possible. After the 2 week vacation the 1st 2 weeks of July set up for 6 weeks, and have C 8 @ dealerships by mid October. ME only sorry guys prices will drop 40% on a 2 year ZO6 with 30,000 miles. # golden boy

I had to bear the bearer of bad but realistic news, but even with it being +99% be formally accepted for production the very first consensus (assuming it does not have any constrained items), I am expecting mine to be leave the factory some during January — for we all need to remember the expected one month quality control hold on BGA property once the initial cars are completed.

Let’s recant the steps. First C7 production will continue into late summer. Then the Plant will be shut down for roughly two months for re-tooling. Next, the molasses-slow ramp of C8i’s will start (it started during the C7 era at a rate around one C7 per hour), then 2x/hour, etc. Then the aforementioned one month QC hold.

I can say with 100% certainty,
that to expect any customer to receive their car (even if it is Rick Hendrick) prior to calendar year 2020 is to set oneself up for major disappointment.

Sorry.

[Milliwatt Rob]

Would not surprise me if the first cars sold are designated as 2021 models, and there is no 2020 model.

[Fasttoys]

M Rob unless something changed I was told they will be 2020. You never know but I personally like 2020 marketing wise.
I remember when GM released the new C4 in 1984 and skipped 1983, I was only a kid back then and wanted the C4 and had the poster on my wall.

[Meldoon]

https://www.corvettemuseum.org/learn...orvette-specs/

[Meldoon]

Rare indeed......