Is there a tiny elephant in the room

[Phil1098]

I have to ask this based on some observations. Maybe I'm nuts, and I guess I have to be OK with that, but is there some kind of a gag order on the weight of this car? Observation 1: The order guide lists a dry weight, GM has always listed curb or wet weight, meaning half a tank of gas and all other required fluids. Observation 2: Listening to Harlan on the radio he was stammering and tap dancing around the whole thing and he did say it was about 50 pounds more than a C7 with an automatic and a dry sump (whatever that car weighs). Observation 3: In the video where Brett the Global interior guy for GM is being interviewed when asked about the weight he too started stammering and pretty much said we haven't weighed it.

I mean if they would just say a 1LT curb weight is 3,480 (or whatever it is), then it is. It seems like they are scared to have ANYTHING that can be perceived as negative about this car. I genuinely hope I'm am fully off my rocker, but I read people for a living (sales) and the way everyone gets uncomfortable real quick is noticed. This car is going to go down in history as the single greatest performance value in the history of the automobile. NOTHING is going to change that, it picked up one or two hundred pounds then it did. In these days of 2 ton Challengers and close to that Camaros, I would not be hurt if this car on the curb is 3,500 pounds.

[WillRockwell]

It may be that until the first production model rolls off the line, they won't actually know what it weighs.

[Phil1098]

It may be that until the first production model rolls off the line, they won't actually know what it weighs.

Then how did they post a dry weight of 3,366?

Please understand that I haven't been this excited about a car in decades, I'm getting one. I am also honest and not just a balding cheerleader.

[electroVette]

Yeah they know the wet curb weight down to a 1/00th of an ounce.

It's smart not to reveal it because if they did then for sure there would be headlines about the weight. This way they keep the headlines positive while everyone forms their first impression.

Once everyone is aware of how quick the C8 is then when they hear about the weight the response is more likely to be surprise and awe that such a heavy car is so quick.

[Phil1098]

Once everyone is aware of how quick the C8 is then when they hear about the weight the response is more likely to be surprise and awe that such a heavy car is so quick.

I don't even expect it to be such a heavy car, just a bit more, say 120 pounds (half tank of fuel, coolant, and oils). 3,366 plus 120 is 3,486. That doesn't frighten me in the least, but it doesn't have a great ring to it either.

[electroVette]

I don't even expect it to be such a heavy car, just a bit more, say 120 pounds (half tank of fuel, coolant, and oils). 3,366 plus 120 is 3,486. That doesn't frighten me in the least, but it doesn't have a great ring to it either.

I have no issue with the weight either, but I expect we'll read some criticism about it due to the mid and rear engine cars to which the C8 will be compared. It's unavoidable when your competition can afford to use carbon fiber monocoque chassis, lol.

[Milliwatt Rob]

How do competing cars publish weight, dry or curb?

A half tank of gas is a little over 9 gallons. Oil is about 2 gallons, figure maybe 4 gallons of other lubes/fluids? Fifteen gallons of fuel and lubes @ say, 7 pounds per gallon would add around 100-105 pounds. Then, add engine coolant, maybe 3 gallons @ 8 pounds per gallon adds another 25 pounds or so.

And as the car is not a self driver, add the weight of a driver for a test weight. A driver can be anywhere from 100 pounds to 300+ pounds.

Oh, and the weight of the two golf bags.....

[meyerweb]

I have no issue with the weight either, but I expect we'll read some criticism about it due to the mid and rear engine cars to which the C8 will be compared. It's unavoidable when you're competition can afford to use carbon fiber monocoque chassis, lol.

Those competitors are all a lot more expensive, no? It's a lot easier to "add lightness" when you can spend $10k or $20k on Carbon fiber and another $10k on magnesium.

[WillRockwell]

I have no issue with the weight either, but I expect we'll read some criticism about it due to the mid and rear engine cars to which the C8 will be compared. It's unavoidable when you're competition can afford to use carbon fiber monocoque chassis, lol.

Exactly. I think you defined the difference. I can live with it.

[ltomn]

The weight factor is for track rats! I am not a track rat and, consequently, am not, at all, concerned with the weight!

[mpgxsvcd]

What does a Lambo Gallardo weigh? Audi R8? Nissan GT-R?

[JB]

Dry weight because with the dry sump oil system and the room for two sets of golf clubs the c8 is quite a bit larger than the c7 grandsport

the italians have been doing this for decades posting dry weight as curb weight,

at least gm was open about the weight listed was dry weight.

i wouldnt worry about this.

buy a 1LT .....buy carbon fiber wheels wouldnt be a bad idea either....

non runflat tires...

maybe the track version will meet your desire for less weight.

it should be announced in the not too distant future,

[Phil1098]

I am not worried about this, nor am I even discussing comparison to any other car, my point is it sure seems like there is some directive by the General to NOT discuss curb weight. I never said I had a desire for a lower weight or that they should spend another dime on exotic weight saving materials. I am buying a C8 and it weighs what it weighs. Only when you approach 4,000 pounds do I say that's too much. I suspect it will be very close to 3,480 and that's fine.

[P-Tree]

What does a Lambo Gallardo weigh? Audi R8? Nissan GT-R?

Take the below with a grain of salt. The figures are what I found.

Audi R8 V10: 3,583 lbs (5.864 lbs/hp)
Chevrolet C7 Corvette GS: 3,463 lbs (7.611 lbs/hp)
Chevrolet C7 Corvette Z06: 3,559 lbs (5.475 lbs/hp)
Chevrolet C7 Corvette ZR1: 3,647 lbs (4.830 lbs/hp)
Chevrolet C8 Corvette: 3,500 (est) (7.070 lbs/hp)
Ferrari 458 Italia: 3,450 lbs (6.052 lbs/hp)
Ferrari 488: 3,412 lbs (5.169 lbs/hp)
Honda NSX: 3,878 (6.7677 lbs/hp)
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4: 3,308 lbs (5.992 lbs / hp)
Lamborghini Hurracan Evo: 3,424 lbs (5.434 lbs /hp)
Nissan GT-R: 3,836 lbs (6.789 lbs/hp)
Porsche 911 S: 3,382 (7.634 lbs/hp)
Porsche 911: 3,382 lbs (8.518 lbs/hp)
Porsche GT2: 3,241 lbs (4.697 lbs/hp)
Porsche GT3: 3,153 lbs (6.306 lbs/hp)

[SteveS]

There is further discussion of this issue on this thread: https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...t-3-550-pounds