GM Please Unbundle Some Options

[Klinn]

In trying to configure my perfect C8, there some bundled options that I really wish GM would offer separately.

1. Z51 Package -- I wish the spoiler & splitter were not bundled into the Z51 package but instead a separate option. All the performance goodies of the Z51 are great, but so too is the clean sleek look of a non-aero'd car. Those that like the spoiler & splitter could easily add them.

1. Mirror Camera -- I consider the inside rear mirror using the camera view to be such an important safety feature that I think it should be available to all C8 buyers as a separate option, not just to those who spring for the 2LT or 3LT packages.

1. Front End Lift -- Same thing, why not give 1LT buyers a chance to order this too? If it means going without the GPS memory aspect, so be it.

What do you think? Anything else you would like to see offered separately or differently?

[JB]

Im with you on the e60 lift being available as a standalone with 1LT yet its been said thats how gm motivates consumers to step up to 2 LT..

ill just pass on E60..

no big deal.

[meyerweb]

Agree completely on the rear camera and the lift system. Not sure I agree with the spoiler / splitter, though. The Z51 is designed to be track capable, and the extra downforce isn't just a performance benefit on the track, it's a safety benefit.

OTOH, probably only a very small percentage of Z51 buyers get any closer to a track than the parking lot.

On the C7, for a couple of years they offered a package that provided the Z51 wheels and body parts, without the extra performance features. I wonder how many people choose the Z51 just for the look, and couldn't care less about the actual benefits.

[BMBLBEE]

I'm quite happy with the packages offered. Cost of single add on options would be prohibitive and make the manufacturing process slow down. GM have spent years understanding what "most" people want bundled together. You could probably get a 2LT Z51 and remove the wing and splitter to get a "clean" look or a basic 1LT and learn to live without the "nice to have" stuff. Just My Opinion - no flame intended.

[Klinn]

Im with you on the e60 lift being available as a standalone with 1LT yet its been said thats how gm motivates consumers to step up to 2 LT.. ill just pass on E60...

Sure, but look at it from the other direction -- you've already decided that the 2LT is not right for you. GM is never going to see that money from you. If they offered the front end lift to 1LT customers too and you eagerly bought it, they would at least get the extra money for that option from you. Their total profit on that particular car just went up.

Just My Opinion - no flame intended.

Don't worry, no flame received. Everyone's opinion is valid.

[meyerweb]

I'm quite happy with the packages offered. Cost of single add on options would be prohibitive and make the manufacturing process slow down. GM have spent years understanding what "most" people want bundled together. You could probably get a 2LT Z51 and remove the wing and splitter to get a "clean" look or a basic 1LT and learn to live without the "nice to have" stuff. Just My Opinion - no flame intended.

Unfortunately, removing the rear spoiler leaves a bunch of holes in the rear fascia.

[Klinn]

Not sure I agree with the spoiler / splitter, though. The Z51 is designed to be track capable, and the extra downforce isn't just a performance benefit on the track, it's a safety benefit.

Any time you see a simple downforce spec, like the 400 lbs that's currently floating around, it's incomplete. It may be 400 lbs, but at what speed? Only at the 190 mph top speed? How often am I likely to reach that even on a track? The base model doesn't come with any aero, should it be banned from tracks because it's unsafe?

All I'm saying is that most downforce specs you read should be taken with several large grains of salt. It's become just another stat to brag about.

[meyerweb]

Yes, speed is a factor, but it's not like downforce jumps from 0 to 400 lbs at 190 mph. Even at half the speed, there's going to be an impact.

[Klinn]

Also, what is this "safety" thing you speak of?

Lapping on the track means taking it to the edge of the performance envelope (as best we can). If you increase the size of that envelope by adding some downforce, that just means you'll be pushing the car even harder to reach the new improved limits. That means the armco comes at you more quickly.


Anyway, we've gotten a little off track (so to speak) I'm glad you agree with my other two suggestions. Will GM listen to us???

[Gators2020]

I’m with you 10000% on unbundling the z51. I hate the rear wing and am likely going to ditch the entire z51 package to avoid having to get the wing or 6 holes in the rear as a result of removing it.

[JB]

In the spy shots of the test mules i didnt like the rear spoiler but painted as show in person(thinner) and even in the photos...i kind of think it fits the z51 performance package...would I have gotten it without it? Im not so sure after seeing the car in person. Go see the car in person and decide would be my advice.

as far as the E60 and other aspects of any car...nothing is perfect...

im going with the flow on this,

we can ask, get an answer, let them know what we prefer but at the same time i understand the logic.

cant always fight city hall and win.

[SheepDog]

I was fingers crossed for individual choices on the options. Had assumed that the packaging was a marketing maneuver to sell more stuff, that people don't want. But did some shallow thinking on the subject. Not sure any more. Now I think that , probably, the bundling as-it-is is probably the best deal . The bundling probably keeps the cost of the options more affordable.

Individual options: If we take the total number of options and perform a mathematical operation on it we derive the total number of possible combinations of options that customers would be able to order and that the factory would need to track, individualize and execute. Say for example, that there are 100 total options, then the possibilities are in the tens of thousands or millions.

That would run the process crazy and increase the cost of the options individually and in combinations . Finally, simply Inspecting each finished vehicle to make sure that the options combinations was correct would require man-hours. Error rates. Some percentage of vehicles would require a re-do, and a process for that. It would be doable but costly. Does that kind of thing have something to do with why Lambos cost a freaking fortune.

So it may be the best of worlds that some stuff is packaged and some individual.

So! 60K$ plus options etc? The options will not strangle me. Everybody ws expecting a 70/75K$ or even more base. Optioned out this thing will be 75/80K$. I think they have it figured to keep the price low. So looking at the whole deal and it is a charm.


Another thing, the Vette dealer structure will get most cars sold at MSRP and not a system of gouge like Ford and Supra and some other outrages

[BMBLBEE]

Sheepdog make very good points. When I ordered my 2017 Grand Sport I got MUCH MORE included in the 3LT GS package than adding a bunch of stuff to a 3LT Z51 (which is what I traded in) at a LOWER price than with all the options added to the Stingray. GM Wants us to move up to the next level but they do make it worth our while.

[07MontyRed]

On the C7, for a couple of years they offered a package that provided the Z51 wheels and body parts, without the extra performance features. I wonder how many people choose the Z51 just for the look, and couldn't care less about the actual benefits.

I'm sort of the opposite of those folks ... I don't track any longer, but I want the big brakes and extra coolers (and edif) ... could care less about the 400 pounds of downforce the spoiler and splitter give (since I will never see the speeds they are effective at) and prefer the clean look. Oh well ...

[meyerweb]

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see some of these become stand alone options in future model years. That happened with some things on the C7, such as the FE4 suspension, which was only available with the Z51 in the beginning, but separately later.