Major concern about C8 (and possible deal-breaker)

[sraj]

Rear visibility. I am planning to upgrade my M4 convertible in the next year or two, and was on the fast train to a 911. The C8 intro threw a wrench into those plans. I am intrigued by what appears to be vastly improved interior quality, the ME layout, and little things like HUD that aren't available in the 911...and of course the value. However, seeing the (few) pictures of the convertible have me worried. It looks like the rear 3/4 view is pretty much non-existent (although with the top down, possibly better than the coupe). One of the things that I love about my M4 is the flat rear deck and unobstructed 360 degree visibility. It's part of the joy of open top driving for me, the way I am surrounded by my environment. It's also a safety feature, as I always confirm safe lane changes with a quick glance over my shoulder.

I haven't written the C8 off yet. I plan to test drive one as soon as they are available. The merits of the vehicle might overcome this drawback.

Is this a concern for anyone else? It's not mentioned very much on these boards.

thanks,
Raj

[Phil1098]

I plan to test drive one as soon as they are available.

I would guess this is going to be the bigger issue, there won't be a car to drive that isn't sold for the first couple years. If I'm wrong I'll admit it, but if history repeats itself......

[WillRockwell]

I would guess this is going to be the bigger issue, there won't be a car to drive that isn't sold for the first couple years. If I'm wrong I'll admit it, but if history repeats itself......

I wonder if the rear camera can be kept on

[TOMDOM69]

Rear visibility. I am planning to upgrade my M4 convertible in the next year or two, and was on the fast train to a 911. The C8 intro threw a wrench into those plans. I am intrigued by what appears to be vastly improved interior quality, the ME layout, and little things like HUD that aren't available in the 911...and of course the value. However, seeing the (few) pictures of the convertible have me worried. It looks like the rear 3/4 view is pretty much non-existent (although with the top down, possibly better than the coupe). One of the things that I love about my M4 is the flat rear deck and unobstructed 360 degree visibility. It's part of the joy of open top driving for me, the way I am surrounded by my environment. It's also a safety feature, as I always confirm safe lane changes with a quick glance over my shoulder.

I haven't written the C8 off yet. I plan to test drive one as soon as they are available. The merits of the vehicle might overcome this drawback.

Is this a concern for anyone else? It's not mentioned very much on these boards.

thanks,
Raj

it'll have better visibility then my convertible camaro, with the top up.

I have my "lean forward looking in the door mirror" perfected !

[meyerweb]

It appears the 2LT and 3LT will have the rear view camera / mirror, which should solve the problem when the top is up. I, too, am interested in how visibility compares to my C7 vert with the top down.

[Rob4092xx]

You "plan to test drive one...." Good luck doing that anytime in the next several years! Dealers are going to have these cars on lock down!

[mjw930]

Note to Chevrolet, if you want conquest sales come up with a demo program.

I wonder when Hertz gets their C8’s?

and there will be unsold C8’s by late 2020, especially if there are any significant constraints but that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to drive one

[Fasttoys]

Rear visibility. I am planning to upgrade my M4 convertible in the next year or two, and was on the fast train to a 911. The C8 intro threw a wrench into those plans. I am intrigued by what appears to be vastly improved interior quality, the ME layout, and little things like HUD that aren't available in the 911...and of course the value. However, seeing the (few) pictures of the convertible have me worried. It looks like the rear 3/4 view is pretty much non-existent (although with the top down, possibly better than the coupe). One of the things that I love about my M4 is the flat rear deck and unobstructed 360 degree visibility. It's part of the joy of open top driving for me, the way I am surrounded by my environment. It's also a safety feature, as I always confirm safe lane changes with a quick glance over my shoulder.

I haven't written the C8 off yet. I plan to test drive one as soon as they are available. The merits of the vehicle might overcome this drawback.

Is this a concern for anyone else? It's not mentioned very much on these boards.

thanks,
Raj

Have owned over 16 BMW with many being M Cars and I just sold my M3 with 20k miles. The C8 will have a camera mirror at the top and it can stay on while driving, this is not the back up camera by the plate. This will solve those issues, only problem the BMW and 911 gives you a back seat if you need it. Plus it will have side alerts and so many safety features you will be fine if you order a 2lt of above.

[Klinn]

The C8 will have a camera mirror at the top and it can stay on while driving, this is not the back up camera by the plate. This will solve those issues.

The camera for the rear view mirror is mounted on a section of the roof which is folded away when the top is lowered. Presumably the mirror reverts to the standard reflective surface at that point. So that still leaves the issue of what the visibility will be like trying to see around the buttresses.

[xzotklr]

Rear visibility. I am planning to upgrade my M4 convertible in the next year or two, and was on the fast train to a 911. The C8 intro threw a wrench into those plans. I am intrigued by what appears to be vastly improved interior quality, the ME layout, and little things like HUD that aren't available in the 911...and of course the value. However, seeing the (few) pictures of the convertible have me worried. It looks like the rear 3/4 view is pretty much non-existent (although with the top down, possibly better than the coupe). One of the things that I love about my M4 is the flat rear deck and unobstructed 360 degree visibility. It's part of the joy of open top driving for me, the way I am surrounded by my environment. It's also a safety feature, as I always confirm safe lane changes with a quick glance over my shoulder.

I haven't written the C8 off yet. I plan to test drive one as soon as they are available. The merits of the vehicle might overcome this drawback.

Is this a concern for anyone else? It's not mentioned very much on these boards.

thanks,
Raj

The C8 has a blind spot safety feature. And in the words of Valentino Balboni ( legendary Lamborghin text driver ) " Watsa behind you don't matter it's what's in front of you that counts!! "

[JB]

The rear view camera turns into a video camera yet I cant help think the 911 convertible is a better choice for you,

the 992 is a good looking sports car...

what options are you lining up for in the 992 convertible...

i wonder if they will double the cost of the c8.

post up a photo after you pick up your new sports car.

[Phil1098]

what options are you lining up for in the 992 convertible...i wonder if they will double the cost of the c8.

I don't have to wonder, but at least for that he can have 6 cylinder that can get him to 60 in under 5 seconds.

[Fasttoys]

The camera for the rear view mirror is mounted on a section of the roof which is folded away when the top is lowered. Presumably the mirror reverts to the standard reflective surface at that point. So that still leaves the issue of what the visibility will be like trying to see around the buttresses.

Okay understand, do we have proof this is what will happen?, if so I still don’t see it being an issue. I have owned many ME that had nothing but a mirror and no safety features and I was able to drive in Dallas traffic without any issues. The rear and side alerts on my daily driver and my wife’s Q5 solves a lot of these issues. Most mid engine cars have a high back which is like a wedge with the back sitting taller, I don’t know any modern ME you can see out of. One thing you will notice about your M4 is that the seat sits very high compared to any ME, I prefer the feel of an ME where my friend likes the upward driving position of the M3/M4. At this point no one can answer your question, you will need to check it out yourself before ordering. The likely hood to drive one will be very difficult, I have no issues with Lambo, Ferrari and Mclaren but Corvette is not easy most dealers on launch say no way..

[NCMlifer]

At first I thought that rear view camera on the Cadillac was kind of a gimmick, but it is really neat, and should be standard equipment on all cars inmo. If you get the camera rear view mirror - problem solved. Please try that, I thought - oh how dumb, till I tried it (on a Caddy)!

[John]

We have not seen the HT convertible, nor do we know how the top mechanism works, and much more.