Concern for the mixed reactions on the ME

[Bluevette]

The car has always had mixed reactions be it "Should GM really make a ME" to the looks, but with the latest spyshots I've seen a lot more people online saying that it's ugly or it doesn't look anything like a Corvette. I'm also seeing the bad reactions more than the good ones when it comes to going outside of forums like this. Hopefully it is more well received when the full reveal comes.

[FrankLP]

Not worried at all. This level of change is going to lead to extreme emotions and reactions... both positive and negative.

Many naysayers might actually be uncontiously biased due to their belief that the Corvette should always be a FE with a manual transmission. Others may just not like the look of the Corvette ME.

I’m confident that there will be many that are as excited and positive as me. I’m also confident that the ME design will attract many new enthusiasts.

GM realizes that you can’t please all of the people all of the time. But they also know that they need to stay innovative and progressive to stay competitive.

It’s truly a VERY exciting time for Corvette. I’m all in and enjoying the ride... no matter who’s onboard. I really don’t pay much attention to the naysayers. They have their right to their opinion like anyone else... I just choose to disagree with their opinion.

[John]

I am Frank LP on this, coupled with GM still has so much distortion camo yet on the car, folks should not now worry with what they are saying. And like all forums and the world at large, those who are the slightest bit unhappy have their say (on forums post their say), yet many who are fine with what is going on, do not both to poster.

For example, if you have a C7 engine problem and are on a forum you post that, but if you have a C7 and never have had an engine issue, do you automatically start a thread or post on an existing one saying, “my engine is great.” Having been the Exec Mod of the 2nd largest C7 forum for five years before starting this one, I know that while people estimated on that forum that there were hundreds and hundreds of C7’s with engine issues, including many outright C7 motor failures, the truth was really far from that, and from doing lots of reasearch, engine problems on C7’s constituted around 2% of all C7’s build, with most being broken spark plug C clips, water pump minior seepage and similar. Yet if your C7 motor failures, accurately the sky was failing, and most in that circumstance, then generalized that huge numbers of C7 motors have major problems.

The ME is a radically different proportion from all previous Corvettes, with instead of a long hood, it has a short one, and instead of a short rear deck, it has a long one. Change is difficult. Not saying that those who are displeased should not have their say, but let’s skip to something completely different for a perspective check.

But most importantly, re ME aesthetica concerns some have, at this time during C7 IVER testing, about 30% of folks said they did not like the cars looks, yet by the time they walked around it once, that was down to less than 10%, and many who still said they disliked it after walking around it once, bought one within the next three years.

I am not worried in the slightest, for additionally as fvs posts about his renderings, “GM will do much better.”

I am not discouraged at all with some others being negative, here or elsewhere. And to address the point in my second paragragraph, I really like what I saw today, but I did not post that once on this forum since the day began.

[John]

There is another component to this, and that unless one is worried about the Corvette surviving the addition of an ME option, it is fine that some do not like it. There are folks who love their C1-C6’s, yet never liked the C7. Good on them, and I know from for an insider, that GM did superbly well financially during the C7 generation — so much so that it decided to put $900M into the BGA upgrades and another $900M into developing the ME.

For those who own a currently Corvette, yet do not like and consequently will not a ME, GM’s intensive marketing reserarch has shown that the number of folks who come over from other makes (known in the trade as “brand conquests”), to the Corvette world, will compensate for those who will not. As one tiny example, yesterday I talked to a major Corvette dealer who is already getting many inquiry calls about the ME — from folks who volunteer that they have never before considered a Corvette.

Time will tell, but GM is not concerned. And of course those who do not like the ME, could get a nicely discounted C7 next year and the year after.

[Fasttoys]

I was very surprised how many Corvette faithful’s did not want to see the car go mid-engine. I spoke to many and based of some of these reaction I know some of them have never driven a modern ME. I get it people get accustomed & comfortable with the brands & what they like and change is not easy. If GM does the ME correctly I truly feel for those that give it a chance will love the ME set up better than an FE.

I get the frustration not having a manual option, unfortunately we are headed in a direction that manuals will be harder to find and more automation, safety nannies will be added to our toys. I can’t wait as I like the front, certain side views of the ME, I am just a little complexed on the rear spoiler and how it looks as an afterthought. I am sure things will change or more options will be available.

[John]

Here is a post I just read on another thread. It was extremely on point to this one also, so thank you dcbingaman!

One other point - this thing really, really borrowed from the Aria Fast Eddy concept. It may be even prettier, but the overall shape is very close. Even the nose shape is the same, with the exception of the conformal headlight moldline on the C8, (which could not be done for a one-off like the Aria, resulting in the ugly 1982 Camaro-like rabbets in the otherwise smooth hood.)

Look how the same ridgeline for the quarter panel originates at the scoop, and the lower door line defines the bottom of the scoop and runs around to form the back bumper. Even the rear side window shape is the same. Incredible. This is more how the car will look with a good paint job and no foam stuck on it - much like a 200 mph stiletto knife.

To which he added these two pictures of the Aria (which I saw in person at the LA Show last December and was stunning):







Thank you dcbingaman!

[brad66]

Every generation change causes this type of reaction. There are some owners out there who don't think anything made after 1967 is worth the Corvette name.

[John]

I love the C2 gneration. Wish someone on the forum who has such a beauty would give me his (hint, hint).

You are right Brad66, that there is always major angst whenever a new generation Corvette arrives. We all remember the outright derision of the C5’s big butt, the scoffing at the C6’s visible headlights, and the absolutely worst travesty in the recorded history of the entire planet Earth, the non-round C7’s taillights.

We sure are in for more “adjustments” as folks get used to the C8.

[Bluevette]

Here is a post I just read on another thread. It was extremely on point to this one also, so thank you dcbingaman!



To which he added these two pictures of the Aria (which I saw in person at the LA Show last December and was stunning):







Thank you dcbingaman!

That is a very beautiful car and I for one am glad that they borrowed aspects from it.

[John]

The actual taillights on that and another version of the Aria, are literally those from the C7 — though the tops were slightly cut off.

[AbqVic]

Don't forget the "sour grapes" factor. It was obvious during both the C6 and C7 introductions. There are many Corvette owners who may be limited by finances, age, or health. Rather than accept their reality, they chose to trash the new car.

[JustOneMore]

Can you imagine what the reaction to the 63, especially the coupe, would have been if the internet was around then?

[Bluevette]

Can you imagine what the reaction to the 63, especially the coupe, would have been if the internet was around then?

I'd assume not that great haha. Now it's one of my favorite classic cars. I think that it mostly comes down to the fact that people hate change, but I'm sure that lots of them will be blown away when we actually see the ME in its full beauty.

[Bluevette]

Another factor is likely because people are looking at the car as is. Even McLarens (some of the most beautiful cars in my opinion) don't look too great with all of that camo

[Racer X]

Well that is why it might have made sense to offer the ME as "another model" altogether. Kind of the best of both worlds option. Obviously the bean counters know what they can make and what they can sell. I for one like everything i see about the ME. I think it looks very much like the C7's older brother. However, if you wanted more european looks you could be dissappointed.