ME Grill vs. Required License Plate

[John]

Two front grille treatments have been shown to us.


While this is the front fascia we have been expecting...



This is what GM is testing at the ‘Ring right now.



Since 30+ states require a front plate, just dawned on me that while several of us earlier dismissed this center of grill occlusion as “just GM deliberate camo mid-direction,” that the C8’s grill center piece, just like the aero plate cover that was standard issue for all C7’s, could be being tested for how it effects cooling system adequacy — critical for those who are going to have to run with that aero cover on due to the front plate requirement.

Here is Kirk Bennion, Corvette Exterior Design Manager, describing the C7’s treatment of the license plate aero cover.

[Frenzy36]

Fortunate no front plates here in Florida. Nice option for those who need it, and extremely easy to remove. It's TOO HOT here for that. Keep it open and let that puppy breathe.

[Fasttoys]

John great point on the center testing and the plate. Texas has the law and 90% of us with sports cars don’t have plates and police usually don’t bother us. It does give them a reason to pull us over. Many use the tow hook section on the front of the car they make special hooks.

[Bikerjulio]

Would be nice if a way of mounting a plate was provided that does not involve drilling/damaging the front fascia. My C6 already had the plate holder mounted when I bought it. A big negative for some people. On the plus side the police around here seem pretty relaxed about front plates, so I may just try to leave it off.

[JustOneMore]

My salesman pulls the mounting hardware from the car as soon as it rolls off the transport so there's no chance of the boys in back mounting. To avoid a $75 ticket I trimmed the plate down & curved it to fit within the opening of our C6 & ZL1. The aero mount on the C7 was not offensive to me so I used it. I will do whatever I have to on the ME to make it as un offensive as possible.

[Racer86]

No front plate required in North Carolina. They even eliminated the paper glue on yearly renewal certificate that was required on the inside of the windshield. So all good in NC.

[Bluevette]

A lot of places don't require a front plate including where I live, so hopefully they just have it as an option. it would look pretty silly seeing one with a spot for a plate, but nothing there.

[LightningBolt]

You only need a rear plate on a Corvette anyway... that's the only one the law will see as you blow by!

[John]

It is a $144 ticket in my state, where two plates are required, most drive for years without getting one. However, exponentially growing use of red light camers and speed limit cameras might change the percentage who choose to comply with that requirement.

I choose to run with both, but have put the plate where I want.



Other friends in my state choose to put it on top of the dash, close to the windshield.

I have no idea what I might do when our ME arrives.

[John]

Thanks to CRABBYJ, we have this nice, synthesized front plate display option, and clearly consistent with the center covering on the 4 ME’s running at the ‘Ring.

[John]

All of a sudden it dawned on me, that perhaps, referring to the front grille only, what we are seeing at the ‘Ring and below, is all we could be getting for the 2020 ME’s grille (center area covered)....



And that not until the 2021 wide bodied version arrives, do we get this totally open grille?



This could fit with a little birdie whispering to me, that while he “really, really, really likes” the 2020 version, that he is over-the-moon with the later wide-bodied version.

[Boomer]

Front plates are required here in MD. When I got my new C7 in February 2014 I was able to get away without displaying a front plate for a whole two weeks before I was pulled over and issued a written warning. That was when driving a C7 was like waving a red flag of noticeability (still so to some degree). In contrast, I've never displayed a front tag on my 2014 XTSvsport and have had no challenges.

After I got the C7 warning I mounted the aero plate holder. Its satisfactory and subdued. I'm hoping the C8 has a similar arrangement as opposed to the standard C7 front plate mount which has been labeled "The Big Ugly".

[Frenzy36]

All of a sudden it dawned on me, that perhaps, referring to the front grille only, what we are seeing at the ‘Ring and below, is all we could be getting for the 2020 ME’s grille (center area covered)....



And that not until the 2021 wide bodied version arrives, do we get this totally open grille?



This could fit with a little birdie whispering to me, that while he “really, really, really likes” the 2020 version, that he is over-the-moon with the later wide-bodied version.

I actually like the first one better. As long as it allows for ample supply of airflow. I always worry about cooling living in Florida and sometimes stuck in stop and go traffic on 100 degree days. Wonder where the relief vents will be? Hopefully both on the front fenders and through the Hood (Frunk) as well.