List of Observed Configurations, Technologies, and Components on the Zora

[Skank]

How about we generate a numbered list of observed known and identifiable components, technologies, and obvious configurations that we can glean from Zervs leaked CAD views. Here's a start from some of my own thoughts and of others. If anybody see's something wrong, please advise and we can adjust and/or add further info when we receive new information. I'm also including a new predictive feature determining whether each observed element is a Base or Optional feature. Any comments ending with a ? are a potential feature.






1. A world class super car not constrained by entry level materials to keep cost down but instead GM giving us the latest and greatest technology both while composing the chassis & body and while selecting interior material and then charge your customer for what you have built. Optional
2. A no-compromised super car with the best material and technology available. Optional
3. This mid-engine car will be another model (ZORA).. separate from the C7 and its successor C8.
4. We evaluate engine placement as not ALL Corvettes necessarily need to be front-engine cars. Front engine still remains the best balance, best optimization of what we feel the car needs to be.
5. He used the word "all" and not "the". I take that to mean that in a future Corvette offering, that not every Corvette will be front-engine configuration, or that every Corvette will be a mid engine configuration, but that there will be multiple engine placements available to chose from.
6. That's one reason I'm inclined to believe that a front engine and a mid engine Corvette will be offered at the same time, as two distinct model formats.
7. DCT Transaxle (shift by wire) ZF on high hp DOHC models with Tremec DCT Transaxle on the LT2 base model. (RedLS6) Base and optional
8. Magneto Rheological Engine mounts and Coil Over Magneto Rheological Shocks. Base
9. Space Frame Chassis has front and rear subframes. Base
10. Both Front Headlight and Rear Tail light assemblies have wrap around design to eliminate side marker lights. The rear air diffusers on the photo of the rear fascia wrap around the corner, while the diffuser in the CAD photo do not. Base
11. Three longitudinal layout engine configurations, 4.6L DOHC Two Stage Twin Turbo Charged V8, Gen6 LT7 5.5L DOHC Two Stage Twin Turbo Charged V8, New Gen6 LT2 6.2L OHV V8 as base engine. Base and Optional
12. Integrated Intercoolers. Optional
13. Advanced high-pressure die-cast aluminum or magnesium structural ribbed chassis stiffeners, struts, and brackets. Base
14. Adaptive Aerodynamics or Active Aero as indicated in Patent Application and Zerv leaked CAD views of underside hinged flap shutter panel. Optional
15. Active Aero Front and Rear to be moved by electric motors, not hydraulics or pneumatics. Electric motors react quicker and are lighter. Optional
16. DRS(drag reduction system) Vents to close off at higher speeds? Optional
17. Brembo Carbon Ceramic Disc Brakes with 5 Lug nut forged wheels. Optional
18. Dual Layer Designed Symmetrical Forged wheels. Optional
19. One Large Center and two flanking corner Front Fascia vents to cool rear mid-engine configuration cooling system. Base
20. Coupe Targa Configuration same as current C7. (possible folding hardtop convertible) Base and Optional
21. Cast A-Arms. Base
22. Tubular factory short headers instead of cast exhaust manifolds possibly in Inconel. Optional
23. Dual Fresnel Tail Light Technology like the C7. Base
24. Higher Carbon Fiber Body Panel Content. Base and Optional
25. Side Rear view Mirrors appear to be able to rotate in out of the way. Base
26. Dual Bubble roof shape. Base
27. Precision Smooth Cast Alloy Intake Runners from Air Box to DOHC engined Two Stage Twin Turbochargers. Optional
28. Massive Throttle Body on (LT2) Push Rod Engine. Base
29. Upper front arms look to be similar to C7 with trunions. Base
30. Lower front arms look to be similar to C7 with camber eccentrics. Base
31. Rear subframe is HUGE and is a mix of cast parts and welded tube. Base
32. Engine has alternator relocated. Base
33. Not sure what the upper-right accessory pulley is for. Upper left is water pump, lower right is AC. Base
34. Oil filter looks easy to get to. Base
35. Oil cooler clearly shown above filter. Base
36. Half-shafts look to be the "bolt on flange" style (no draining trans to remove shafts). Base
37. Transaxle is BEEFY. Base
38. Giant flat space above transaxle is more than likely for intake box/filter. Base
39. Frame looks to be similar to C7 with giant hydroformed rails (probably still aluminum) Hopefully with a fixed roof it'll be stiffer. Base
40. Brake rotors are 1 piece. Calipers are MASSIVE. Base
41. Side skirts are mechanically fastened just like C7. Base
42. Brake ducts clearly shown on front. Base
43. Rectangular Shaped Steering Wheel. Base
44. Looks like it will have adjustable suspension(Front axle lift system) gaging by the pneumatic or hydraulic line apparently emanating from the bottom of the LF shock/spring assembly. I assume this because the brake line and ABS speed sensor wire are also visible in the same view...this and zooming in on the bracket that these mount to on the frame indicates 2 significant hoses' hard mounting points on the frame where they will transition to tubing. Optional
45. It looks like a Dual Port and Direct injection system. Optional
46. High tunnel in the cockpit is for torsional rigidity, coolant lines, electrical bussing etc. Base
47. Shared central structure with the FMR base car. Base
48. Spoiler is integrated and deployable....no tacked on pieces. (Spy shot observation) Base
49. Rear brake ducts and/or vents from the wheel well to the rear bumper to reduce the pressure build-up in the wheel well. Base
50. New "state of the art" paint shop to provide higher level paint quality. Base
51. A Cadillac version further down the road. Optional
52. Higher Quality Standards and higher Durability Standards. Base
53. Rear spoiler actuator to be piston style electronic actuator ? Optional
54. All-LED headlamps and tail lamps. Base
55. Digital Rear View Streaming Mirror/Camera on top of B pillar roof beam on hatch and centered for wide splayed view. Will require a flat screen in dash. Base
56. Centerline Bookmatched Carbon Fiber Components since ZR1 already set the precedent. Optional
57. Hardtop convertible version to have Retractable Hardtop ? Optional
58. Lithium Ion Battery Option is at the front of car for ease of jumpstart and weight management of location. ? Optional
59. Carbon Fiber Wheel Option ? Optional
60. New Bowling Green Plant manufacturing Advancements(Skillet System)to accommodate both FE and ME identical wheelbase. Base
61. Possible use of AKC ZF rear wheel steering unit since GM now has it in use in the Cadillac ? Optional
62. Solid Hardtop option (Bolted in roof panel like C6 ZR1) for the ultimate structural rigidity ? Base
63. State of the Art Bose Panaray Sound System Option ? Optional
64. Dual Rear Brake Calipers ? Optional
65. AEB (automatic emergency braking) ? Base
66. Back-up alarms ? Base
67. BSP (blind spot protection) ? Base
68. Plasma Ignition Controller ? Base
69. Corvette will use an advanced mixed-material approach for the lightweight body structure of the upcoming Mid Engined ZORA. Base
70. The front hood is hinged from the back near the windshield for easy access to the frunk. Base
71. The fuel door is on the driver side. Base
72. The Frunk storage cavity will most likely have a premium quality soft luggage set optimized for the cavity shape. Optional
73. The Height of car is approximately 48.5" ? Base
74. New Advanced Headlight and Taillight LED technologies. Base
75. Standard narrow body in 2020 as the base model ZORA. Base
76. Wide body higher performance version in 2021 as a mid-level model ZORA. Optional
77. Wide body top performance version in 2022 as a top level model ZORA. Optional
78. FCA/FCW e.g. frontal collision avoidance/warning. Base
79. Electro-Hydraulic Braking Assist ? Base
80. New ZF Steering Damper to integrate into ZF system ? Base
81. Swan Style(Aston Martin) upswing Doors to eliminate hitting curbs. Base
82. Large full rear hatch with separate Storage compartment within engine compartment? Base
83. Cosworth to make heads for the 4.2 and 5.5 V8's
84. Possible electronically actuated manual transmission? Base
85. Potential Hybrid Drivetrain technology as indicated in GM Patent? Optional
86. Left and right hand drive for all markets worldwide for C8 ME ZORA and C8 FE. Base
87. Potential of all wheel drive since GM has trademarked Sport Control AWD? Optional
88. Potential of ZF Electronic "Brake By Wire" System? Base
89. The Vent material and color palette will follow the C7 formula. Base
90. The Mid-Engine Corvette's Hatch has a unique design to aid cooling. Base
91. A GT model that is designed for Grand Touring. Base
92. Lear Seats in all models of the ZORA. Base
93. New 12/48V Electrical System on all ZORA models. Base
94. New High Tech Laminated Corning Gorilla Glass as possible Glass spec. Base
95. Power swinging opening doors for Swan Style Doors. Base
96. Potential placement of plasma actuators to enhance Aero Tech? Base
97. Potential split rear window detail ? Base
98. Potential Active Side Aero System? Optional
99. Potential passive two stage oil separation system on C8 engines? Base
100. Potential active hybrid rear spoiler that functions side to side? Optional
101. Potential of High Definition Rear backup camera? Base
102. Potential of Adjustable Splitter System? Optional
103. Potential of Aerodynamic Under Body Strakes? Optional

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[John]

Thank you Skank for doing such an outstanding job to compile all this ME knowledge, probables, possibles, and maybes into one thread!

I can not imagine how much time it took you to compile in this one thread such diverse information.

In terms off usefulness, this thread will be a “top five” all the way until the reveal.

THANK YOU SKANK FOR SHARING ALL THIS GREAT INFORMATION WITH US ALL!!!

[FrankLP]

Thank you Skank for doing such an outstanding job to compile all this ME knowledge, probables, possibles, and maybes into one thread!

I can not imagine how much time it took you to compile in this one thread such diverse information.

In terms off usefulness, this thread will be a “top five” all the way until the reveal.

THANK YOU SKANK FOR SHARING ALL THIS GREAT INFORMATION WITH US ALL!!!

Indeed, it's going to be interesting/fun to compare how much of the speculation actually comes to fruition!

For me... it sure does feel like this next generation of Corvette is truly going be revolutionary. I think about all the mythical ME concept designs of years past...and... well...

These are very exciting times for the Corvette heritage!

[OnPoint]

When you think about just how tight the purse strings were when GM developed the C7, it's remarkable just how good that rig is. Tadge and co. will have had A LOT more development $$ to play with in developing the ME. Not that simply spending money guarantees great results, which it doesn't. But, I look at the substantial improvements of the 7 over the 6, done on a comparative shoestring, and optimistically look forward to an impressive ME, engineered and developed with greater spending latitude.

[John]

Very true. I had forgotten the very limited budgeted for the C7’s development. Thanks OnPoint for that reminder, and pointing out the greater amount of funds available for ME’s development.

[John]

Electro-hydraulic braking could be a “maybe” on the ME. It does have advantages re fewer vacuum lines within the engine compartments and is not a vacuum draw on the motor.

???

2019 XT4 Is First Cadillac Ever To Use Electro-Hydraulic Braking Assist

• BY FRANCISCO CRUZ
• — JUL 21, 2018

In addition to introducing an all-new 2.0L turbo SLY engine, next-generation Electronic Precision Shift, and a new layout for interior controls, the 2019 XT4 is also the first-ever Cadillac vehicle to implement ‘Electro-Hydraulic Braking Assist’ technology. The inclusion of the feature was first uncovered by our friends at Cadillac Society.

Having already been implemented by other automakers, Electro-Hydraulic Braking Assist “supplants the traditional vacuum-assisted power braking system with an electro-hydraulic system that enhances fuel economy and takes up less space under the hood”, according to Cadillac.

The “electro” in ‘electro-hydraulic system’ refers to an electronic actuator which eliminates the need to pull vacuum from the engine/manifold, thus being more efficient while also reducing the amount of vacuum lines under the hood.

Cadillac wasn’t very forthcoming about the exact efficiency gains about the technology, but looking at it from that standpoint might be missing the forest for the trees, since the more relevant point is that Electro-Hydraulic Braking Assist is capable of functioning without the engine running, which is useful for hybrids, PHEVs, and other electrified alternative-energy vehicles. As such, including Electro-Hydraulic Brake Assist in the XT4 will likely make it much easier for GM/Cadillac to introduce hybridized versions of the vehicle in the future.

http://gmauthority.com/blog/2018/07/...raking-assist/

[Skank]

Thanks John for the excellent post !

[John]

Thank you Skank for continuing to update your excellent thread but adding in new information!

[John]

Re # 8: “Magneto Rheological Engine Mounts,” we have learned of a technical paper supporting/elaborating on this possibility. Thank you Crabby J for finding this, and thank you very much to the International Journal Of Materials for this 2015 technical paper. As ZF has taken the concept in that paper, and brought them into production, it certainly is a possibility for the 2020 ME Corvette.

http://www.naun.org/main/NAUN/materi...042018-086.pdf

Here is a related thread with a picture of rheological engine mounts potentially being on the ME (post # 4).

https://www.midenginecorvetteforum.c...on-the-me-zora

[AbqVic]

Thank you Skank for all the intelligent work you put into this thread.

Overall, you have reinforced my belief that both FE and ME will be produced simultaneously into the indefinite future. All the ME development money can spill over into a new FE C8 that would be an awesome improvement over the already awesome C7.

As many have said, building both cars simultaneously is easily done, and the direct costs of each unit is quite small compared to recovering development money and plant overhead. Why not spread those costs over more units?

In my unsupported opinion only, each car could have the full spectrum of trim and performance options. Pricing could interleave like shuffling two decks of cards into one. A win, win for everyone, including GM!

Thanks again Skank, Vic

[Skank]

Thank you Vic for checking this out. There was a huge amount of info gleaned from a lot of smart articulate Corvette enthusiasts.

[Skank]

Ltomn has forwarded a photo of the C8 Zora at the Nurburgring Nordschliefe showing Swan style (Aston Martin) upswing doors clearly. It's going on the list !

[Daviboss10]

Ltomn has forwarded a photo of the C8 Zora at the Nurburgring Nordschliefe showing Swan style (Aston Martin) upswing doors clearly. It's going on the list !

Could you post it?

[Mobius]

Ltomn has forwarded a photo of the C8 Zora at the Nurburgring Nordschliefe showing Swan style (Aston Martin) upswing doors clearly. It's going on the list !

Post it!

[ltomn]

See image attached. The door swings upward several inches to avoid any contact with the curb or any other infringement. Also recognize that in total simplicity (so much so that it's brilliant) GM has gently curved the bottom and back of the door to round up and create even more clearance.