Should Corvette be its own Brand

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/r...olet-for-2010/

Given that in Europe Corvettes are not sold a Chevy dealerships and the introduction of a possible 4th model in the form of the Grand Sport, should GM make Corvette its own brand?

Considering what a great platform the C6 has, I don’t necessarily think it would be a bad idea to capitalize on economies of scale and offer a whole range of Corvettes. Include a V6 model to compete with 370z’s of the world all the way up to the ZR1 to compete with supercars. They have cut back production of the Vette so the manufacturing capacity is there, but is the market?

Given the financial situation of GM, this is strictly an academic exercise.

i read the title and thought "well, isn't it already?" since the corvette is the only internationally accepted american sports car in an affordable price range, why not? i think the market would be there, especially with a v6 powered diet-version.

I think a v6 in a vette is sacrilege. Dont pull the inline 6 in the first vette shit either. it didn't last lol

Sort of the Acura and Lexus evolution. Yeah, I can see that as a possibility, but not one that GM would likely let happen without enough compensation to make the idea worthwhile. Now if GM goes bankrupt, maybe so.

Twin turbo V-6 might be an idea, but with the line of LS engines, why go that route?

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Originally Posted by jad628

Sort of the Acura and Lexus evolution. Yeah, I can see that as a possibility, but not one that GM would likely let happen without enough compensation to make the idea worthwhile. Now if GM goes bankrupt, maybe so.

Twin turbo V-6 might be an idea, but with the line of LS engines, why go that route?

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i like the idea of a lower end vette with a 327 cu in lsx engine in it that revs high!

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Originally Posted by 310stanger

i like the idea of a lower end vette with a 327 cu in lsx engine in it that revs high!

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Might be a good option. They'd need to use restraint though. Too many engine packages on the same body would likely become a logistical nightmare with at least one engine choice being largely ignored, but the company still needing to stock parts for it. Three engine choices as a max.

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Originally Posted by jad628

Might be a good option. They'd need to use restraint though. Too many engine packages on the same body would likely become a logistical nightmare with at least one engine choice being largely ignored, but the company still needing to stock parts for it. Three engine choices as a max.

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i agree, i talked to my repair shop people a while ago about vw and their big bucket of options. they said it's a nightmare ordering parts, three different brake setups for one model, one engine, one year. crazy!

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Originally Posted by gwballin

Include a V6 model

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lol

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Originally Posted by jad628

Might be a good option. They'd need to use restraint though. Too many engine packages on the same body would likely become a logistical nightmare with at least one engine choice being largely ignored, but the company still needing to stock parts for it. Three engine choices as a max.

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That is why I am suggesting that the vette be its own brand with different models. Share the platform for economies of scale but offer a number of drive train configurations (and to a lesser extent cosmetic differences) to compete across both performance and financial segments.

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Originally Posted by gwballin

That is why I am suggesting that the vette be its own brand with different models. Share the platform for economies of scale but offer a number of drive train configurations (and to a lesser extent cosmetic differences) to compete across both performance and financial segments.

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It could work, but once again, I don't foresee GM letting its flagship sail off without 'em.

So what, four models?

Entry level - V6 or lesser HP v8
Standard - V8
Z06
ZR1

Just add the entry level and that's what they have now. Sounds an awful lot like the Mustang line. Do-able.

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Originally Posted by jad628

It could work, but once again, I don't foresee GM letting its flagship sail off without 'em.

So what, four models?

Entry level - V6 or lesser HP v8
Standard - V8
Z06
ZR1

Just add the entry level and that's what they have now. Sounds an awful lot like the Mustang line. Do-able.

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They tried an entry level Vette with the '99 hardtop. It wasn't very well received (sales-wise).

The current line is fine. Vette's are already very affordable. I don't see adding a V6 to the line as saving enough money to make it a mass-market car, it would just degrade the brand.

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Originally Posted by Max Power

They tried an entry level Vette with the '99 hardtop. It wasn't very well received (sales-wise).

The current line is fine. Vette's are already very affordable. I don't see adding a V6 to the line as saving enough money to make it a mass-market car, it would just degrade the brand.

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not necessarily. i europe, v8 engines are widely considered outrageous. the mentioning of 5.7 liter displacement has made me see a lot of headshaking! :lol:
a v6 corvette would get access to a large group of potential buyers who look for a more "reasonable" sportscar, and are more interested in looks than performance.

If corvette became its owne brand it would have gm as an umbrella parent such as Audi is to lamborghini.

Also a Corvette brand would have to be managed similiar to how lamborghini has managed their brand name (minus the suv/jeep). Yes you can have a few versions but dont over exploit the name or the car/brand loses what is special and unique about it.

I think it's doable, like Toyota wants to do with its Prius line; the Prius name is so recognized now that they can afford to have a spin-off off its popularity.

no.

Eh I dunno. Good idea on paper but I dunno if it would be so great in reality. Like mentioned they would have to keep the different options including engines simple.

i wouldn't be drawn to it. i've never liked corvettes and seein more models of them out there wouldn't draw me to them more. the car is a niche car...even as a base model so i doubt that they would be able to have a "corvette" brand remain viable in the long term.

Phuck no

I can't see the Vette being it's own separate entity. Chevy/GM purists would rebuke the idea.

What are the sales numbers for the last few years on the Corvette?

Personally I think the small v8 then LS3 then z06 and lastly a world beating zr1 would be the ticket and compete with ferrari and lambo. raise the european prices substantially. and maybe even go totally super car for a limited edition. large profit low production number cars.

bad idea---- it'll dilute the name to nothing just like what they did to hummer

I wouldn't mind a smaller, 300HP V8 if they sold a "base-model" version for $25k MSRP

if you keep the same bodystyle across the board I think a v6 is a horrible idea and will take away from the exotic appeal off the v8's

guys 327 cu in lsx engine that revs out to 7500 with a z51 suspension but otherwise basic entry level package, m6 and z06 lightness. That would be awesome. you'd have that, the ls3, z06 and zr1.

this discussion is going on on CF

Corvette could never be it's own brand. Besides there not being enough demand, there are components within the corvette that need to be mass produced. If they weren't mass produced you wouldn't have a vette coming from GM.
Examples:
The Ls3 block is also used in trucks and SUV's.
The steering wheel is also used in the solstice and sky. Etc Etc.

If the Corvette was to stand on it's own the price would sky rocket.

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Originally Posted by PhillyLs1

this discussion is going on on CF

Corvette could never be it's own brand. Besides there not being enough demand, there are components within the corvette that need to be mass produced. If they weren't mass produced you wouldn't have a vette coming from GM.
Examples:
The Ls3 block is also used in trucks and SUV's.
The steering wheel is also used in the solstice and sky. Etc Etc.

If the Corvette was to stand on it's own the price would sky rocket.

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very good point. Its not like the vette is all that EXOTIC, theres interior switches and buttons im sure are used in other gm cars. Not to mention theres a heritage and connection with chevy and the vette.

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Originally Posted by PhillyLs1

this discussion is going on on CF

Corvette could never be it's own brand. Besides there not being enough demand, there are components within the corvette that need to be mass produced. If they weren't mass produced you wouldn't have a vette coming from GM.
Examples:
The Ls3 block is also used in trucks and SUV's.
The steering wheel is also used in the solstice and sky. Etc Etc.

If the Corvette was to stand on it's own the price would sky rocket.

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And the solsice and sky in your example are under different brands than chevy so if corvette was a different brand than chevy (still in the GM family) part sharing could continue. Mass production currently in place need not change by removing the vette from chevy and making it another brand under GM.

I think that even if it was doable to get Corvette out on it's own, I think having a "base" version and seeing even MORE of them on the road would kill it. I mean I love Corvettes, but knowing they were going to be all over in some shape or form and that I'd have to explain to people that no, mine's not the low-end one (Like I do now with my Z, having to explain it's not a 6...) That would just pretty much ruin it for me. :shrug: It loses the name and reputation that it has.

So.. I think if it were to be on it's own that whoever said it earlier was right. It needs to market similarly to Lambo and such, where it is still kind of a specialty car. Don't make it MORE available to the masses. I see tons of them as it is.