Should Corvette be its own Brand

**gwballin** · 04-01-2009, 09:07 AM

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.

**hamburger68** · 04-01-2009, 09:15 AM

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.

**310stanger** · 04-01-2009, 09:57 AM

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

**jad628** · 04-01-2009, 10:01 AM

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?

**310stanger** · 04-01-2009, 10:06 AM

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?

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

**jad628** · 04-01-2009, 10:12 AM

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!

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.

**hamburger68** · 04-01-2009, 10:26 AM

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.

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!

**86 IROC-Z** · 04-01-2009, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by gwballin

Include a V6 model

lol

**gwballin** · 04-01-2009, 11:09 AM

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.

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.

**jad628** · 04-01-2009, 11:45 AM

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.

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.

**Max Power** · 04-01-2009, 02:18 PM

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.

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.

**hamburger68** · 04-01-2009, 03:15 PM

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.

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!

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.

**ibanez7** · 04-01-2009, 05:06 PM

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.

**Mean Green Z28** · 04-01-2009, 05:17 PM

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.

**grouch0jr** · 04-01-2009, 05:44 PM

no.

**TempleU_WS6** · 04-01-2009, 06:20 PM

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.

**1MileCrash** · 04-01-2009, 06:49 PM

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.