i have the base one with the LS3. my C5 had more hp and rode terribly....

 

Too many people associate a very sophisticated transverse composite leaf spring with the leaf springs in the back of my '69 Camaro. (I know you know the difference), but the perception of benefit of a coilover solution is not a slam dunk - in this car.

What specifically do you feel the transverse composite leaf spring gives up to coils (in the Corvette)? (easier) adjustability - yes. Everything else, maybe not.

Technologically familiar to most or not, the TCLS works in the Corvette. It weighs less than coils, can react faster vertically than a coil, provides a lower center of gravity to a full coil (in the Vette), assists stiffness laterally, etc...

I get that race teams put coilovers in so they can adapt the rates to different courses/conditions, but I don't believe it's a technical advantage per se, it's because they don't have access to other leaf springs with different/compound spring rates and/or due their familiarity with coils.

These rate changes aren't necessary on the street. 95% of Corvette owners will never bring their car to that level. Yes, GM could use coils, and 95% of guys wouldn't adjust those either (to their benefit).

Time will tell if GM makes this change. I don't car either way, since the stock ability of my Z06 is far greater than my driving skill (on the street). Perhaps the change would allow some to view the 'Corvette' as a more modern (if not better handling) car.

Re the interior part, I agree with you on the new car - better seats, carbon packages (options) or die!

 

My last comment on the leaf spring issue:

You may be (and probably are) 100% correct about the advantage of a leaf spring on the current (C5/C6) Corvette, but it's yet one more reason to come up with an entirely new package. This would allow different suspension pick-up points, different geometry options, etc. My biggest gripe is that Chevy (and most of GM for that matter) keeps seeming to think, "Eh, it's good enough." In my opinion, you and the other Corvette owners here should be demanding more! Look how much I rag on Porsche (my brand) for trying to "fluff up" the 911 too much. Maybe we need to send Porsche guys to Bowling Green and vice versa...

 

LOL, then the next gen. Corvette would have the engine hanging out past the back wheels

GM is making cars for the masses.. they just happen to have a model that plays with the other cool kids.

We'll both hope that the next Corvette is great - suspension methodology and all.

Peace.

 

I guess Chevy should "update" the suspension. Not because coilovers will be better, but because of ignorance. Unfortunately there is always a big misunderstanding between better tech and perceived better tech.


But it IS good enough. If you will already never come near the performance capability of the current setup, why do you need a higher capability? Essentially that could be like paying $5,000 for a performance mod you will never use/notice. Especially when the ZR1 will already smoke any Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, etc in the real world, on real roads. If it already out-handles them on canyon roads, and tracks, why are you complaining? Sorry, but $5k for unnoticeable gain is not worth it, to me. If you can do it aftermarket and think you need it, then just do it that way. But the rest of us can put that $5k to better use.

I would no oppose a better interior.

Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised if the new Corvette had coilovers and an improved interior. With what GM has been doing lately(Camaro ZL1, CTS-V, etc) it seems like something they would do. Their whole push across the board, whether it is muscle, economy or luxury, has been for improved interior, quality and ride. I hope their goal of reduced weight applies to the Corvette as well.

 

I'm glad the Corvette is sort of staying as its "own brand" and not suffering from the boring Chevy is making these days. I think 20 years in the future Porsche and Corvette will be the only sports cars offered with manual transmissions.