GM: "Will do whatever it takes to keep the Chevrolet Corvette - even a hybrid."

[Curacao]

GM: "Will do whatever it takes to keep the Chevrolet Corvette - even a hybrid."

Rick Kranz - Automotive News - September 21, 2009

As the federal government ratchets up fuel economy standards, General Motors Co. says it will do whatever it takes to keep the Chevrolet Corvette -- even a hybrid powertrain.

"We will only do a hybrid if that is what is required to maintain the vehicle," says Tom Stephens, GM's vice chairman of global product development. "I think we have a pretty good plan right now that probably will not require a hybrid in the near term."

To boost fuel economy, GM plans to reduce the Corvette's weight, offer tires with less rolling resistance and offer an engine with direct injection, variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation. Electric power steering alone could add about 0.5 mpg.

As for a smaller engine, Stephens says, "I don't believe that we need to do a six-cylinder engine in a Corvette at this time.

Link: http://www.autonews.com/article/2009...309219948/1186

 

[Lou G]

This is getting scary. When is one of these "Sharp" minds in Congress going to suggest going after the after-market engine builders? With everything coming out of Washington these days, I wouldn't put it past them.

 

[Rich Z]

Looking at the BROAD picture, the question really should be, "Just what ISN'T the government going to provide direct oversight and control over in the very near future?"

 

[85vette]

I'm just waiting for the advent of California style emissions testing here in Florida. We know it's coming, it's just a matter of time before someone in government realizes there's a buck to be made in doing so!

 

[gsdave]

Looking at the BROAD picture, the question really should be, "Just what ISN'T the government going to provide direct oversight and control over in the very near future?"

Yes and what's scarey is that so many people are either happy about this or are so clueless they can't see the writing on the wall.

 

[shakedown067]

I'm just waiting for the advent of California style emissions testing here in Florida. We know it's coming, it's just a matter of time before someone in government realizes there's a buck to be made in doing so!

We had it for years in Pinellas County (well, not nearly as bad as cali). They actually got rid of it because the program cost so much. It certainly won't happen any time soon with all the budget cuts. :dancer01:

 

[LS2POWA]

Its amazing how much it cost, and Cali. is still one of the most polluted, if not the most polluted state in America. Pretty sure if they dropped the testing crap, their deficit would be lower then it is now.

 

[Shadow]

1st off, a hybrid Vette' ain't necessarily a bad thing:NoNo:

With the right weight saving features (gonna take some serious out of the box thinking and will probably drive the mfg cost up a bit). skinnier tires (a la the "less rolling resistance" remark) and better engine technology, it can be done and still be a kick ass machine!:thumbsup:

People need to stop thinking high HP and think more torque.

A smaller high performance engine in the the right hybrid design, coupled woth the weight savings and such, could prove to be a serious performer:thumbsup:

As for the emission stations, I remember when they dumped it here in Hillsborough.

The state said our air quality was such we no longer required them:dancer01:

"If" the program were run properly, it could be a moneymaker.

Then again, when was the last time we saw anything run by local or state government that was run worth a chit?:shrug01:

If they even think they can make a buck, you can bet they'll bring it back, and the tree huggers will rallye behind them.

I can't wait to be able to afford that F250 DIESEL!!!!:reddevil:

A few perfomance adders, a chip and some leftovers...If you smell frenchfries and see black smoke...then KMA, I'm still ahead of you!:lmao::lmao:

 

[Rich Z]

Well, I think any car can be made lighter. Simply throw out things that were mandated in for safety and regulatory reasons. EVERYTHING the government demands that car manufacturers include in the cars they build and sell raises prices and weight.

If that doesn't work completely, then thow out things like: air conditioning, heater, power steering, power brakes, radio w/speakers, carpeting, padded seats, etc., etc.

Of course, once you do all that, who would want to drive such a thing?

Why the heck doesn't the government just stay the hell out of the way so that the PEOPLE who are spending their money to buy what they want can then dictate to the manufacturers what they want by voting with their wallets? Commerce in a capitalistic based society should be based on sellers trying to please, attract, and retain buyers by offering them what they want. Once that ceases and manufacturing is dictated solely by government decree, then tell me, just what the heck will be the difference between our way of life and communism?

Is that the route this country REALLY wants to take? Well if so, what was so bad about communism years ago that our government would send our troops to die for to defend us from it?

What changed?

 

[85vette]

Well, I think any car can be made lighter. Simply throw out things that were mandated in for safety and regulatory reasons. EVERYTHING the government demands that car manufacturers include in the cars they build and sell raises prices and weight.

If that doesn't work completely, then thow out things like: air conditioning, heater, power steering, power brakes, radio w/speakers, carpeting, padded seats, etc., etc.

Of course, once you do all that, who would want to drive such a thing?

Why the heck doesn't the government just stay the hell out of the way so that the PEOPLE who are spending their money to buy what they want can then dictate to the manufacturers what they want by voting with their wallets? Commerce in a capitalistic based society should be based on sellers trying to please, attract, and retain buyers by offering them what they want. Once that ceases and manufacturing is dictated solely by government decree, then tell me, just what the heck will be the difference between our way of life and communism?

Is that the route this country REALLY wants to take? Well if so, what was so bad about communism years ago that our government would send our troops to die for to defend us from it?

What changed?

A. You just described my first car. A 1964 Dodge truck. Hey, it got me where I was going! (most of the time)

B. The government doesn't have a monopoly on that. In 1969 you could order a Camaro with at least 5 different engine packages. And many "convenience" packages. With power steering, or without, etc., etc. Now you're lucky if you have a choice of 2 engines! And you can't delete the radio, or A/C, or power brakes. You get a car the way THEY (the manufacturers) want to sell it to you. Under the guise of "saving you money"! Years ago you were offered many options. Some people could afford to buy a new COPO Camaro. But some could only afford one with a 250 six cylinder, with no power steering or windows. Today they cater less and less to those "have nots". The new marketing stratedgy is that you DESERVE to have this new automobile with all the bells and whistles (even if you don't think so). Many decisions have been taken away from us, and not all by the government.