On 3/1/2013 10:05 AM, Dad wrote:
> "uncle_vito" > wrote in message
> ...
>> "Smarty" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On 2/28/2013 2:05 PM, uncle_vito wrote:
>>>> "tww1491" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> I would guess the "cheap" vette would compete with cars like the 370
>>>>> Nissan
>>>>> Z with a commensurate price. Likely come with the standard truck
>>>>> automatic, a/c, accessories etc. I don't see the point.
>>>>>
>>>>> "Smarty" wrote in message ...
>>>>>
>>>>> http://www.businessinsider.com/chevy...ent=emailshare
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>> I do not see the point either. If you want a cheaper Vette, just by
>>>> the
>>>> regular one after it is a few years old.
>>>>
>>>> Vito
>>>>
>>>>
>>> GM wants to sell more cars. A lower cost Corvette will attract more
>>> buyers. GM gains no benefit when somebody buys a 'regular one' when it is
>>> a few years old.
>> Yes, but a Corvette is a "prestige" auto. No prestige in buying a
>> cheaper one. Also GM better watch out. When the fixed window coupe
>> came out years ago, its chassis stiffness made it the car to buy for max
>> performance. The cheaper car actually becomes the more desireable one.
>>
> Lets correct a few things here, first off it was 1999 and was called a fixed
> roof coupe with the bonded body it made the car 12% stiffer, the chassis and
> other assorted parts were the same. The bonded body was the reason for the
> added stiffness not a chassis change, plus it was 80# lighter. Option
> restrictions, like color (WOW) made it a different buying experience, 4031
> sold that year. Price was $394 less than a base coupe, another wow with less
> emphasis. So much for being the "desirable one."
>
> Then in 2000 the marketing strategy of GM kicked into gear and the added
> wheel change pushed the sales to a whopping 2090 of the 33,682 sold that
> year at $575 lower price. That year the base coupes that had some engine
> tweaks were kicking the FRCs ass on the tracks. Now come the 2001 Z06
> option, add on, engine changes (385 HP), and the ever coveted "price hike"
> back to WOW. Now the Corvette buyer had everything, more power for more
> money and bragging rights. In 2002 the lowly (FRC) Z06 now topped the base
> coupe price by $8,700 with 405 HP and they sold 8297, high HP and a high
> price sells Corvette, carry on GM.
>
> Time passes and the "NEW" C6, skin change, wheel spacing, and bells and
> whistles with pretty lights here and there hits the streets with a lower
> base price??? Next they take the Z06 back to the full coupe design with new
> fenders, 427 CID, and more bragging rights for nearly a 50% increase.
>
> Now GM is going to start this parade of incompetence over again with a
> smaller engine? I was planning to have a 7th generation Corvette since I've
> owned all 6 and most likely could use an automatic at this age but this new
> design is like a fart during sex. Somehow I think I can get along with what
> I have, plus there is no reason to be seen it the new design be it bragging
> rights (?) or anything else. Used to be that people would point at the
> Corvette and wishfully smile, now there's a good chance they will point and
> laugh.
>
Vito and Dad,

I think we all agree that this move by GM is not necessarily a good one,
and that the prestige and mystique of the Corvette will somehow be
reduced if another lower cost model is introduced.

Plain old fashion greed is at work here, and Porsche Boxsters, Caymans,
and other watered-down versions of the more deluxe 911 unfortunately
create this type of competitive pressure for GM to imitate / match.

FWIW, I am still lusting for the C7 convertible and I wait impatiently
until next year for it to arrive.