C8 or Emira

[Roscobbc]

No question that a later Vette, whether C4, C5, C6, C7 or now C8 (and lets not forget the 'Z' versions) will outhandle and run rings around a C3 or earlier Corvette.......but I'll be happy for the moment with 376 hp per tonne, just a set of modern tyres, LSD rear end (and just the 'feeling' in my butt) to keep me on the tarmac...............

 

[Termie]

The weight balance of the C8 gives really beneficial traction advantage over previous marques......but with a weight differential similar to an 'old school' Porsche perhaps the handling 'electronics' now have an even greater importance?

If reports are to be believed, the engineers deliberately dialled in some understeer at the limit on the C8 Stingray for safety, because they know previous Corvette owners upgrading aren't necessarily familiar with a mid-engined car. This was not liked by the (often oversteer happy) motoring journalists until they realised there is a track setting published by GM that improved it significantly.

The older porsches had the engine weight after the rear axle, but the C8 is more like the Cayman with the mid-engined layout. It still makes it more snappy at the limit than before, but it shouldn't be like the old 911s.

None of this means the electronics aren't important, they matter on all higher performance cars these days, partly because people are used to a safety net now. But remember most journalists do try the car with all nannies switched off (especially on their track tests) so they do report on the natural balance and progression too.

 

[teamzr1]

Read this as a lot of good C8 design detail

C8 Design Detail

 

[Stingray]

Good example of what the controllers can be done to limit performance under many different conditions and as I mentioned having an auto tranny allows GM to even more control of limiting HP/TQ by simply controlling when and how much performance is allowed

Whereas having a manual tranny this cannot be done as this 2012 C6 with A6 tranny

I think that's the bottom line. Computer can protect the oily bits from the ape at the wheel - but not if he's got a stick and a clutch. Which means with an auto box the base-line performance can be set much higher and, especially in a tricky mid-engine layout, they don't need to engineer a gear-shift with multiple joints in the mechanical linkage.

There's also a fair slug of engine protection during the running-in period and from cold starts. For a manufacturer who cares about their reputation torque control = warranty protection without detuning the car in the longer term.