2014 Corvette C7 CFD aero

[justme1969]

nice camaro.

[Frank Lee]

It has some nice design elements but overall it's too busy for me. I have a particular dislike for Chevy's taillight design theme, which appears in some form in other models too. Still, if one was in my driveway, I'd like it to stay there.

[Shepherd777]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...sorry, but it looks like the Cadillac designers (sharp-edged wedges) and the Chebby designers (smooth, flowing aero shapes) argued and BOTH ended up leaving their "marks" on the design, resulting in a very "hodge-podged" overall design IMHO!

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

It has some nice design elements but overall it's too busy for me. I have a particular dislike for Chevy's taillight design theme, which appears in some form in other models too. Still, if one was in my driveway, I'd like it to stay there.

I am such a Corvette fan and have been one for over 45 years now. And obviously, I'm an an aero advocate as well. But I completely agree with both of you gentlemen. Too sharp. Too angular. Too busy. Nothing smooth. I'm really disappointed.

However, I did think they hit a Grand Slam with the interior.

[tjts1]

Speaking of interior...

[ECONORAM]

Originally Posted by ERTW

I have said before (nothing original) that sharp edges kill aero. The rear fenders are sharp...I believe the nascar spoiler is key to making the rear end work. I'll try to find the aerodynamicist at NAIAS on Thursday and question him on that.

I'm still unsure how tilting the rad forward reduces lift.

btw, the Vette is rated at 17/30 mpg...

A buddy of mine has a 98 model that gets 30mpg highway. He asked at the dealership and was told that is common. No wonder you don't see too many Corvette ads...

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

It has some nice design elements but overall it's too busy for me. I have a particular dislike for Chevy's taillight design theme, which appears in some form in other models too. Still, if one was in my driveway, I'd like it to stay there.

I'd keep one if it happened to be in the driveway too!

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by ECONORAM

A buddy of mine has a 98 model that gets 30mpg highway. He asked at the dealership and was told that is common. No wonder you don't see too many Corvette ads...

I'd keep one if it happened to be in the driveway too!

Yup, common knowledge that cruising on the highway in any of the more recent Vettes you can get a bit over 30mpg. That's different from EPA highway rating though. Honda Civic Si (with the K20, not the K24 POS they switched to) is rated what, 29mpg highway? What people actually got is more like 40mpg cruising.

[Frank Lee]

Isn't it funny how now that engines have variable valvetrains and intake tracts (purpose being to widen the rpm operating range) they are mated to transmissions with 2x the ratios of engines not so equipped?

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Isn't it funny how now that engines have variable valvetrains and intake tracts (purpose being to widen the rpm operating range) they are mated to transmissions with 2x the ratios of engines not so equipped?

I bet it's because people just never gave half a **** about fuel economy until this past decade.

For example, my car (and the Celica GT). The Celica GTS, Matrix XRS, and Lotus Elise (had shorter 6th gear, but much bigger tire diameter to make up for it) got the 2ZZ-GE with cam phasing and VVTL-i, MMC cylinder liners, etc. and a 6 speed transmission. The 1ZZ-FE equipped cars (including the Corolla, though that got a taller final drive) got a 5 speed with a 5th gear that was shorter than the 6th gear on the 6 speeds. The result is the longer stroke engine with less friction reduction technology gets to rev higher on the highway and waste more fuel. Hey, Toyota saves the cost of one gearset, it's a win for them, and consumers didn't really care.

[botsapper]

Zora Arkus-Duntov created a more aerodynamic version in 1957. The car was very anemic in the beginning, but Zora was instrumental in the customization/hot rodding and upgrading the OEM and racing performance of the Corvette. http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/image...vette-SS_6.jpg

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by ennored

I was just playing with the new Vette yesterday.



Depending where you fit the max height zero camber line you can just get the spoiler to touch the template.

a few years ago a photo appeared for the Corvette Racing Team car.It was a long distance telephoto image,close to true length dimensions.
That car appeared to do the same thing,with the rear spoiler reaching up to the 'template' contour.
Back in 1982,with the GM Aero X concept car,the advanced engineering guys involved with the project told ROAD &TRACK that GM had very stringent criteria for outward rear vision.The 'fast' slope of the C-7 backlight may be a concession to visibility.
Friends with Prius's complain of rear visibility.It's a valid issue.
Thanks for the contour comparison!