[elegant]

While the Torque News article below is not the first place, article or person to postulate that the Z06 might be so good, that there will be no ZR1, here is a their pretty well reasoned article that reinforces that premise.

If the C7 is a "short generation" as GM has promised, perhaps only five years long, maybe the car will be so good that sales continue to be great throughout the seventh generation. And perhaps the Z06 will be so great that it "conquers" its foes for that entire period, of course with its annual "upgrades," and thus no need to bring out a more powerful or better performing ZR1. GM is already saying the Z06 will have super car capabilities, and that its track capabilities will be the best in Corvette's history, meaning that they will surpass the ZR1. Until the January Detroit Auto Show, besides that one "small view" teaser picture GM released, all we get to see is the Z06 mule...

Now, the other side of this conjecture. GM promised a short C5 generation and then a short C6 generation. Neither happened and C5's were produced for eight years, C6's for nine. Of course, competitors won't stand still either. Progress in the car world is only until someone "ups" its game and threatens your position, and maybe GM will have no choice but to again bring out the ZR1? Or, conversely, will GM continually "up" the Z06 so there is no need for a ZR1?

However, Torque News does present some interesting points to consider. Here's their article, with thanks!

"A 650hp 2015 Corvette Z06 Might Kill the ZR1 - Literally"

While we were busy swooning over the first teaser image of the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 that General Motors issued early last week, we almost missed a key bit of wording that leads me to believe that the company doesn’t intend to build a C7 ZR1 – meaning that the next generation Z06 would replace both the previous Z06 and the more powerful ZR1.

The second sentence of the press release announcing the intended debut of the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 proclaimed that this new model will “complete Chevrolet’s performance car lineup” as it joins up with the other new performance models including the 2014 Corvette Stingray, the 2014 Camaro Z/28 and the new SS Performance sedan. Stating that the new Z06 will “complete” the performance lineup suggests that there isnt anything else coming to that group in the near future and – in a roundabout way – suggests that there is no Corvette ZR1 on the way.

You might be asking yourself why General Motors would considering “stopping” with the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 whereas the C6 Corvette had the Z06 as somewhat of a “midlevel” package while the ZR1 was the top of the line. Rumors around the automotive water cooler lean towards the idea that the 2015 Corvette Z06 will offer somewhere in the area of 650 horsepower from the supercharged LT4 engine that was leaked on Instagram last week. With 650 horsepower on tap, the 2015 Z06 would pack 12 more horsepower than the C6 ZR1, and the Z06 features a similar 7-speed manual transmission and Magnetic Selective Ride Control system as the base 2014 Corvette Stingray. Also, the press release containing the first teaser image suggested that there will be unique chassis appointments which could be some of the magnesium goodies similar to those found in the C6 ZR1.

The C7 Z06 could pack 650 supercharged horsepower sent to the rear wheels through a 7-speed manual transmission with a lightweight chassis, a super aerodynamic body package and Magnetic suspension system. The C6 ZR1 is a 638 horsepower supercharged beast with a 6-speed manual transmission, a lightweight chassis, an aerodynamic body and a high tech suspension setup. In short, the Z06 will very likely meet or exceed every qualifying point that made the ZR1 the best Corvette on the market during the 6th generation so there really isn’t any space for the ZR1.

Should all of those expectations (which are based predominantly on rumors and speculation) be true, the 2015 Corvette Z06 will not just be the best Corvette ever but it will also contend with almost any sports car sold in the world – and that includes European supercars that cost 10 times more than the base Corvette Stingray. Provided that the new Z06 is just as incredible as we all expect, this new Corvette will very likely beat almost any car sold in the world so there just wont be a need for a more powerful version of the C7 Corvette.

Of course, even if the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 comes out of the gate in such an incredible manner as to seemingly kill the need for the mighty ZR1, GM will likely keep the ZR1 name in their pocket for a model down the road…similar to what they did with the previous generation. If that new Z06 is truly that good, it could take GM a couple years to work up a higher performance version and that gap could lead the company away from the ZR1 name.

Can everyone say…C7 Corvette Blue Devil? That name never showed up during the 6th generation Corvette but maybe the C7 will finally bring that long-rumored super-Vette into reality. Or maybe General Motors will introduce the Z06 as the ultimate Corvette and just keep that as the top of the line GM sports car for a handful of years until they have a real reason to build a 700 horsepower factory Corvette.

Source:A 650hp 2015 Corvette Z06 Might Kill the ZR1

As always, only time will tell, and we can't wait the five weeks until we know what the Z06 will actually being to the table.

 

[H2OStingray]

"A 650hp 2015 Corvette Z06 Might Kill the ZR1 - Literally"

Interesting but a 750hp C7(ZR1) would also kill a 650hp C7(Z06)

 

[elegant]

"A 650hp 2015 Corvette Z06 Might Kill the ZR1 - Literally"

Interesting but a 750hp C7(ZR1) would also kill a 650hp C7(Z06)

Yes in a performance sense, but no it would not mean they stop producing Z06's, i.e, they would have both as during the C6 gen. However, Torque News is suggesting that if there is a 650 HP Z06, there might not be a C7 ZR1 at all.

 

[H2OStingray]

that would be sad

 

[ALF01]

As the former owner of a 2010 ZR1 (traded early for my upcoming Stingray), I see the logic in all the above.

The one flaw (?) I find with all that is the horsepower wars…..I cannot see the top of the line Corvette having 10 *LESS* hp than the top of the line Mustang…..so I'm banking on a 700hp ZR1.

I interpreted the press release line about "completing" the lineup as did the article's author, but it won't be the first curve ball from GM….

 

[Redc7]

Keep in mind GM is also about making money, they also have to meet government mandates around noise, safety fuel mileage, etc how many ZR1's did GM sell at $120K I know many sat on dealer showroom floors and were greatly discounted. One reason was the ZR1 was only slightly faster than the Z06 and was about $30K cheaper. So if GM does bring back the ZR1 what would the HP and price be? My guess is it would have to be over 700hp and price will likely be above the $140K mark. Will there be enough customers willing to pay this to make it worth while for GM to build?

Looking at what GM has done with the Camaro coming out with different variations maybe GM will do the same thing with the Z06? Like a pure track model like the Z28? If I was a betting man I don't think we'll see a ZR1.

 

[StingThis]

Keep in mind GM is also about making money, they also have to meet government mandates around noise, safety fuel mileage, etc how many ZR1's did GM sell at $120K I know many sat on dealer showroom floors and were greatly discounted. One reason was the ZR1 was only slightly faster than the Z06 and was about $30K cheaper. So if GM does bring back the ZR1 what would the HP and price be? My guess is it would have to be over 700hp and price will likely be above the $140K mark. Will there be enough customers willing to pay this to make it worth while for GM to build?

Looking at what GM has done with the Camaro coming out with different variations maybe GM will do the same thing with the Z06? Like a pure track model like the Z28? If I was a betting man I don't think we'll see a ZR1.

Everyone here makes great points. Here is my .02-worth. I have owned every engine version Vette. To say a C5 Z06 is only slightly slower than a ZR1 is not accurate unless were are talking 0-60 in wet conditions Try 30 to 160 This is no comparo.

At this level of performance GM and customers will have no problem paying Gas Guzzler Taxes. Mandates on noise - perhaps but again the aftermarket does not have that issue. So its an easy fix on both intake noise limits an exhuast alike.

I don't know how many ZR1's sat on dealer floors but i know when they first came out they were selling way over sticker.

Perhaps one problem with the ZR1 was that a Z06 and Grand Sport could be made to look just like it. The ZR1 did its job:

1. It showed everyone GM could do it
2. It established them as a REAL player in the Exotic car world - All be it American-esque
3. and perhaps most inportantly,...it sold more Z06's and GS models

I agree at 650 HP the Z06 C7 will be a force. Naturally everyone will want to see a race between new and old as well as C6 ZR1 v. C7 Z06 and if ever C7 ZR1 v. the world.

If they build it - they will come

My C6 Z06 was always a better track car then the ZR1 but on the highway the ZR1 was just sick ands that's good.

My vote is drop the the ZR1 and give us a convertible 650hp Z06.

To me the real problem is GM, Ford and the rest are building such good cars the aftermarket performance section begins to suffer. The average person is not so inclinde to work on the engine and suspension like in the past - that is a fact

 

[LT1xL82]

Corvette could have both a "Z06" and a "ZR1" with the same car.

To make it a track car have options for lighter weight, less luxury, street legal ultra performance track tires... This would be a Z06/Z28 "ish" of car.

To make a King of the Hill, have options for more luxury, ultra performance street tires... This would be the ZR1 "ish" car.

Both cars would share the vast majority of parts, saving engineering/manufacturing/certification dollars and result in some seriously desirable automobiles.

Mush will become more clear in Detroit this January.

 

[Redc7]

Everyone here makes great points. Here is my .02-worth. I have owned every engine version Vette. To say a C5 Z06 is only slightly slower than a ZR1 is not accurate unless were are talking 0-60 in wet conditions Try 30 to 160 This is no comparo.

Sorry I was comparing the C6 Z06 to the ZR1 depending on who's specs you read says the Z06 0-60 at 3.9 secs with 1/4 mile at 11.8. For the ZR1 it was 3.2 secs 0-60 with a 1/4 mile of 10.66. Agree from 30 to 160 no contest.

"I don't know how many ZR1's sat on dealer floors but i know when they first came out they were selling way over sticker. "

This was the same thing with the C4 ZR-1's at first they sold for as much as $30K over sticker but within 2 years people were buying these at invoice. Same I'm seeing for the C6 ZR1's.

 

[Redc7]

Another option/idea is to make the C7 ZR1 a pure race car option only I think I remember Viper doing that at one time.

 

[elegant]

As all 2014 StingRays, including the convertibles, have a 20% stiffer chassis than the C6 Z06, not ruling out a January 15 reveal of a removable roof C7 Z06, nor as an extra surprise, on March 6, 2014, the reveal of a C7 Z06 convertible at the Geneva Auto Show.

And with the leak of the 2015 eight speed automatic transmission, capable of 737 TQ, might that be another extra surprise for us all, i.e., a Z06 in all flavors, including the Z07 "sub-package option" for track folks.

 

[LT1xL82]

Agree. Personal opinion is if the performance variant isn't offered with a removable top/convertible, the marketing folks should lose their jobs. Same for the automated transmission. There is clearly a market for such cars.

As all 2014 StingRays, including the convertibles, have a 20% stiffer chassis than the C6 Z06, not ruling out a January 15 reveal of a removable roof C7 Z06, nor as an extra surprise, on March 6, 2014, the reveal of a C7 Z06 convertible at the Geneva Auto Show.

And with the leak of the 2015 eight speed automatic transmission, capable of 737 TQ, might that be another extra surprise for us all, i.e., a Z06 in all flavors, including the Z07 "sub-package option" for track folks.

 

[StingThis]

Agree. Personal opinion is if the performance variant isn't offered with a removable top/convertible, the marketing folks should lose their jobs. Same for the automated transmission. There is clearly a market for such cars.

Wait - you think the transmission should be removable

 

[LT1xL82]

Wait - you think the transmission should be removable

Well, that way you go topless, shiftless, or both!

 

[mjw930]

Personally I would be shocked if the Z06 has forced induction but all things seem to point to that. I was hoping for a performance progression similar to Porsche with a Z06 = GT3 as a track weapon and the ZR1 = Turbo as a full tilt, max HP. max luxury GT version. I suppose a track spec, forced induction Z06 and a pumped up, GT tuned, super luxury ZR1 could share the same showroom. If that's the case I would expect the ZR1 to be a 2016 MY release.

 

[LT1xL82]

If that's the case I would expect the ZR1 to be a 2016 MY release.

I suspect you are correct. Hope not, I really want the C7 ZR1. When the HP for the Z06 is known as well as if it is track or luxury GT oriented this will be more clear.

 

[2vetteed]

Keep in mind GM is also about making money, they also have to meet government mandates around noise, safety fuel mileage, etc how many ZR1's did GM sell at $120K I know many sat on dealer showroom floors and were greatly discounted. One reason was the ZR1 was only slightly faster than the Z06 and was about $30K cheaper. So if GM does bring back the ZR1 what would the HP and price be? My guess is it would have to be over 700hp and price will likely be above the $140K mark. Will there be enough customers willing to pay this to make it worth while for GM to build?

Looking at what GM has done with the Camaro coming out with different variations maybe GM will do the same thing with the Z06? Like a pure track model like the Z28? If I was a betting man I don't think we'll see a ZR1.

For my .02 cents worth. I don't think we'll see another ZR1. GM can do so much with the new Z06. Remember the Z06/07? A Z06 with a number of track type enhancements.

 

[elegant]

It costs a lot of money to develop a new model. If overall StingRay sales continue at 2014 levels year after year, yet conversely due to cost, etc., C7 Z06 sales echo the last five years of the C6 Z06's sales -- averaging about 500 units per year, doubt we will see a ZR1 -- especially if the Z06 is a 625 HP monster, and is, as GM has already declared, is the most track capable Vette ever.

Conversely, if the economy is generating lots of folks, say 1,000+ per year, who are willing to spend $100+ K on a fully equipped Z06, and similarly overall StingRay sales continue to average 25K, GM could well bring out a 700 HP ZR1 costing $150K. If so, thinking that a C7 Grandsport, wide bodied equivalent is next after the Z06, for model year 2016, and that the 2017 model year is most likely the time we MIGHT we first see a ZR1.

 

[weaponX]

Agree. Personal opinion is if the performance variant isn't offered with a removable top/convertible, the marketing folks should lose their jobs. Same for the automated transmission. There is clearly a market for such cars.

i'm with this guy!

 

[Redc7]

It costs a lot of money to develop a new model. If overall StingRay sales continue at 2014 levels year after year, yet conversely due to cost, etc., C7 Z06 sales echo the last five years of the C6 Z06's sales -- averaging about 500 units per year, doubt we will see a ZR1 -- especially if the Z06 is a 625 HP monster, and is, as GM has already declared, is the most track capable Vette ever.

Conversely, if the economy is generating lots of folks, say 1,000+ per year, who are willing to spend $100+ K on a fully equipped Z06, and similarly overall StingRay sales continue to average 25K, GM could well bring out a 700 HP ZR1 costing $150K. If so, thinking that a C7 Grandsport, wide bodied equivalent is next after the Z06, for model year 2016, and that the 2017 model year is most likely the time we MIGHT we first see a ZR1.

Totally agree GM is about selling volumes of cars and to build a ZR1 would price the car such that they would never sell enough to justified the R&D cost plus dealers may have to go thru special training just to sell a few a year? With the Z06 at around 625hp the first year might mean we could see some increases down the road like 650+. Just my $.02 of course.