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After 12 years the mind wanders...thinking of buying a Grand Sport

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Old 05-15-2017 | 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by climacus
I replaced the RX-8 with a C7 too. You'll not miss the RX-8. The C7 is such an effortless car to drive. You can drive it fast, you can drive it slow, it is very analog and mechanical feeling. Like a bigger ND Miata.

I get 26 MPG in city and 30 on the highway.
I'm only a couple of weeks in (just passed break-in) and I am amazed by it, not a creak anywhere, the suspension is so compliant (even in sport mode and 335/25/20 rear tires) yet the damn thing doesn't seem to have limits. Corners that make the 8 get all loose doesn't even phase this thing. I used to say the 8 has no understeer, but I have no words for this. Seats are amazing, brakes incredible, stupid power...

But I'm not getting your fuel economy, but then again I've always had it in sport mode to hear the dual mode exhaust and rev-match downshift on the 7M so it never sees 4cyl. mode. That new small block exhaust noise is over the top, but I will miss the engine noise from the 8 - nothing like that either.

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Old 05-15-2017 | 07:22 PM
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[QUOTE=climacus;4819130]C7 prices are still stupid high in Canada. GM only imported 1200 units/year into Canada in 2014 and 2015, and around 2000 units since then. They kept the MSRP low in Canada after our dollar tanked, so there are no incentives on them, otherwise our cars will be cheaper than in the US.

The US does get all the deals, but we now have 0%(48 months) and $1500 rebates as a starting point, which is good compared to previous years. Last year in the fall people were getting 10% off inventory on cash deals here too. Problem is, either path is only on existing inventory that's optioned to the max in most cases.
Old 05-15-2017 | 09:33 PM
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yeah I saw the recent drop in finance rates too, interested in the Grand Sport 1LT to start... but looks like won;t be able to order one and get discounts at the same time.
Old 05-15-2017 | 10:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Footman
yeah I saw the recent drop in finance rates too, interested in the Grand Sport 1LT to start... but looks like won;t be able to order one and get discounts at the same time.
I've seen 2017 GS 1LTs but with the Z07 package (which is about 10G) with carbon brakes and cup 2 tires that wouldn't last 2 summers. So if you can find a 2017 GS 1LT without the Z07 package and these deals I'd say dive in.

Otherwise your waiting to order a 2018 which has no deals right now, but likely will in the winter again.
Old 05-16-2017 | 12:07 AM
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Anyone who thinks an Rx-8 is better than a Grand Sport (or any C7 Vette) is full of themselves.

If they could afford one, they'd get one too..

I'd say get it, I've driven a C7 and it's an amazing car, handles great, sounds great, fast as hell.

In regards to your other question... I'm not an original Rx-8 owner but I've owned this one for roughly 6 years, invested 10s of thousands into it, and owned an '04 for 2-3 years.

Last edited by LifeAfterRx8; 05-16-2017 at 12:11 AM.
Old 05-16-2017 | 12:29 PM
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The C7 has been received very well by the public. And there's no doubt its a very capable sports car. I have a huge problem with the price though. Yes, we get shafted here in Canada, that's a given. But even in US pricing, I find the Vette very expensive.
I don't blame all these guys jumping on the Vette train.

If I was going to be in the market for a modern sports car, I'll wait till they debut the mid-engine Vette. I know for a fact the vehicle will have proper suspension all around. And there's very good insight they're going to do away with the push rod engines.
GM has to compete with Ford and their fabulous GT.

Things will turn interesting in the sports car front.

I'll be trading in my daily driver for a Tesla Model 3 in the near future.
Old 05-17-2017 | 10:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Neo
The C7 has been received very well by the public. And there's no doubt its a very capable sports car. I have a huge problem with the price though. Yes, we get shafted here in Canada, that's a given. But even in US pricing, I find the Vette very expensive.
I don't blame all these guys jumping on the Vette train.

If I was going to be in the market for a modern sports car, I'll wait till they debut the mid-engine Vette. I know for a fact the vehicle will have proper suspension all around. And there's very good insight they're going to do away with the push rod engines.
GM has to compete with Ford and their fabulous GT.

Things will turn interesting in the sports car front.

I'll be trading in my daily driver for a Tesla Model 3 in the near future.
Tesla eh? A friend of mine traded his 911 for a model S and loves it. I've driven both and think he's crazy. But to each his own.

If price is your issue than you'll hate the upcoming mid engine vette - if it happens at all - it certainly wont be at current prices. And I think the Ford GT that you're referring to is like 450$US...they got some ***** to ask that.

Considering where tested C7 lap times are, you'd have to spend tons more to beat it. In the case of the Z06, bring hypercar money.
Old 05-17-2017 | 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by 9291150
Tesla eh? A friend of mine traded his 911 for a model S and loves it. I've driven both and think he's crazy. But to each his own.

If price is your issue than you'll hate the upcoming mid engine vette - if it happens at all - it certainly wont be at current prices. And I think the Ford GT that you're referring to is like 450$US...they got some ***** to ask that.

Considering where tested C7 lap times are, you'd have to spend tons more to beat it. In the case of the Z06, bring hypercar money.
Not really fair to compare a 911 to a 4 door luxo barge. But for daily street use, I can see why he did the change over.
You gotta remember, to approach the same level of enjoyment you can get out of the 911, you'll have to risk yours and everyone elses lives on the road. You really need to take it to a track. Where as the Model S can be enjoyed for what it is. Never have to worry about maintenance.
Still not a very fair comparison.

Price and tech were always my issue with any version of the Vette. C7 included. Yes, the mid engine Vette is a long time coming, and I can confirm it's on the way since our company makes the dies that make the rear engine support/rear quarter panels.

Yes, the Ford GT is going for an extraordinary amount of money. But seeing as how its a halo car and a proper one since its raced and won, I think they can get away asking for 1/2 a mil for a copy.

Granted, bang for the buck, hard to beat the Vette for what it is. At that level of the game, you basically buy a car according to your preferences. Not to say any car you choose is "wrong", but personal preference places a considerable roll.
Old 05-17-2017 | 04:42 PM
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Not sure why you think the Vette is overpriced. Have you checked how much a Lexus RC-F cost? That's basically the Japanese Corvette. The C7 was $57k in Canada in 2014 before our peso dropped 30%.
Old 05-17-2017 | 04:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Neo
Not really fair to compare a 911 to a 4 door luxo barge. But for daily street use, I can see why he did the change over.
You gotta remember, to approach the same level of enjoyment you can get out of the 911, you'll have to risk yours and everyone elses lives on the road. You really need to take it to a track. Where as the Model S can be enjoyed for what it is. Never have to worry about maintenance.
Still not a very fair comparison.

Price and tech were always my issue with any version of the Vette. C7 included. Yes, the mid engine Vette is a long time coming, and I can confirm it's on the way since our company makes the dies that make the rear engine support/rear quarter panels.

Yes, the Ford GT is going for an extraordinary amount of money. But seeing as how its a halo car and a proper one since its raced and won, I think they can get away asking for 1/2 a mil for a copy.

Granted, bang for the buck, hard to beat the Vette for what it is. At that level of the game, you basically buy a car according to your preferences. Not to say any car you choose is "wrong", but personal preference places a considerable roll.
Agreed 911 to Model S is apples to oranges, but I know which I'd rather drive. That's not to say the Model S wasn't impressive - if real world range wasn't an issue I'd take it over its competition (5 or 7 series, E or S class). But I think my friend pays an annual maintenance fee to keep his warranty valid - like 600 or 800 a year. BMW is free by comparison.

Both the vette and GT are raced (vette's leading this year) Team | WeatherTech SportsCar Championship I saw them last year at Watkins Glenn and only the small block chev sounded right to me - pure nascar - while the GT sounded blah, the Viper sounded like the truck engine that it is, even Ferrari (now that it's FI) sounded plain. The NA flat 6 always sounds good - that's my runner up, followed by the V10 Lambos.

I love the look of the Ford GT, but I hate that they're using the 3.5 ecoboost. Give me a bigger Voodoo engine in that thing and I'd see it differently!
Old 05-18-2017 | 07:57 AM
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Originally Posted by climacus
Not sure why you think the Vette is overpriced. Have you checked how much a Lexus RC-F cost? That's basically the Japanese Corvette. The C7 was $57k in Canada in 2014 before our peso dropped 30%.
57G's?!?! Ha!! That's rich. That's the super base model. Basically 4 tires and the steering wheel. On the road you're still looking at 65-68G's (depending on "fees" and taxes of course). Since then our peso has dropped considerably.

And again, you can't compare the RC-F to the Vette. 2 completely different vehicles. The RC-F is a grand tourer where the Vette is all out sports car.
Old 05-18-2017 | 08:06 AM
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Originally Posted by 9291150
Agreed 911 to Model S is apples to oranges, but I know which I'd rather drive. That's not to say the Model S wasn't impressive - if real world range wasn't an issue I'd take it over its competition (5 or 7 series, E or S class). But I think my friend pays an annual maintenance fee to keep his warranty valid - like 600 or 800 a year. BMW is free by comparison.

Both the vette and GT are raced (vette's leading this year) Team | WeatherTech SportsCar Championship I saw them last year at Watkins Glenn and only the small block chev sounded right to me - pure nascar - while the GT sounded blah, the Viper sounded like the truck engine that it is, even Ferrari (now that it's FI) sounded plain. The NA flat 6 always sounds good - that's my runner up, followed by the V10 Lambos.

I love the look of the Ford GT, but I hate that they're using the 3.5 ecoboost. Give me a bigger Voodoo engine in that thing and I'd see it differently!
Clearly we're of a different mindset.
Yes, both the Vette and the GT race. However only the GT has ever won LeMans (at least from what memory serves me...)
And no, the Vette has the worst sound on the track. Sounds like a bunch of rumbling. Granted the Ecoboost doesn't sound any better, but nothing compares to the sound Ferrari's make. You can clearly make them out miles away.

I'm not sure how the new generation of "millionaire/billionaire"'s feel about Fords decision to make the new GT with their eco-boost. But with these trying times, I guess they had no choice.
Old 05-18-2017 | 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Neo
Yes, both the Vette and the GT race. However only the GT has ever won LeMans (at least from what memory serves me...)
The GT40 won the overall race back in the 60's, which is the last time Ford or any North American manufacturer did that.

Otherwise yes, the new Ford GT won its class in Le Mans last year (I think it's the GTE class) but the Corvette has won the same class at Le Mans several times (8 times I believe) since the factory started racing Corvettes again in 1999. It's actually unbelievable to me, since the vette is restricted to running about 150 less hp than the street car (Z06), plus the front engine configuration still seems competitive vs. all the exotica it's up against.
Old 05-18-2017 | 12:46 PM
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Originally Posted by 9291150
The GT40 won the overall race back in the 60's, which is the last time Ford or any North American manufacturer did that.

Otherwise yes, the new Ford GT won its class in Le Mans last year (I think it's the GTE class) but the Corvette has won the same class at Le Mans several times (8 times I believe) since the factory started racing Corvettes again in 1999. It's actually unbelievable to me, since the vette is restricted to running about 150 less hp than the street car (Z06), plus the front engine configuration still seems competitive vs. all the exotica it's up against.
I'm sorry, I should've been more specific. I meant the GT (meaning the GT40) was the only one to ever win LeMans outright. Just to stick it to Ferrari since they backed out of the acquisition back in the day.

Nowadays a regular car can't win LeMans outright since the prototype class has gotten so good at finishing races. Wasn't the case all the time back in the day, but nowadays...
The Corvette ran their class because they were the only ones in that division for the longest time. I found it kinda funny they didn't compete in the lower class since alot of their main rivals were in that field. Alas, I don't know what goes on behind the scenes in terms of rules and regulations and what the car manufacturer wants to achieve.

Ever since the rules changed again to let more cars compete in certain divisions, the new GTE class now holds alot of main rivals. And all I see are Ford GT's along with the solo Ferrari in that class be in their top form time and time again.
Old 05-19-2017 | 05:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Neo
And no, the Vette has the worst sound on the track. Sounds like a bunch of rumbling. Granted the Ecoboost doesn't sound any better, but nothing compares to the sound Ferrari's make. You can clearly make them out miles away.
Just came across this...
Listen to a Corvette C7.R Shout Patriotic Songs at Monza
...sounds like rock n roll.

Yours...
...sounds like a gay bee.
Old 05-19-2017 | 11:00 PM
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Originally Posted by 9291150

Just came across this...
Listen to a Corvette C7.R Shout Patriotic Songs at Monza
...sounds like rock n roll.

Yours...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_SUadPJGh8
...sounds like a gay bee.
Wait, hold up. Are you openly admitting the rotary sounds like a "gay bee"???

Yep, that c7 video you posted confirms exactly what I was saying. Sounds absolutely horrendous. Engine sounds stressed and doesn't rev anywhere near high enough to make an impact. Just sounds like a very badly tuned instrument. Might as well shout out " umerica!!!!"

On the other hand, the Ferrari soundtrack, although muffled a little due to the turbos, sounds more like a proper race engine.

I know its super hard to get the full impact of what these cars sound like over a video. Nothing beats the live soundtrack. But let me assure you, when you hear these suckers live, I guarantee you'll lean more and more towards the proper race engine.

Here are 2 examples of proper race engine soundtracks


(Hear how far out you can make out the 787b before you even start to see it. She sounds glorious!!!)
Old 05-25-2017 | 10:19 PM
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Originally Posted by 9291150
But I'm not getting your fuel economy, but then again I've always had it in sport mode to hear the dual mode exhaust and rev-match downshift on the 7M so it never sees 4cyl. mode.
Hey there is a sale on the MGW short shifter this weekend (US memorial day), I'm ordering one.

As for MPG, I never use 4cyl mode either. You just need to go into 7th as soon as possible and watch the real-time MPG meter. In 6th gear I'd see 7-8L/100km, but go into 7th and suddenly you're getting 5-6L/100km. No acceleration to speak of in 7th, but it will cruise at 800 rpm all day long. It also turns you into an old dude in a Corvette and makes you drive really slow and calm, lol. I'm constantly being tailgated by impatient asso in SUVs while hypermiling in 7th.
Old 06-22-2017 | 03:59 PM
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Originally Posted by climacus
Hey there is a sale on the MGW short shifter this weekend (US memorial and day), I'm ordering one.

As for MPG, I never use 4cyl mode either. You just need to go into 7th as soon as possible and watch the real-time MPG meter. In 6th gear I'd see 7-8L/100km, but go into 7th and suddenly you're getting 5-6L/100km. No acceleration to speak of in 7th, but it will cruise at 800 rpm all day long. It also turns you into an old dude in a Corvette and makes you drive really slow and calm, lol. I'm constantly being tailgated by impatient asso in SUVs while hypermiling in 7th.
Cool! As a now former RX8 and Miata owner I can say the C7 tranny feel is stunningly good. So far other than a good cargo net there's nothing screaming at me in terms of needs. Yet. Just a tint and Expel so far.

Re. economy it's shockingly good for what it is, I agree.

I'm likely to go to the IMSA races at Mosport July 9th, maybe I'll see you there.
Old 06-22-2017 | 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Neo
Yep, that c7 video you posted confirms exactly what I was saying. Sounds absolutely horrendous. Engine sounds stressed and doesn't rev anywhere near high enough to make an impact. Just sounds like a very badly tuned instrument.
You and I clearly don't agree on anything...racing, sounds, gayness...

The engine sounds like the complete opposite of stress.

As for racing, you're getting a lot of wonky info - this is the pic of the Vette last week that was leading the top production based class (GT Pro) going into the last lap at Le Mans before getting a puncture. Aston Martin then the Ford GT ended up passing it for 1st and 2nd.



On the season in NA the Corvettes are still leading the top class this year.
Old 06-22-2017 | 08:25 PM
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yeah that damn gravel pit done it in good in the last lap.
Old 06-23-2017 | 08:05 AM
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That was a great LeMans race!
Old 06-23-2017 | 11:54 AM
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For such a classic race, I couldn't find any T.V. coverage at all.
Old 06-23-2017 | 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by G_ man
For such a classic race, I couldn't find any T.V. coverage at all.
Because no broadcaster other than paid channels would cover it. Even then, it wouldn't be for the entire race.

Luckily YouTube was there to cover the entire race by broadcaster Eurosport due to willing people who were able to stream the channel.

Even then, there were cyber attacks preventing people from tuning into 1 source at any time.
I think I managed to watch almost 15hrs of the entire race through YouTube.

Sent a huge shoutout and thank you to the blokes who managed to stream the entire race.
Old 07-09-2017 | 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by 9291150
Cool! As a now former RX8 and Miata owner I can say the C7 tranny feel is stunningly good. So far other than a good cargo net there's nothing screaming at me in terms of needs. Yet. Just a tint and Expel so far.

Re. economy it's shockingly good for what it is, I agree.

I'm likely to go to the IMSA races at Mosport July 9th, maybe I'll see you there.
Just came back from the IMSA race at Mosport, did you end up going? I was the lone C7 out in the wild all weekend. The Corvette club guys never left the fenced off corral parking area it seems, lol.

I really like how this car has a ton of ground clearance for what it is. I parked it everywhere up on the hills, never bottomed out once.

Btw installed the MGW short shifter last week. It's pretty hard core. Very close to the S2000/Miata shift feel, but with higher effort since it's a Tremec. It really changes the way the car feel, you can snap off shifts quicker and it feels more natural. I know it sounds like hyperbole but it's true. It's a little stiff right now, I'm hoping it will loosen up some.

My next mod - starting looking for snow tires. Lol.
Old 07-12-2017 | 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by climacus
Just came back from the IMSA race at Mosport, did you end up going? I was the lone C7 out in the wild all weekend. The Corvette club guys never left the fenced off corral parking area it seems, lol.

I really like how this car has a ton of ground clearance for what it is. I parked it everywhere up on the hills, never bottomed out once.

Btw installed the MGW short shifter last week. It's pretty hard core. Very close to the S2000/Miata shift feel, but with higher effort since it's a Tremec. It really changes the way the car feel, you can snap off shifts quicker and it feels more natural. I know it sounds like hyperbole but it's true. It's a little stiff right now, I'm hoping it will loosen up some.

My next mod - starting looking for snow tires. Lol.
Yes I was there, set up at Moss corner (best viewing there is IMO) with my 2 sons, so I left my C7 at home. That #4 C7R has some bad luck doesn't it!

Otherwise I saw all sorts of exotica but didn't see any C7s outside of the corral, which was surprisingly bigly attended at $150 each - an extra $100 for a buffet and the possibility of a controlled lap? No thanks.

Good to hear re. the MGW. My next mod is the 1-4 shift eliminator...hate that. Also have that common paint issue where the front bumper meets the fender. Otherwise everything else about the car has been beyond amazing so far.



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