Automotive News, Media & Press - New C7 Info - GM says no Split window, no 5.5L

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/new-details-suggest-evolutionary-c7-corvette-no-split-window/

Very nice minor details. :pimp:

Interesting. I know alot of people were looking forward to the DI 5.5.

However the 7spd manual is a nice twist.

Good, they're doing major work on the interior. That is one of the biggest things holding it back.

Interesting. I know alot of people were looking forward to the DI 5.5.

However the 7spd manual is a nice twist.

I read that part and was quite taken aback.

Good, they're doing major work on the interior. That is one of the biggest things holding it back.

Definitely. Although the Centennial edition is quite a nice upgrade.

http://www.boston.com/cars/newsandreviews/overdrive/assets_c/2011/04/2012-Corvette-Centennial-interior-thumb-607x404-38684.jpg

Nice upgrade sure, but still not up to par with the competition. Which is no surprise, considering the discrepancy between prices of the base Corvette and the more-expensive competition. The problem is, that interior becomes a bigger issue when the price reaches and surpasses $100k.

Good, they're doing major work on the interior. That is one of the biggest things holding it back.

Corvette sales are among the worst they've been in the model's history. I think the biggest thing holding it back is it looking like it does sitting in showrooms next to the Camaro, which handily overshadows it.

The general overall look of the Corvette hasn't changed much since the C4 debuted and it's become the most vanilla looking sports car money can buy. Nothing about the style is distinctive or exciting. The Ford GT is a head turner, any Viper is a head turner while the Corvette is just a Corvette. GM's other performance models from the CTS-V to the Camaro are much more interesting to behold.

The car needs a total heritage inspired rethink in looks like the Camaro recieved. I was hoping it would get the same treatment but I guess not. Too bad.

I hope they don't try to go too retro with the Corvette...it always has been very progressive, and I think that's how it should be.

Im just glad they are sticking with the pushrod engine.

I actually like the look of the current Corvette, and I'm glad to see GM going with a 7 speed manual and addressing the issue with the interior. I think the interior has more to do with lagging sales then the exterior. Most European cars when spending $50K+, you get a really well appointed interior with options galore, with the Corvette you get a great engine, brakes and transmission.

yeah i think the c6 looks bad ass, honest when ever i see a c6z or grand sport i will break my kneck to get a longer look, i agree on the int though, i wonder if its going to have the new tech, in it that the caddys are going to start to come out with, i think that would be a good idea, a vette with a super comp, lol

Split window and 5.5L DI for Sting Ray :nod:
For cryin' out loud how many more gears do we need? I am starting to think if I ever buy a new sports car I might need to go to 18-wheeler school first...
Why not make the final drive ration higher (i.e. 3.25:1) and adjust the first 4 ratios in the tranny for acceleration? Keep the OD 5th and 6th like they are. I mean really, if you are using 5th gear for acceleration you are clearly not concerned with fuel economy.

The general overall look of the Corvette hasn't changed much since the C4 debuted and it's become the most vanilla looking sports car money can buy. Nothing about the style is distinctive or exciting. The Ford GT is a head turner, any Viper is a head turner while the Corvette is just a Corvette.I sort of have to disagree.
The Corvette only appears or seems to look that way because it is still a relatively mass produced car.
Trust me, if they only produced a couple thousand C5s or C6s your reaction to seeing one likely wouldn't be all that far off what it is when you see a Ford GT or Dodge Viper. Corvettes are VERY high impact but there are simply a lot of them out there as well (there's a valid reason for that, it's an amazing car overall).
By the same token, if they'd made well over 150k GTs and/or Vipers those too might also start to take on a somewhat common, vanilla looking aura about them.
It's ALL relative, though the numbers are what they are and we can't really alter our perceptions based on 'if/then' or 'what if'.
I know the current Corvette has 'impact' or panache because when mine is clean and I'm out driving in it I still get kids pointing/staring in awe at it and plenty of adults yelling out "nice car!" at me, and this is in somewhat affluent neighborhoods and YEARS after the car was first released. GT and Viper likely get that even more so of course.





The car needs a total heritage inspired rethink in looks like the Camaro recieved. I was hoping it would get the same treatment but I guess not. Too bad.This I can probably agree with. :nod:
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I actually like the look of the current Corvette, and I'm glad to see GM going with a 7 speed manual and addressing the issue with the interior.yeah i think the c6 looks bad ass, honest when ever i see a c6z or grand sport i will break my kneck to get a longer look:werd: ^ This ^ :nod:

As I know the C7 will not be Wankel rotary-powered

The general overall look of the Corvette hasn't changed much since the C4 debuted and it's become the most vanilla looking sports car money can buy. Nothing about the style is distinctive or exciting.

Your posts have always indicated your general dislike for the C6, which is fine and your right to have that opinion, but as usual I have to disagee.

Here is what you get for $50k in the way of a sports car from Porsche:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/RPM_CamaroZ/2011Cayman2.jpg

Here is what you get for $50k in the way of a sports car from Chevy:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/RPM_CamaroZ/2011Corvette2.jpg

You call the Corvette the most vanilla looking sports car on the market, but I simply don't see how an (even remotely) objective eye can view the Corvette as being more boring than such similarly priced competition as this Cayman. To me, the styling seems to be on-par. In general, Porsche styling doesn't change much from generation to generation either. Heritage is nice, IMO. :)

I agree with LS1LT1, Corvettes will always disappear next to something like a Viper because Corvette is a much more common car and something that many people see on a daily basis. This is the result of comparatively (vs. exotics) high production numbers, not overly bland styling.

I kinda like the looks of the new C7 vette. Better than C4, C5, C6. Still needs more styling, but, is better, IMO.

Those pictures are of a C6 z07 Centennial edition, no one has seen the C7 yet.

I don't understand the complaints with the interior either...I have sat in base, z06, and zr1s and I find them to be very nice.

I can't think of another car besides the Viper I have sat in that wowed me as much or more.

I still wouldn't mind a spare vette to rip around in, still Gm and if it was a Ford would probably be some kind of turbo/dual turbo setup as they are doing to everything now but with a small displacement engine. GM is still cool and fast. Rotary is dead now, they killed it.:eek2:

Not sure why everyone was so excited about a possibile 5.5L; if you were excited about the idea of DI, that's fine, but you can put that feature on a 6.2L displacement engine as well. ;) IMO, stepping down displacement for a factory performance car is never a good thing.

Hopefully DI will be released on a new 6.2L eventually.

I think that DI is almost a certainty on the C7. It's too bad that GM chose the "evolutionary" path though. If the C7 doesn't look far different from the C5 and C6, I think most current vette owners will be less likely to trade up. Can't wait to see the interior though. I know GM is putting some very cool infotainment systems in upcoming caddies...hopefully other platforms will get the goods as well.

Bring it out so C6 Z06 prices can get even better for me.

C3r is still my favorite "New" design

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/2009-c3r_450.jpg
http://www.luanpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/c3r-corvette-retro-design-rear.jpg

Not sure why everyone was so excited about a possibile 5.5L; if you were excited about the idea of DI, that's fine, but you can put that feature on a 6.2L displacement engine as well. ;) IMO, stepping down displacement for a factory performance car is never a good thing.

Hopefully DI will be released on a new 6.2L eventually.:werd: :nod:

IMO I think the C6 is one of the best looking vettes GM has made..... Interior can go both ways. I mean lets not forget the price. But yes Americans are PICKY people & want the best bang for their buck. & people just LOVE to call American cars interior plastic. Which I never! understood because Honda, Toyota, etc interior all have just as much plastic in it as well. I kind of liked the split window idea. As long as it puts the same or more amount of power then a LS7 or LS9 I'm good! Looks I've liked every Vette GM has made so I'm sure their nail it. 7 speed manual pretty interesting though. Offer every Vette with carbon fiber/suede interior & your golden! :)


C3r is still my favorite "New" design

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/2009-c3r_450.jpg
http://www.luanpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/c3r-corvette-retro-design-rear.jpg


I like!!! :cheers: the only thing I don't think the C7 will have is flip up head lights. No one really uses those anymore. Its a little "outdated" but sweet concept

Flip up lights would be a huge step backwards.

C3r is still my favorite "New" design

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/2009-c3r_450.jpg
http://www.luanpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/c3r-corvette-retro-design-rear.jpg

I like it, as well.


Flip up lights would be a huge step backwards.

True & they are an aero disaster.

I like!!! :cheers: the only thing I don't think the C7 will have is flip up head lights. No one really uses those anymore. Its a little "outdated" but sweet concept

Lights could be put into the grills in the bottom or like the Transformers centennial vette. If only.

Lights could be put into the grills in the bottom or like the Transformers centennial vette. If only.

No they cannot, unfortunately.
That would be bellow the required height limit.

The good news for me is that the prices of used c6z cars will go down. :devil:

I know GM is putting some very cool infotainment systems in upcoming caddies...hopefully other platforms will get the goods as well.

Leave that crap out of Vettes. I bought my car to drive, not dick with computer gimmicks. If I want gadgets and gizmos I'll buy a damn minivan or SUV; a vehicle that needs some pizzazz to be less boring. Better yet I'll stay at home where I can enjoy a movie on my tv or listen to music through my home theater system from the comfort of my couch. American drivers are distracted enough, and we want to give them more reasons to take their eyes off the road and drive like a-holes. Wonderful. :eyes: If you need more in a sport vehicle than a solid powertrain, good suspension, and sticky tires then :gtfo:

Flip up lights would be a huge step backwards.

They could just have a rotary style headlamp like on the older BMW 8 series.

Looking forward to C7

Leave that crap out of Vettes. I bought my car to drive, not dick with computer gimmicks. If I want gadgets and gizmos I'll buy a damn minivan or SUV; a vehicle that needs some pizzazz to be less boring. Better yet I'll stay at home where I can enjoy a movie on my tv or listen to music through my home theater system from the comfort of my couch. American drivers are distracted enough, and we want to give them more reasons to take their eyes off the road and drive like a-holes. Wonderful. :eyes: If you need more in a sport vehicle than a solid powertrain, good suspension, and sticky tires then :gtfo:

Yes, because the only demographic GM is interested in is you.
How special you must feel...

You seem to have forgotten who the Corvette's real demographic is.

Also, the Cadillac Cue gizmos are not entirely accessible while you are driving around.

I hope they don't try to go too retro with the Corvette...it always has been very progressive, and I think that's how it should be.

Carrying over the general shape of the C4 from generation to generation isn't progressive and it is very stale, especially parked to the zenith of the 1960s models. The C4 was dramatic and futuristic when it bowed in the early 1980s. Today's car looks the same with a set of headlights from the Viper tacked on. Compared to the super cars from Chrysler and Ford and the new American muscle cars on the market as well as exotics you can get from Europe and Asia it is positively boring.

C3r is still my favorite "New" design

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/2009-c3r_450.jpg

http://www.luanpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/c3r-corvette-retro-design-rear.jpg

Not too shabby.

Yes, because the only demographic GM is interested in is you.
How special you must feel...

You seem to have forgotten who the Corvette's real demographic is.

Also, the Cadillac Cue gizmos are not entirely accessible while you are driving around.

How special you must feel being 80 years old wanting a 400+hp vehicle that you will never drive faster than 5mph below the speed limit. You buy a sport vehicle so you can dick with everything EXCEPT driving. Before you die you still won't even have figured out how to preset your favorite radio stations. GM could save a lot of money just by putting a 4 banger in it and you wouldn't know the difference.

Corvette sales are among the worst they've been in the model's history. I think the biggest thing holding it back is it looking like it does sitting in showrooms next to the Camaro, which handily overshadows it.

The general overall look of the Corvette hasn't changed much since the C4 debuted and it's become the most vanilla looking sports car money can buy. Nothing about the style is distinctive or exciting. The Ford GT is a head turner, any Viper is a head turner while the Corvette is just a Corvette. GM's other performance models from the CTS-V to the Camaro are much more interesting to behold.

The car needs a total heritage inspired rethink in looks like the Camaro recieved. I was hoping it would get the same treatment but I guess not. Too bad.


^ THIS^


look, the 2012 vette looks similar to a 1978 model. thats not really retro.

its not rocket science to either make it look exotic and cutting edge, or Retro.

but why make it so plain and ordinary. you have the best bang for the buck looking like a 1988 mustang LX compared to the competition. me and tracy are looking for a `78 vette BECAUSE its iconic. not cutting edge.

Carrying over the general shape of the C4 from generation to generation isn't progressive and it is very stale, especially parked to the zenith of the 1960s models. The C4 was dramatic and futuristic when it bowed in the early 1980s. Today's car looks the same with a set of headlights from the Viper tacked on. Compared to the super cars from Chrysler and Ford and the new American muscle cars on the market as well as exotics you can get from Europe and Asia it is positively boring.

The C4 was so radical because the previous generation had been out for so long. I don't think the general shape of the Corvette is boring at all, and I'm excited to see what the new one looks like. But I've been a Corvette lover most of my life. There's an LT4 somewhere in my future : drive:

Carrying over the general shape of the C4 from generation to generation isn't progressive and it is very stale, especially parked to the zenith of the 1960s models. The C4 was dramatic and futuristic when it bowed in the early 1980s. Today's car looks the same with a set of headlights from the Viper tacked on. Compared to the super cars from Chrysler and Ford and the new American muscle cars on the market as well as exotics you can get from Europe and Asia it is positively boring.

Wow, you seem to know alot, and have a nice little opinion, that you try and pass off as fact. You know the old saying about opinions. :D

Yes, because the only demographic GM is interested in is you.
How special you must feel...

You seem to have forgotten who the Corvette's real demographic is.

Also, the Cadillac Cue gizmos are not entirely accessible while you are driving around.

Oh really? What is the Corvette demographic? Do you think most Corvette owners are into playing video games while driving?

The good news for me is that the prices of used c6z cars will go down. :devil:

:cheers:

^^ This guy knows what I'm talkin about. :D

look, the 2012 vette looks similar to a 1978 model.:huh:

http://gmauthority.com/blog/wp-content/gallery/2012-chevrolet-corvette-centennial-z06/2012-chevrolet-corvette-centennial-z06-1.jpg

http://www.unparalled60.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/1978-corvette.jpg

http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:forums.corvetteforum.com/get/images/smilies/confused2.gif

Nah not similar, that's almost identical http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:forums.corvetteforum.com/get/images/smilies/hide.gif LOL. :lol: ;)

GM fails again.

GM fails again.

The only thing GM has done well in the last half dozen years has been the C6, IMO. It's the only car I notice when I stop at the Chevy dealer.

The only thing GM has done well in the last half dozen years has been the C6, IMO. It's the only car I notice when I stop at the Chevy dealer.

Gotta throw the Silverado and Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban in there, definitely.

Gotta throw the Silverado and Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban in there, definitely.

You're right. I should have said that the C6 was the only *car* they've done well, and even that's not entirely true as some of the Cadillac stuff has been great too (CTS-V).

Those trucks you listed are all excellent as well, IMO.

'07 started an entirely different view of their trucks for me. We rented an '07 Suburban 1LT when they first came out to move my sister from Dallas to LA, and I drove it about half the time there/back. It impressed me.

Jalopnik claims the next Corvette will look like this.

http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/images/12/2011/11/xlarge_09c85932f963b07b6577f0018241fd5e.jpghttp://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/images/12/2011/11/xlarge_c52a837b981bde3536270f164ca05252.jpg

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2011/11/d2daf6e012dd8fce517f25acb330303b.jpg

doubtful

I like it!

I like everything about that. Just tweak the grill and change the wheels. Too bad GM wouldn't!!

that looks incredible...like a c6 crossed with some lambo

Please tell me they did not raid the camaro parts bin to source the tailights. Other than that, it reminds me of a Ferrari with chiseled edges.

I love that concept! Looks like a GTR & a Ferrari 599 mixed with a little C6 Corvette. Winning?

Would have to order mine without the jalopnik.com sticker option on the rocker panel. :P J/K, lol.


Not too shabby...IDK though, from the cowl back seems to work, but the front is just missing something.

Not too shabby...IDK though, from the cowl back seems to work, but the front is just missing something.

I agree

Please tell me they did not raid the camaro parts bin to source the tailights.

Agreed.

Those tail lights look awful enough on the Camaro, last thing we need is to see them on Corvette. Otherwise, I think that design has some real potential.

Interesting. I know alot of people were looking forward to the DI 5.5.

However the 7spd manual is a nice twist.

Who would want a step down in displacement (torque)? Not I. I'll take DI on a nice 376ci or bigger. :)

7 speed will be interesting.

Corvette sales are among the worst they've been in the model's history. I think the biggest thing holding it back is it looking like it does sitting in showrooms next to the Camaro, which handily overshadows it.

The general overall look of the Corvette hasn't changed much since the C4 debuted and it's become the most vanilla looking sports car money can buy. Nothing about the style is distinctive or exciting. The Ford GT is a head turner, any Viper is a head turner while the Corvette is just a Corvette. GM's other performance models from the CTS-V to the Camaro are much more interesting to behold.

The car needs a total heritage inspired rethink in looks like the Camaro recieved. I was hoping it would get the same treatment but I guess not. Too bad.

Disagree. I think the C6 models, especially the Z06/ZR1, look amazing. I mean, basing it solely on looks, I would take a ZR1 or even a Z06 over say, a 599. You see many more C6s than you do it's competitors, making it seem bland.

Flip up lights would be a huge step backwards.

AMEN!

Agreed.

Those tail lights look awful enough on the Camaro, last thing we need is to see them on Corvette. Otherwise, I think that design has some real potential.

I can't see them ditching the 4 circle taillights that you has become tradition on Corvettes.

Disagree. I think the C6 models, especially the Z06/ZR1, look amazing. I mean, basing it solely on looks, I would take a ZR1 or even a Z06 over say, a 599. You see many more C6s than you do it's competitors, making it seem bland.


They are bland. They disappear when parked next to a Viper, Ford GT or a common Camaro or Challenger.

Jalopnik (and the rest of the media) has apparently seen the car but can't talk much about it or release any photos. So they came up with this sketch instead.

Most new Chevrolets have tails inspired by the Camaro, it looks like the Corvette will too. Many new Chevrolets also have interior styling inspired by the Camaro, chiefly the 60s-esque dual-pod layout.

They are bland. They disappear when parked next to a Viper, Ford GT or a common Camaro or Challenger.

VIPER- Yes
GT- Yes
CAMARO- No
CHALLENGER- No

Not even the base C6. Best looking Corvette GM's ever made IMO (many others will disagree, but oh well). Looks fantastic. I can't see much bland in it, but opinions are like assholes...


I would do very bad things for a Ford GT though.

I'm really liking the quarter panel and side arches.:nod:

I think they just made the tails more angular vs round, to fit the more angular styling the whole car has.

I like that sketch, over all :nod:

Disagree. I think the C6 models, especially the Z06/ZR1, look amazing. I mean, basing it solely on looks, I would take a ZR1 or even a Z06 over say, a 599. You see many more C6s than you do it's competitors, making it seem bland.Not even the base C6. Best looking Corvette GM's ever made IMO (many others will disagree, but oh well). Looks fantastic. I can't see much bland in it, but opinions are like assholes.......... ^ This ^

I really like this rendering of the C7, looks to be the most realistic one yet. Definitely an evolution of the C6 design, sharper angles, more aggressive - I LIKE IT! Don't care so much for the tail lights but that is a small matter. I also hope that the vents in the hood and rear quarter panels are functional and not for show. Make it happen GM. :usa:

They are bland. They disappear when parked next to a Viper, Ford GT or a common Camaro or Challenger.

:lol:

Wow. The 5th gen Camaro looks like a cartoon parked next to any C6, especially a Z06/ZR1. I like the other cars you mentioned, but it's almost laughable that anyone would think a C6 could disappear next to a "common Camaro or Challenger".

I'm thankful that the Corvette isn't more like the Viper, and by that I mean rare and discontinued. ;)

Most new Chevrolets have tails inspired by the Camaro, it looks like the Corvette will too.

That doesn't mean it looks good. It's a poor design, but then again so is the entire rear of the new Camaro. I hope they clean up that rear styling on the next gen of Camaro.

I can agree there. I like the Camaro over all, but the back end needs something.

I'm just glad however that GM stayed true to the Camaro's concept instead of showing one thing then producing something totally different like they had done a few times in the past.

GM fails again.

The only thing GM has done well in the last half dozen years has been the C6, IMO. It's the only car I notice when I stop at the Chevy dealer.

Wait what??? :confused: How does GM fail when its the #1 auto maker IN THE WORLD yet again after bouncing back from bankruptcy? http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-03/gm-rises-to-no-1-on-china-sales-toyota-can-t-match-after-quake.html Please explain that one for me buddy. GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Cadillac CTS-V, Cadillac Cue technology, Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro, Volt, Cruze, Equinox, Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado? :eyes:

Wait what??? :confused: How does GM fail when its the #1 auto maker IN THE WORLD yet again after bouncing back from bankruptcy? Please explain that one for me buddy. GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Cadillac CTS-V, Cadillac Cue technology, Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro, Volt, Cruze, Equinox, Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado? :eyes:

I like the CTS series. I also like the full-sized trucks/SUVs....I mistakenly omitted those models in the post you quoted. But Corvette is a shining example of a new car that I find extremely attractive....moreso than anything else GM sells at the moment.

Wait what??? :confused: How does GM fail when its the #1 auto maker IN THE WORLD yet again after bouncing back from bankruptcy? http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-03/gm-rises-to-no-1-on-china-sales-toyota-can-t-match-after-quake.html Please explain that one for me buddy. GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Cadillac CTS-V, Cadillac Cue technology, Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro, Volt, Cruze, Equinox, Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado? :eyes:

the Acadia, Enclave, and Traverse are terrible. they are ALWAYS in the shop for one thing or another (i work at a dealership)

I'm thankful that the Corvette isn't more like the Viper, and by that I mean rare and discontinued. ;):lol: Agreed. ;)





Wait what??? :confused: How does GM fail when its the #1 auto maker IN THE WORLD yet again after bouncing back from bankruptcy? http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-03/gm-rises-to-no-1-on-china-sales-toyota-can-t-match-after-quake.html Please explain that one for me buddy. GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Cadillac CTS-V, Cadillac Cue technology, Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro, Volt, Cruze, Equinox, Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado? :eyes:Good points. :nod:

If you are hating on C6 styling, you are on the wrong forum.

Wait what??? :confused: How does GM fail when its the #1 auto maker IN THE WORLD yet again after bouncing back from bankruptcy?

So much wrong in this statement.

If you are hating on C6 styling, you are on the wrong forum.

Advice from the seasoned veteran :lol:. Calm down buddy, nobody is "hating on" anything.

...did you read the thread?

Advice from the seasoned veteran :lol:. Calm down buddy, nobody is "hating on" anything.

If you didn't notice, yes I have read the thread. Saying that the C6 looks a little bland next to some of the competition isn't "hating," it's making an observation. I love the C6Z as much as the next guy, but it does kinda disappear when parked next to a Viper.

Saying that the C6 looks a little bland next to some of the competition isn't "hating," it's making an observation.

I don't think this observation is correct when making a fair comparison, though I do realize it's all just a matter of opinion. IMO, you just can't compare a base C6 to a Viper or Ford GT, it's just not accurate. If you compare a base C6 to other mainstream, non-exotic sports cars in it's price range (say, the Cayman I posted earlier), it's very hard to support the statement of a C6 being "boring" in comparison.

I love the C6Z as much as the next guy, but it does kinda disappear when parked next to a Viper.

IMO, this is only the case because of the [relative] commonness of the model on which a C6Z is based (a normal C6). If there was no base C6, and the only Corvette we had was the Z06/ZR1 trim level, that general body style would not seem nearly as common and thus much more exotic and comparable to the Viper.

Point being, no matter what the styling of Corvette, it will never seem exotic for long because it has lower trim levels sold in the quantites and price range of more mainstream sports cars. Viper never enjoyed such a market, nor has it managed to survive like Corvette.

IMO, this is only the case because of the [relative] commonness of the model on which a C6Z is based (a normal C6). If there was no base C6, and the only Corvette we had was the Z06/ZR1 trim level, that general body style would not seem nearly as common and thus much more exotic and comparable to the Viper.

Point being, no matter what the styling of Corvette, it will never seem exotic for long because it has lower trim levels sold in the quantites and price range of more mainstream sports cars. Viper never enjoyed such a market, nor has it managed to survive like Corvette.Exactly.
This is what I've been saying for years. If one can just alter their current reality/perception for a moment and imagine a world where the Viper (or the GT, or the Murcielago etc.) was mass produced at 25k+ units per year and the Corvette C6 was the low production (fewer than 500 units) vehicle you'd see EXACTLY what we're talking about.
My first reaction to seeing a C6 was very much akin to my first reaction to seeing a Ferrari 550/575 or even an F360. Nowadays, the 550/575 (as dated as it is) might still give a little more 'flash' to me simply because I do see fewer of them than C6s.
But that is not the reality of course and the perception (and that's what it is, perception or relativity) is what it is.

The number of cars on the road is definitely the primary reason. Which is exactly why the next gen will be out relatively soon. But that doesn't stop me from craning my neck to watch a Z06 (or any other clean C6) drive by.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/giddswat/2013-ChevroletCorvette.jpg

The front end of that thing is nasty.