XK / XKR ( X150 ) 2006 - 2014

New C8 corvette

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Old 11-22-2020, 10:17 AM
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Default New C8 corvette

I know a few members were considering getting the new C8 when it came go. Anyone ever get one and will like to report on it compared to a 5l XKR? I'm interested in the Z06 HTC when it is available. My short list is 2014-2017 Porsche turbo S or AMG GT-C convertible. Almost bought a 2019 SVR fully loaded, but find the sports car lacking innovation, don't like the idea that the model is available with a 4 banger, and that most SVR performance enhancements are now offered in the F-Type R. I'm looking for a reliable, modern, and relatively easy sports car to maintain.
 

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12-06-2020, 12:39 PM
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Default Picked up the unicorn

Well I picked up my car 2 days ago and drove it 270 miles home from the dealer. So far it seems that all of the reviews are spot on. This is my 3 Corvette and as I mentioned it was something I thought I would never do. I was impressed with the style and now I am impressed with the car. I realize the huge advancements since my 2012 XKR but this is in a whole new world. It somewhat reminds me of my old 308 GTB with an extra 250HP. It has multiple driving modes which alter various engine and suspension settings and they all feel different. It has all of the features we have complained about our XK's. It is a different breed but just as luxurious as my 2012 XKR Convertible. I bought the hard top conv (HTC) with the Z51 performance package. It has a lot of cool features and I am presently reviewing and setting them up. Driving back on the interstate in touring mode it is more comfortable then the Jag in normal mode. When I switched to Sport mode the ride was more like the normal Jag. ride. I must admit I miss the back seat but with me just being the only one in the car most of the time I put stuff in the passenger seat. So I won't bore you guys as there are loads of youtube reviews if you want all of the details. I paid $85K for it and it took 13 months to get. I will most likely get some new car growing pains but I'll live with it like when I bought my new 1963 Convertible. So enjoy the ride and all I can say is WOW



 
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Old 11-22-2020, 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by DGL
I'm looking for a reliable, modern, and relatively easy sports car to maintain.
I think you were trying to say this. 😁

Originally Posted by DGL
I'm looking for a reliable, modern, and relatively easy sports car to maintain.
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by mhminnich
I think you were trying to say this. 😁
So true. They are money pits, but what's money for.
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 03:21 PM
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Originally Posted by DGL
... I'm looking for a reliable, modern, and relatively easy sports car to maintain.
The only sports car that meets all those criteria, and isn't a small fortune to buy brand new, that I'm aware of is the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

You couldn't pay me enough to swap my 2009 XKR for a Miata. Well, actually you could if it was enough to buy a new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera.



 
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Old 11-22-2020, 04:10 PM
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IIRC, ‘jagtoes’ ordered one, don’t think he’s received it yet.
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by kj07xk
IIRC, ‘jagtoes’ ordered one, don’t think he’s received it yet.
My car was built last monday. It is in QC review in Kentucky getting ready for shipment. I should get it somewhere in 2-4 weeks. I'll give you guys a review when I get it. It's a convertible (HTC) in torch red with natural (tan ) interior.
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 05:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Stuart S
The only sports car that meets all those criteria, and isn't a small fortune to buy brand new, that I'm aware of is the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

You couldn't pay me enough to swap my 2009 XKR for a Miata. Well, actually you could if it was enough to buy a new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera.
Miatas aren't even actually cars. They are little girly transport modules. I do agree though, I could deal with owning a Miata ONLY if I could get rid of it for a large profit. I'd not even drive it, as to avoid the stigma of having touched one.
Gads, now I have the heebie-geebies from just discussing it.
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 05:21 PM
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If I lived close to a MacLaren dealership I would get 650S. There are always trade-offs when it comes to reliability, maintenance, performance and cost; everyone has a different appetite for each.
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 05:26 PM
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Originally Posted by jagtoes
My car was built last monday. It is in QC review in Kentucky getting ready for shipment. I should get it somewhere in 2-4 weeks. I'll give you guys a review when I get it. It's a convertible (HTC) in torch red with natural (tan ) interior.
I was curious about what happened to your order. Good to hear it is finally arriving. Unfortunately winter will be here soon. I hope you get to enjoy it before the bad weather arrives.
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by jagtoes
My car was built last monday. It is in QC review in Kentucky getting ready for shipment. I should get it somewhere in 2-4 weeks. I'll give you guys a review when I get it. It's a convertible (HTC) in torch red with natural (tan ) interior.

 
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Old 11-22-2020, 06:49 PM
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A friend who just sold his 1996 Supercharged NSX to buy a 1974 Pantera, was told that the C8 convertible he had ordered and for which he put a deposit will be coming in December or January. I'm sure I will get the chance to drive it. And to pay for that, he will be selling his Nissan GTR, positively the worst car I have ever ridden in. The Corvette will be a Rolls Royce in comfort compared to that GTR p.o.s.
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 08:49 PM
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Get yourself a late Viper. C8 is great while its new, but no MT and way too many electronics in the car to ever age gracefully.
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 08:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Cee Jay
Miatas aren't even actually cars. They are little girly transport modules. I do agree though, I could deal with owning a Miata ONLY if I could get rid of it for a large profit. I'd not even drive it, as to avoid the stigma of having touched one.
Gads, now I have the heebie-geebies from just discussing it.
You are really wrong. They handle really well, good balance, light and with some skill can be really fast in the corners. Miata is certainly IDGAF car, you can put one into the wall at the track and not be too upset about it. Yes, they are low on power, but there are few cheap to expensive solutions to this problem. Cheap one is to strip it down to shell to make it even lighter and shave the head for slight compression boost.

Don't take it as bragging, but Miata with decent tires and all-in budget of about $3K can take on and beat your XKR in any motorsport except for a drag race.
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 09:29 PM
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Can it beat your 2016 F-Type S?
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 09:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Stuart S
Can it beat your 2016 F-Type S?
Yes, in some circumstances. Miata driver has to be a much better driver or have done some serious mods, like turbo. Then it is doable on a track with lots of turns.

A friend has mostly stock track-ready Miata that I often drive when he joins me on the track days. I am not drastically faster with my lap times in my F-type. Partially, because I can drive Miata in anger and not have to worry about crashing it (because how cheap it is). With my F-type I avoid driving all-out on the track as I don't want to crash it. As Miata also a dedicated track car, it has aeros, Cup2s and track pads, while my F-type has MP4S and OEM pads.

The magic of Miata is just how light it is. It just unbelievable what you can get away with going into a corner.
 

Last edited by SinF; 11-22-2020 at 09:53 PM.
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Old 11-22-2020, 09:47 PM
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Miatas are actually track favorites. Superior road course performance, low cost parts, low cost maintenance, easy to work on, tons of aftermarket support. Mazda even makes a factory Cup car version. Take a look
at Winding Road Racing.

Problem with the C8 is it is a new platform and this first gen is already showing problems on the track. Amazing performance for the money but tons of new tech and engineering that has yet to be proven over time. I do have faith they will
get it right soon and hopefully more aftermarket support materializes before too long.
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 10:23 PM
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Originally Posted by jahummer
Problem with the C8 is it is a new platform and this first gen is already showing problems on the track.
I only heard about having to add more fluid to transmission. That and awkward square steering wheel. Is there more?
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 10:41 PM
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Numerous transmission issues, electrical
gremlins and half shaft failures.
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 10:49 PM
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Originally Posted by SinF
Then it is doable on a track with lots of turns.
If this was just a "track car" debate then this is relevant. Once you turn any car into a very specific function there are cult favorites. Do I want to own a Pinto, no, but the drag crowd used to love it.

For everyday driving the Miata is a chick car, or for the softer man crowd.
 
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Old 11-22-2020, 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by SinF
You are really wrong. They handle really well, good balance, light and with some skill can be really fast in the corners. Miata is certainly IDGAF car, you can put one into the wall at the track and not be too upset about it. Yes, they are low on power, but there are few cheap to expensive solutions to this problem. Cheap one is to strip it down to shell to make it even lighter and shave the head for slight compression boost.

Don't take it as bragging, but Miata with decent tires and all-in budget of about $3K can take on and beat your XKR in any motorsport except for a drag race.
All they are is a too-big-and-heavy under-powered shifter cart, made to look silly and attract female buyers. Any good actual $3000 shifter cart can demolish ANY real vehicle on a course that doesn't need speed.
Being that they are throw-away cars even detracts more from any desirability.
They are just gross. Don't care what you say about 'ability'. They hurt my eyes whenever I see one.
Also, do any Top Speed motorsports count? Texas Mile? Silver State Classic? Cannonball?
 


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