Next-gen Corvette to get AWD?
Hot on the heels of discovering the next-gen Corvette could be offered with a dual-clutch transmission, word is now filtering out that General Motors may be working on adapting the Haldex-sourced XWD all-wheel-drive system currently available on the 2008 Saab 9-3 for use on Chevy's budget supercar. The Haldex XWD is a robust system, as it can send up to 85% of the engine's power to a single wheel. Auto Motor and Sport in Sweden reports that GM engineers have been seen testing a mule with a wider rear track than any Saab currently available, which suggests the system is already in development for the next-gen Corvette. We're not sure whether to place this piece of news in the fact file or keep it on the rumor pile, as information surrounding the next-gen Corvette has been swirling since GM's contract with the UAW was leaked and revealed some juicy details. Will it switch to the smaller Kappa platform (production of the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky is set to switch to the Corvette's facility in Bowling Green, KY in a few years). What about rumors of a mid-engine exotic Corvette to be built and sold alongside the traditional model? There's too much static to pick out fact from fiction, though the dual-clutch transmission seems like a definite lock since it was referenced in official documents. GM, of course, is silent on the subject.
[Source: Auto Motor and Sport]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
TrueDis 1:11PM (10/03/2007)
Next headline: "Next-gen Corvette to fly!"
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Level 1:13PM (10/03/2007)
LOL or offer a "diesel"
Lollerblades 1:15PM (10/03/2007)
Ditch the AWD and dual clutch and focus on giving Corvette a modern engine and suspension.
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tbss_in_the_D 1:17PM (10/03/2007)
Bring on the MORON!
Name a car that can give you this much for so little?
FLR 1:18PM (10/03/2007)
I drive a C6...it's feels pretty damn modern to me!
Pushrods are 'old' technology sure...but you can't argue with the results: cheap, light and powerful.
Yeah, my Z51 Vette can only get .95-1.0 g on the skidpad. Damn leaf springs!!!
Justin 1:20PM (10/03/2007)
the ls3 and ls7 aren't modern? Last time I checked their balance of power, torque, fuel economy, reliability, and small size was just as good as any "modern" OHC engine.
Tyo 1:19PM (10/03/2007)
This Haldex system seems like its pretty amazing, similar to Honda's SH-AWD. Electronic clutch in the middle, lsd out back.
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naggs 1:47PM (10/03/2007)
awd vette = totally destroyed brand forever
phez 1:19PM (10/03/2007)
with all these 'upgrades' ... i don't the vette is going to stay 'budget' for much longer :(
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Tim 1:20PM (10/03/2007)
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Just update the suspension. So Jeremy Clark can stop complaining about the "leaf springs". Keep the soul of the corvette intact. Although AWD is superior in performance is is not as fun.
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Eric M 1:21PM (10/03/2007)
I hope it's AWD for the Z06 because it's getting 700+ HP.
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PhilJ 1:23PM (10/03/2007)
How is Haldex going to work in a Corvette when it's used in FWD applications?
This article makes no sense.
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Du 1:38PM (10/03/2007)
Whoever is starting these rumors is retarded.
Have they looked at a Corvette Drivetrain? They are aware that the transmission is in the back, and that it is in fact a transaxle (meaning the differential is built in). It would be VERY difficult to add in a propshaft to travel all the way to the front and power the front wheels (considering that the engine sits directly between them quite low in the chassis).
AWD isn't happening, Rear Engine is championed by many, but isn't happening. The Kappa rumor exists because the guy running the Corvette also ran Kappa, it is 100% baseless.
The next Corvette like the previous models will be evolutionary, not revolutionary. The car is nearly perfect as is (much like a 911). GM would be stupid to mess with it, all they have to do is refine.
The suspension while based on a "leaf-spring" isn't anything like a truck and works just fine. Those of you who didn't like the way the car felt, go drive a 2008 GM refined (aka fixed) the car.
DCT is a possibility, it would replace the conventional automatic if offered.
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tbss_in_the_D 1:46PM (10/03/2007)
There are 10-15 mini clay models of mid engine concepts in the GM Tech Center right now. No decisions have been made, but the idea is out there.
Carlos 1:37PM (10/03/2007)
Hahaha that was a good laugh... All wheel drive Corvette, who comes up with this? The Corvette faithful would hang the chief engineer.
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SPG 1:41PM (10/03/2007)
Power is nothing without control.
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Bob 1:45PM (10/03/2007)
People who know how to drive can control the power without AWD.
sw 4:26PM (10/03/2007)
But given two cars of similar power and two equally good drivers the AWD would more than likely win out.
SPG 5:58PM (10/03/2007)
I win Bob!
naggs 1:50PM (10/03/2007)
its good to see the WILD speculation back for future vettes
gen 2 and 3 vettes were supposed to get active aerodynamics and turbine power!!! it kind of settled down after 5 generations of front mounted v8 rwd 2 seaters.
the magic is back baby!
ps, awd vette would damage the name forever
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