Corvette Forum Gets C8 Scoop from Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter
Corvette Forum Gets C8 Scoop from Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter
Corvette Forum member extracts lots of great info about the C8 straight from GM royalty at Corvettes at Carlisle.
By now, we know just about everything there is to know about the all-new C8 Corvette. Or do we? There are still some niggling details that are a bit cloudy, of course. But we’re learning more and more about this incredible machine each and every day. And now, thanks to Corvette Forum member 16/C7Z, we know a lot more about it. That’s because he was in attendance at Corvettes at Carlisle, where he was able to interview Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter in person. Even better, he posted the entire thing in this thread for everyone to soak in!
“I arrived at the C8 tent this morning in the pouring rain. It was packed. I managed to get to Juechter and present my ‘Ask Tadge’ questions directly to the man without having to bother JVP.”
The bulk of the initial questions rightfully revolve around the C8’s brand new dual-clutch transmission. Which, according to Juechter, behaves much like a traditional automatic.
“The clutches are slipping ever so slightly at idle in gear while stopped. There’s no effective wear on the clutch packs due to the low torque applied. It will function similar to the conventional automatic in traffic. The clutch packs should last the life of transmission.”
Given the issues that some manufacturers (read: Ford) have had with dual-clutches recently, that’s obviously great news. Next, our OP asks Juechter how acceleration will vary between the base C8 Corvette and the Z51-equipped cars.
“The Z51 has 6% shorter gearing, so it is slightly quicker. I’ve been asked many times about getting that ‘sub 60.’ The base is going to surprise people – they are very close. The Z51 shifts twice by 60 mph, the base only makes the 1-2 shift when it passes 60 mph. The Z51 gives you that extra punch in the back by 60 mph. I think people will be surprised how fast the base car is.”
Another good piece of news is that unlike a lot of exotics out there, launch control will be extremely easy to engage.
“Pull both paddles in any mode, it doesn’t matter. Launch control is always accessible by pulling both paddles to bring up the revs. Then let the paddles go at the same time and floor the gas. I also like to pull both paddles while slowing down to a stop, I like to coast.”
Juechter also reveals that the engine bay’s tight space necessitated the outboard exhaust design. And he’s quick to clear up some misconceptions about any differences in exhaust manifolds between the base car and other models
“The LT2 has the same exhaust manifolds as both the Z51 and non Z51. They’re tubular exhaust manifolds. Showing them without the heat shielding, which there is a ton of, has caused a lot of confusion.”
Many thanks goes out to 16/C7Z for taking the time and navigating a massive crowd to retrieve these golden nuggets of information for us all. You can check out the entire interview and some more impressions on what the OP saw by heading over here!
Photos:Corvette Forum
.
