[GentleBen]

Had an interesting discussion with a Corvette engineer today and during the discussion on the forthcoming C7 Z-51 package he indicated that the gearing for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears in manual transmission cars would be lower for the Z-51 than for the base transmission similar to the 2005 C6. The difference being that the gear ratio for third is something new for the C7 line.

This, coupled with the increased rolling resistance of the larger tires and increased air intake through the front of the car would slightly lessen fuel economy for Z-51 equipped cars. Since the Corvette's fuel economy for the Federally mandated CAFE rating is based upon the more fuel efficient base car, Chevrolet legally must sell more non-Z-51 equipped cars than those with the package. When I asked if we would potentially see the return of production constraints on orders with Z-51 he stated that he thought we would see this taking effect before the end of the year as virtually every order is coming in with this option.

He further stated that he would anticipate a "significant increase" in the current option price of $2,800 for the package if demand continued next year the way it is going this year.