A few 2022 Bash Photos and Comments

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The annual NCM Bash is on now with its first (of 3) days soon over. Sold out crowd of 1,500 people full of Corvette enthusiasts. Great weather helped make it an even better day. What impressed me the most was the ease of access to the GM people who developed the C8 plus its marketing people. I spoke at length with Mike Hurley and Harlan Charles who both answered my questions, although admittedly I avoided the obvious ones I knew they wouldn’t answer such when the Z06 release/order date would be. Jordan Lee is here as well and gave an interesting talk this morning on the Z06 LT6. GM had both 2023 Stingray 70th Anniversary C8’s on display along with 3 Z06’s and you could sit in all of them. It’s rumoured Tadge will attend dinner tonight.
 
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Tadge didn’t show up but my highlight so far (aside from exploring some Z06’s in detail) was the panel discussion shown in the photo above. They discussed the genesis of the C8 and the challenges they faced, from getting GM onboard with the idea, to keeping it a secret from their family/friends as the team’s excitement grew when things started falling into place. The C8 concept began as far back as the C5 era, carried on during the C6 but really grew during the C7. Their sense of family, ++ collaboration amongst the different GM design, engineering, and marketing areas, and shared passion and pride for the C8, was palpable during their discussion filled with jokes and shared memories. They emphasized how they worked hand-in-hand with the Corvette racing design team through-out the process, with each team feeding off of each other. Jordan Lee repeatedly expressed his pride in the engine and I learned just how much Harlan Charles contributed by insisting the C8 had to be “user-friendly” with a trunk that could carry golf clubs being one example: telling the engineers they had to consider it as necessary as the engine so removing it was not an option. Real treat to be a part of last night.
 
Day 2 of Bash over. Started out with bit of rain then mixed cloud/sun and around 83 degrees, so another nice day. Above photos taken on day one, show no crowds since they were taken early. Crowds more into afternoon and even more people there today. Aside from the 1,500 registered for the Bash, others came to the NCM and we were told that 200 people attended the conference center presentations today, remotely. Great talks from Mobil One and Michelin this morning and Josh Holden with Harlan Charles gave a good talk on the Z06 this afternoon but resisted (“We like our jobs”.) giving out details on pricing or release dates, when asked. They repeated the “party line” of the Z06 “summer release date” pointing out that could mean as far away as September 21 when summer officially ends. They emphasized it wouldn’t be released until ready: all the kinks worked out to better avoid problems for us customers.

Of interest: Josh said GM didn’t think the C8 front bent fins caused any cooling problems but recognized owners didn’t like the appearance. As such, GM was working with a supplier to create an accessory OEM grill guard that could be removed for track use, given GM’s commitment to maximum air flow/cooling on the track. When asked about water entry into the engine compartment, he said GM had no plans to do anything since it didn’t think vent holes should be closed up.

There was a LOT of information provided about the C8 (mostly) and prior generations as well. I’m only providing some of the highlights here.

Today like yesterday, the Museum deliveries continued. You knew the end of each one by the traditional horn honk and everyone clapping as the car with its new owner as a passenger, drove slowly down “Corvette Boulevard” and out the building. In previous Bash events, Museum deliveries were postponed so it was nice to see them in action this time, adding to the atmosphere.

I was able to once again see/sit in several Z06’s however ***had the added bonus***of hearing them started and revved up, many times during the day. The contractors were forbidden to punch the accelerators but Josh Holden had no such constraints and treated us to a wonderful ICE symphony and truly brought home the point of the Z06 teams ++ effort creating “THE SOUND” for the Z06. Listening to it on a video doesn’t compare to hearing it in person.

Also finished up my ++ time in the museum, which was great to see and deserves several hours of attention.

Not much scheduled for the third and final day tomorrow so I’ll miss that day and fly back to Alberta tomorrow morning instead, to get a head start on catching up at work. So this will be my last 2022 Bash report. Well worth the trip for those of you ever considering attending and somewhat better if you’re in a Corvette with the designated Corvette parking lot where some people set up their cars, like a car show, with lots more opportunity to view different Vettes and swap stories. Over all, a great Corvette experience.

Ps: we were reminded several times of the 2024 “all roads lead to Bowling Green” planned Corvette caravan to celebrate the NCM 30th anniversary. So for anyone wanting to drive down, this would provide a great opportunity. My neighbour drove his C7 from Edmonton to Kentucky for the 25th anniversary Corvette caravan and he had a blast. He marvelled at the hospitality of all the Canadian and US Corvette clubs who hosted/fed them on the trip, the sheer number of Corvettes/people who attended, plus the warm reception at Kentucky including a high speed escort from the border by their State troopers, plus all the activities arranged at Bowling Green. Something to think about if you want a road trip and have the time.
 
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Thanks Vaughn. I wish I could say your updates were just like being there but I honestly cannot. But that aside, your reports and pictures were certainly detailed enough to make a lot of us wish they had been there. Much appreciated. Safe travels home :thumbs:
 
Some other C8 Z06 fun facts from the Bash, not covered above (plus a few related to the C8 Stingray):

1. the Z06 oil filter is different from the Stingray: it's a canister in a housing (it doesn't screw on) since the original versions gradually unscrewed due to the flat plane crank vibrations.
2. the transmission on the Z06 is also different than the Stingray: it's similar but there are about a half-dozen differences. I can't recall all of them but do remember Josh Holden saying the Z06 transmission had a thicker housing and an extra plate in it. Sorry but he rattled them off so quickly, I can't remember all of the other differences. Unfortunately I didn't ask if the Z06 will use the same transmission filter(s) as the Stingray. So many questions...
3. the exhaust system on the Z06 can be adjusted, so upon start up, it doesn't have a loud "bark" if that's the setting you choose. That differs from the Stingray which has the same "bark" upon start up all the time. Unknown if the Stingray will be adjustable for 2023 (it didn't come up).
4. Mobil 1 is renaming it's oil "Supercar" and that will be for both the C8 Stingray ESP Dexos 2 0W-40 formulation (the same oil renamed), plus the new 5W-50 oil for the Z06. They were originally going to name it "US Supercar" or something similar until their Canadian reps complained and pointed out Canadians were or would be driving these same vehicles with Mobil oil in them. The Mobil reps made it clear that you shouldn't be driving your C8 with the European Mobil 1 formulation although one oil change with it shouldn't hurt anything. This Supercar oil will be available first to dealers and the NCM. After that, retailers will be able to get it and with more and more people buying C8's, they expect more retailers to start stocking it. They had COVID-related supply problems but those have now all been ironed out. Someone in the audience asked during the Mobil 1 presentation, if it there was a life expectancy for the Corvette Mobil 1 oil. They said it could last up to 10 years but they recommended you change it every year, as per GM's recommendation. So as always, they deferred to the vehicle manufacturer on when to change the oil. They discussed a fair bit the benefits of the "Supercar" oil, pointing out it was specifically formulated to avoid moisture with that same moisture being very bad for a high performance engine.
5. the Z06 visualizer isn't showing the correct brake caliper colors. It's unduly restrictive so for example, right now it shows a gray caliper whenever you choose the ceramic brakes. So it has some kinks that have to be worked out.
6. you can buy the Z07 package with the 70th Anniversary Edition of the Z06, plus you can eliminate the body stripes on the car (get it with or without those stripes) but other than a few changes like that, you have to take the Anniversary Edition as you see it, in either the Pearl White or Carbon Flash colours. You can get the Stealth interior package with the Anniversary Edition plus the Carbon Fiber Interior Level 1 package (on either Stingray or Z06 versions). But you cannot get the CF Interior Level 2 package in the Stingray Anniversary Edition; only the Z06 Anniversary Edition. You CANNOT get the carbon fiber (CF) rims with the Anniversary Edition: it only comes with the one set of rims with the red outer edging. Those same comments apply to the Stingray.
7. for those buying the CF rims, the car will come specifically set up for them, due to their reduced weight. I asked a GM rep if that meant people buying the Z06 with the Z07 package and CF rims, then putting on a second set of rims (aluminum) would have to go to a dealer to recalibrate the car. I was told no dealer could do that: a dealer will bring up the original car codes and only be able to set it up based upon those codes. GM would be able to recalibrate the car, but not any of its dealers. And running a set of aluminum rims on a car calibrated for the CF rims, wouldn't hurt anything so they suggested that was the way to go and it was better to use aluminum rims on a Z06 set up for the CF rims...than use CF rims on a car originally set up for aluminum rims.
8. the new carbon ceramic brakes produce next to no brake dust and are really effective, even when cold. That said, they get better the more they heat up. They'll last a lot longer with track use and for street use, they could be the only set of brakes you'll ever need. Having said that, they're likely to be ++ expensive.
9. the Michelin reps confirmed there were no Z06 tires for sale on the retail market now. There were some winter grips (Alpin Sport) but GM bought them all. I can attest to that since I found Tire Rack had some winter grips a few months ago, but now they're long gone. Michelin expects the winter grips to be available fairly soon and an all-season version might be out in about a year (?). These were just estimated times.
10. the "Stealth" interior option when viewed in person, didn't look like the Visualizer. Whereas the Visualizer made the speaker grills (on each door and the top between the seats) look quite dark, in reality they were a slightly darker shade than the original "silver" look: I'd describe them as a "burnished steel" colour. The trim under the dash was noticeably darker than the original though. These comments apply equally to the Z06 and Stingray.
11. GM does NOT recommend you change out the Z06 20" and 21" rims/tires with larger 21" and 22" aftermarket ones (for example). The OEM tires/rims have been tested specifically for the Z06 and matched to its performance characteristics. Maybe all manufacturers will say that about any vehicle they make, but the Z06 is very performance oriented so perhaps this is good advice. Something to consider.
12. the base Z06 will come with a set of "wicker bills" in the trunk, which can be added onto the rear spoiler if desired by the buyer.
13. the break-in period for the Z06 is the same 804 km/500 miles as the Stingray. I think this was released previously but it was brought up at the Bash.
14. (new: May 2) it was previously announced that the Z06 would have magnetorheological motor mounts, being motor mounts with fluid containing a suspension of magnetically soft particles in a synthetic hydrocarbon fluid: with computer-input, the magnetic field is varied to dampen vibration. This was thought to be a ++ improvement for the Z06 due to the increased vibrations inherent with a flat plane crank engine. At the Bash, it was announced that the Z06 would have "standard" motor mounts and the previous reference to magnetorheological mounts was due to a misunderstanding (whatever that means). Oh well; I suppose the up-side is omitting that new technology, should improve the Z06 pricing.
15. (new: May 2) Josh confirmed that if you buy the CF rims on top of the Z07 package, you'll receive the CF rims (only) with/on the car. You won't get the regular OEM aluminum rims since the CF rims are a replacement rim and not an accessory rim. Hopefully GM will factor in the price of the aluminum rims that go with all the Z06's, when deciding what to charge for the CF rims.
16. (new: May 4) when it comes to Z06 brake caliper colours: when you order the Carbon Ceramic brakes (“J57”), Harbor Gray is standard; options are Bright Red, Edge Red, Edge Yellow and Edge Orange; then for the regular cast iron brakes ("J56"), Black is standard; Bright Red, Edge Red, and Edge Yellow are optional.

I'll list more as I think of them; there was a lot of info in a short period of time. Hope this helps.

(new May 4) PS: although not discussed at the Bash in my presence, CorvetteBlogger found this out at the Bash: if you want the High Wing on the 2023 Z06, you MUST order the Carbon Ceramic brakes. I suspect this will be a boon to aftermarket sellers of the High Wing due to the cost of the CCB. The CorvetteBlogger article is here:

www.corvetteblogger.com

You Can't Get the 2023 Corvette Z06's High Wing Without Carbon Ceramic Brakes - Corvette: Sales, News & Lifestyle

We got some clarification at the NCM Bash for ordering the C8 Z06's High Wing Spoiler which requires the addition of Carbon Ceramic Brakes.
www.corvetteblogger.com www.corvetteblogger.com
 
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netsinah said:
Some other C8 Z06 fun facts from the Bash, not covered above (plus a few related to the C8 Stingray):

1. the Z06 oil filter is different from the Stingray: it's a canister in a housing (it doesn't screw on) since the original versions gradually unscrewed due to the flat plane crank vibrations.
2. the transmission on the Z06 is also different than the Stingray: it's similar but there are about a half-dozen differences. I can't recall all of them but do remember Josh Holden saying the Z06 transmission had a thicker housing and an extra plate in it. Sorry but he rattled them off so quickly, I can't remember all of the other differences. Unfortunately I didn't ask if the Z06 will use the same transmission filter(s) as the Stingray. So many questions...
3. the exhaust system on the Z06 can be adjusted, so upon start up, it doesn't have a loud "bark" if that's the setting you choose. That differs from the Stingray which has the same "bark" upon start up all the time. Unknown if the Stingray will be adjustable for 2023 (it didn't come up).
4. Mobil 1 is renaming it's oil "Supercar" and that will be for both the C8 Stingray ESP Dexos 2 0W-40 formulation (the same oil renamed), plus the new 5W-50 oil for the Z06. They were originally going to name it "US Supercar" or something similar until their Canadian reps complained and pointed out Canadians were or would be driving these same vehicles with Mobil oil in them. The Mobil reps made it clear that you shouldn't be driving your C8 with the European Mobil 1 formulation although one oil change with it shouldn't hurt anything. This Supercar oil will be available first to dealers and the NCM. After that, retailers will be able to get it and with more and more people buying C8's, they expect more retailers to start stocking it. They had COVID-related supply problems but those have now all been ironed out. Someone in the audience asked during the Mobil 1 presentation, if it there was a life expectancy for the Corvette Mobil 1 oil. They said it could last up to 10 years but they recommended you change it every year, as per GM's recommendation. So as always, they deferred to the vehicle manufacturer on when to change the oil. They discussed a fair bit the benefits of the "Supercar" oil, pointing out it was specifically formulated to avoid moisture with that same moisture being very bad for a high performance engine.
5. the Z06 visualizer isn't showing the correct brake caliper colors. It's unduly restrictive so for example, right now it shows a gray caliper whenever you choose the ceramic brakes. So it has some kinks that have to be worked out.
6. you can buy the Z07 package with the 70th Anniversary Edition of the Z06, plus you can eliminate the body stripes on the car (get it with or without those stripes) but other than a few changes like that, you have to take the Anniversary Edition as you see it, in either the Pearl White or Carbon Flash colours. You CANNOT get the carbon fiber (CF) rims with the Anniversary Edition: it only comes with the one set of rims with the red outer edging. Those same comments apply to the Stingray.
7. for those buying the CF rims, the car will come specifically set up for them, due to their reduced weight. I asked a GM rep if that meant people buying the Z06 with the Z07 package and CF rims, then putting on a second set of rims (aluminum) would have to go to a dealer to recalibrate the car. I was told no dealer could do that: a dealer will bring up the original car codes and only be able to set it up based upon those codes. GM would be able to recalibrate the car, but not any of its dealers. And running a set of aluminum rims on a car calibrated for the CF rims, wouldn't hurt anything so they suggested that was the way to go and it was better to use aluminum rims on a Z06 set up for the CF rims...than use CF rims on a car originally set up for aluminum rims.
8. the new carbon ceramic brakes produce next to no brake dust and are really effective, even when cold. That said, they get better the more they heat up. They'll last a lot longer with track use and for street use, they could be the only set of brakes you'll ever need. Having said that, they're likely to be ++ expensive.
9. the Michelin reps confirmed there were no Z06 tires for sale on the retail market now. There were some winter grips (Alpin Sport) but GM bought them all. I can attest to that since I found Tire Rack had some winter grips a few months ago, but now they're long gone. Michelin expects the winter grips to be available fairly soon and an all-season version might be out in about a year (?). These were just estimated times.
10. the "Stealth" interior option when viewed in person, didn't look like the Visualizer. Whereas the Visualizer made the speaker grills (on each door and the top between the seats) look quite dark, in reality they were a slightly darker shade than the original "silver" look: I'd describe them as a "burnished steel" colour. The trim under the dash was noticeably darker than the original though. These comments apply equally to the Z06 and Stingray.
11. GM does NOT recommend you change out the Z06 20" and 21" rims/tires with larger 21" and 22" aftermarket ones (for example). The OEM tires/rims have been tested specifically for the Z06 and matched to its performance characteristics. Maybe all manufacturers will say that about any vehicle they make, but the Z06 is very performance oriented so perhaps this is good advice. Something to consider.
12. the base Z06 will come with a set of "wicker bills" in the trunk, which can be added onto the rear spoiler if desired by the buyer.
13. the break-in period for the Z06 is the same 804 km/500 miles as the Stingray. I think this was released previously but it was brought up at the Bash.
14. (new: May 2) it was previously announced that the Z06 would have magnetorheological motor mounts, being motor mounts with fluid containing a suspension of magnetically soft particles in a synthetic hydrocarbon fluid: with computer-input, the magnetic field is varied to dampen vibration. This was thought to be a ++ improvement for the Z06 due to the increased vibrations inherent with a flat plane crank engine. At the Bash, it was announced that the Z06 would have "standard" motor mounts and the previous reference to magnetorheological mounts was due to a misunderstanding (whatever that means). Oh well; I suppose the up-side is omitting that new technology, should improve the Z06 pricing.
15. (new: May 12) Josh confirmed that if you buy the CF rims on top of the Z07 package, you'll receive the CF rims (only) with/on the car. You won't get the regular OEM aluminum rims since the CF rims are a replacement rim and not an accessory rim. Hopefully GM will factor in the price of the aluminum rims that go with all the Z06's, when deciding what to charge for the CF rims.


I'll list more as I think of them; there was a lot of info in a short period of time. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Wow....Good recall and info for the forum Vaughn... :thumbs::thumbs:
 
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