How many are they gonna build?

[Ken]

I can't recall seeing a definitive number regarding the total count of Z06's that are to be built and sold to the public. Does anyone here know how many are being built?

The reason I ask, is that someone I know already has a new C6 coupe, and is on the list for a Z06 when they're released. However, the dealer (Cormier Chevrolet) told him that he was only going to allotted two Z06's, and that he couldn't guarantee the color of the cars he'll be getting.

I was told there would only be six thousand Z06's built.

So, how many Z06's will be built?

[primeratec5]

Ken, I do not know that answer either because every thing I have read on the new ZO6 avoids the 2 P's--price and production. I hope more readers read this thread because I havve talked to my dealer about reserving one and to my surprise I was first on the list. My dealer moves alot of Corvettes but I was so surprised that I refused---I want a 2007 model................gives them time to work out the bugs and it saves me the deposit $ he was going to charge me even tho he could not quote a price(simple like invoice, 2 grand over invoice or whatever).

[Ken]

What reminded me of this today was a comment in a local Corvette club newsletter about another dealer already taking deposits on ten of them. If they're only going to allot two apiece to each dealer, then someone's in for some disappointing news. They could have used the money for something else in the meantime, like you did.

[primeratec5]

Oh, I do not think they (Chevy) will limit production except----handmade engines may force that, but I believe that they will make as many as they can sell. This model will be different from the ZR-1 and should be in production as long as the c6 is. I am also hoping pricing is different than the ZR-1 but some mags have made pricing a big issue--one magazine had it over 100grand and if they are correct, I'll need to get a new vanity plate or wait for the depreciation price decline to get mine.

It's all about GM marketing strategy. Most of us assume that GM wants to sell large numbers of Z06's. However, even at the reputed MSRP of perhaps as high as $75,000 they might not make much profit. The new Z06 might be a corporate image car much the same as the Viper. The strategy is that the existence of the Z06 contributes to higher sales of standard C6's and that's where the profit and volume potential lies. Also, both the Z06 and C6 push sales of all manner of GM/chevy grocery getters and trucks etc. due to image. Just like the Viper is used to sell all manner of ugly economy cars. My hunch is that the Z06 volumes will be very low and will remain low. Remember, Gm and chevrolet division make decisions about vettes as part of division and corporate marketing strategy. It's not about what "we" want it's about what will provide the largest bonuses for execs. It's a business. As for waiting for depreciation to get a Z06? Good luck. It's an instant classic . I don't think the market value of the new Z06 will follow the trend of the ZR1 in the least. It may never go down much. Remember, at $75 grand a copy plus dealer rip off additional market "adjustment" far fewer new Z06's will be sold than the C5 version. There is a definite limit to the number of potential buyers who can and will pay this kind of money. In this price range other cars become competition that are way above the base C6 price and market segment. I will bet that less than 3000 Z06's will be built per year. Now, I wish that was not the case, and I wish it were less expensive etc. but this is what I think GM has planned.

[Joe C]

Originally Posted by primeratec5

Oh, I do not think they (Chevy) will limit production except----handmade engines may force that, but I believe that they will make as many as they can sell. This model will be different from the ZR-1 and should be in production as long as the c6 is. I am also hoping pricing is different than the ZR-1 but some mags have made pricing a big issue--one magazine had it over 100grand and if they are correct, I'll need to get a new vanity plate or wait for the depreciation price decline to get mine.

the engine may limit production somewhat. there was a recent video floating around about the (handbuilt) engine plant. according to the video, they are building about 15 engines per day. multiply that by 5 days and 50 weeks, and you have 3750 engines. excluding spares, etc., you may be running less than the 3750 engines to the corvette production line. that number would only be about half of the '04 z06 production run. if demand is high enough, gm may up production by adding overtime, additional shifts, additional workers, etc.. just some food for thought!

Originally Posted by Joe C

that number would only be about half of the '04 z06 production run. if demand is high enough, gm may up production by adding overtime, additional shifts, additional workers, etc.. just some food for thought!

There may not be any way to predict '06 Z06 sales from '04 Z06 sales. The '04 was an upgraded C5 while the '06 is virtually a new car. The actual cost for the '06 Z06 option could wind up being 3 to 6 times more than the '04 and previous Z06's cost above the base car. It's called price elasticity of demand in econ. 101. The more something costs the less of it you sell. Demand will exceed supply early in the game-especially with all our predatory dealer friends profiteering. However, I feel that the MSRP will be just too much for many people who would have purchased a '04 Z06.

It's gonna be interesting to watch what actually happens. My feeling is that the factory has decided in advance to restrict supply.

[Joe C]

Originally Posted by OLDGOAT

There may not be any way to predict '06 Z06 sales from '04 Z06 sales. The '04 was an upgraded C5 while the '06 is virtually a new car. The actual cost for the '06 Z06 option could wind up being 3 to 6 times more than the '04 and previous Z06's cost above the base car. It's called price elasticity of demand in econ. 101. The more something costs the less of it you sell. Demand will exceed supply early in the game-especially with all our predatory dealer friends profiteering. However, I feel that the MSRP will be just too much for many people who would have purchased a '04 Z06.

It's gonna be interesting to watch what actually happens. My feeling is that the factory has decided in advance to restrict supply.

oldgoat - you may have missed the point of my post, it wasn't about predicting production based on '04 sales, it was about the the so-called production number of the engines. i do, however, agree with your comments - "The more something costs the less of it you sell. Demand will exceed supply early in the game-especially with all our predatory dealer friends profiteering. However, I feel that the MSRP will be just too much for many people who would have purchased a '04 Z06. " you hit the nail on the head there -

i have set my purchasing price on a '07 or '08 z06 at 65K-67K MSRP (i figure by then, all the hoopla will have died down). anything above that, and they can keep it. i might be inclined to buy a clean used c6z06, or just keep my 04z06. besides, there is no way my needs will ever exceed the performance potential of my 04z06 even in stock form! if it costs me much more than 30K-35K to move up to the c6 edition z06, i 'm out!!!

Originally Posted by Joe C

i have set my purchasing price on a '07 or '08 z06 at 65K-67K MSRP (i figure by then, all the hoopla will have died down). anything above that, and they can keep it. i might be inclined to buy a clean used c6z06, or just keep my 04z06. besides, there is no way my needs will ever exceed the performance potential of my 04z06 even in stock form! if it costs me much more than 30K-35K to move up to the c6 edition z06, i 'm out!!!

I appreciate and agree with your thoughts on price. It's clear to me that the C5 Z06 is a tremendous performance car. In fact I am considering that instead of a C6 Z51. I think they are very close. Which is "better" is , I think, subjective. I also agree with your statement about your needs in a performance vette.

Like you, there's no way I personally "need" more performance than a C5 Z06 or a C6 Z51. These are very serious performance cars. The consideration of a C6 Z06 comes down to, as your analysis indicates, the incremental cost of moving up to a C6 Z06. For some money will be no object but for many, myself included, the decision will rest on the extra cost.

Actually, since I don't own a vette now I will probably not wait the couple of years minimum that will be required for the new Z06 insanity to quiet down. I'd rather enjoy the ride sooner and save what I expect will be a $50 grand premium to drive a new Z06.

[3968]

I don't think you can compare a C-6 Zo6 with a C-4 Zr-1 in resale value or in any regard.C-6 in itself is a much more well engineered platform and hopefully not subject to the same level of deterioration we found in the C-4's as they started to age(rattles,squeeks,panel line separations-multiple fluid leaks,electrical malfuntions and so on).Hopefully the C-6 platform will prove to be worthy of the term "classic"...

Ken,
The number I saw for 2006 ZO6 was 15% - 20% (5250 - 7000 cars) of total Corvette production of 35,000 cars. The engine plant can produce 15,000 units per year. I couldn't find Rob's post on year end 2004 numbers which breaks down ZO6, coupe, and convertible numbers. I'm curious about the 2004 ZO6 number.

Jimmy

[Joe C]

Originally Posted by jimmyb

Ken,
The number I saw for 2006 ZO6 was 15% - 20% (5250 - 7000 cars) of total Corvette production of 35,000 cars. The engine plant can produce 15,000 units per year. I couldn't find Rob's post on year end 2004 numbers which breaks down ZO6, coupe, and convertible numbers. I'm curious about the 2004 ZO6 number.

Jimmy

jimmy - no flames here, but, i'm just curious about the 15000 engines number. where did you get that info? according to the video that's floating around, one of the gm guys (at the engine plant) states that they can produce 15 engines per day. again, 15/day x 5 days/week x 50 weeks is 3750 units. the video also states that the assembly guys are the "cream of the crop" engine builders. each engine is assemblied by a single worker in one day, and a nameplate is attached to the engine with the builders name. now 15000 engines would be 2 to 3 times the number of 06z06 engines required based on a 15-20% production number. either way, 3750 or 15000 engines, the numbers just don't add up to a 15-20% level. based on '04 numbers, about 20% of total production was z06's. if the same holds true for the 06z06, then gm is going to need about 6500 engines. i really think the 06 production of z06's will be closer to 10%, and ramping up in '07, '08, etc., to the 20% level. bean counters will be doing a market study on this one. if the 06z06 price goes through the roof, demand may not be as high as anticipated, i.e. 20%. several of my z06 buddies are saying, anything above 65K and they are out.

Joe C - 2004 black/mod red z06, 1985 silver/graphite z51 (both daily drivers)

correction - i just watched the video again, the gm team leader states that there are 15 workers building engines, and each line can produce 15 engines per day. so this just brings up the question of just how many engines can be built per day? how long does it take for a person to build an engine, and how many can that person build in a day, and how many production lines? i would think it would take the better part an 8 hour shift to build an engine, assuming one has all the parts on hand all the tools (conventional and specialized), but i could be wrong. if a person can assemble an engine in 4 hours, then that would be 2 per day x 5 days x 50 weeks or 7500 engines per year. that number sounds about right.

Joe,
The 15,000 engines a year number is from a GM press release on 7/28/04 anouncing the Perfrormance Engine facility. You can see it at: www.corvettesbyrickdaniel.com/gmpowerplant.html

Jimmy

[Joe C]

Originally Posted by jimmyb

Joe,
The 15,000 engines a year number is from a GM press release on 7/28/04 anouncing the Perfrormance Engine facility. You can see it at: www.corvettesbyrickdaniel.com/gmpowerplant.html

Jimmy

thanks!