Canary Wharf Motor Expo

[zumbruk]

Went and sat in a C6 (the GM "stand" is in the lobby of 1, Canada Square). Never seen one up close before. Apart from the screen top rail being a bit low [I'm 6'3"] even with the seat fully lowered, and having minor difficulty getting out (Oh, it's *that* button - so it's not just TVRs) that's one bloody nice car. Ghod knows what Top Gear were wittering on about the internal trim - it seems just as well put together as any Euro. I was most impressed. If it drives half as well as it looks then it looks twice as good as it drives.

But £48K? Isn't that taking the p*ss very slightly with the pound at $1.80?


>> Edited by zumbruk on Monday 13th June 17:03

[vetteheadracer]

Taking the P@ss is standard for US products in the UK.....$1 = £1 always has done in rip off Britain.

[kenski]

I think Top Gear probably had a valid point that if you're buying a sports car in the UK you expect the cockpit to be reflective of the type of vehicle you're driving. The Corvette is not intended to be an exotic, but more an attainable dream car and as such the materials used aren't particularly top-notch. I actually prefer the interior of the C5, though it's been criticised for being 'acres of black plastic'.

-kenski

[trackdemon]

Had a sit in it earlier - very low roofline - I wonder what that'd be like on trackdays (ie with helmet). Interior trim is a bit "cheap" for a £48k car too, if you can get decent design & materials in a £15k MINI then it should be possible in this. Nonetheless with 10k service intervals, very strong performance, (apparently) decent handling, good equipment levels and lowish running costs it does look a good bet. I still think £48k is a bit strong - wouldn't be that hard to import one myself for way less.

[anonymous-user]

You buy a Vette for performance and durability. Interior is 100% functional and bling-free. Those in search of knurled knobs, burled walnut, gold badges and guppy chrome grilles will need to shop elsewhere.

[LuS1fer]

zumbruk said:

Went and sat in a C6 (the GM "stand" is in the lobby of 1, Canada Square). Never seen one up close before. Apart from the screen top rail being a bit low [I'm 6'3"] even with the seat fully lowered, and having minor difficulty getting out (Oh, it's *that* button - so it's not just TVRs) that's one bloody nice car. Ghod knows what Top Gear were wittering on about the internal trim - it seems just as well put together as any Euro. I was most impressed. If it drives half as well as it looks then it looks twice as good as it drives. But £48K? Isn't that taking the p*ss very slightly with the pound at $1.80?

Yes and no. Euro cars are higher spec than base US cars. Everyone touts the base US Corvette price as the gospel figure but in actual fact, by the time you've added some of the options, the price is nearer $55k or more plus you have to add delivery and US sales tax.

For a truer comparison, take the £48k, take off the import duty at 10% and the VAT at 17.5% and all the options and suddenly the prices are a lot nearer. Blame the Government. Oh and don't forget that whilst you criticise GM for making a profit by pitching the car into the price sector they can compete in, other manufacturers have been ripping us off for years. The cost of a Lotus Elise springs to mind.