Posted on Wednesday 3 October 2007
Information revealed yesterday in a UAW document outlined GM’s plans to install a dual-clutch gearbox in the C7 Corvette and now we have reports that it might feature an AWD system as well. GM and Sweden’s Haldex have developed a new performance AWD system called XWD that debuted in the facelifted Saab 9-3. The AWD system features an electronic differential and can send up to 85% of torque to an individual wheel to prevent slippage, whether it’s from a fast corner or when trying to put power to the ground.
Engineers at a Haldex plant in Sweden were recently spotted working on a new GM prototype with a rear-track much wider than that of any current Saab and this is thought to be a test-mule for the next-generation Corvette. A new Haldex facility being set-up in Mexico could soon see development of the AWD Corvette prototype head to North America.
GM hasn’t revealed any official details about the next Corvette apart from the fact that it will retain the front-engine layout. According to parts suppliers, a mid-engine layout was ruled out because of the costs involved in developing such a car. Developers are instead looking at AWD traction to improve the Corvette’s track performance. We already know what it’s capable of with just RWD. Now imagine what an AWD Corvette with more than 600hp could do to the competition.
Seems like it would hike the price quite a bit?
Plus, half the fun of a Vette is to slide the back end out like a nut…
Doesnt anyone see the difference between a ~280 BHP transverse engined saab and a 500+ BHP longitudinal corvette? The likelihood of the same electronic differential being able to handle both is farcical at best. Not to mention that the using this same differential (the rear in the saab) would not make the ‘vette AWD, it would only give it an electronically manipulated differential similar to an F430 or 599GTB Fiorano.
Nobody is saying the Saab and Corvette would use the exact same diff. However, Haldex has developed the technology already and there’s no reason it can’t be applied to a high power output car.
AWD is heavy and produces understeer.
Let’s hope that this ‘new’ AWD is better.
The Vette is, and always should be (in my opinion only) a RWD tire smoker. If so many other supercars can “get by” with RWD, then certainly the “bang for your buck” king can too…