Has GM squandered its opportunities with what could arguably be the most recognizable sports car icon on earth?

look at the rear suspension to see what corvette represents,

reencarnation of donkey carts

...at this point as far as marketing is concerned. The public knows what the Corvette is capable of. There just isn't a fan base like there was in the 60's, 70's and even 80's. Japanese cars gained credibility during the late 80's up to present day. That combined with loyal German auto fans hurt the entire American auto industry. Plus, with small hondas like the civic starting the aftermarket scene, the younger generation focused more on Japanese makes over American ones. To top it all off, the perception that all American cars are crap makes Corvette a beacon in a sea of mediocrity. Unfortunately these days kids dream of owning a 350Z or 330xi not a corvette. Sorry GM.

True dat Alex.. I do agree!

GM is missing the boat on using the Corvette to sell other cars. Make people excited about the Corvette, and people will buy into it and be more excited about a Cobalt or a Monte Carlo. It's basic marketing. The more you can improve the brand image with the high end cars, the easier it is to sell the low end cars, because people are excited about the brand.

I agree it's not the most recognizeable car on the earth, and it's definetely not my choice. But GM should take advantage of it while they can.

I agree with alot of what you said. The Corvette is an American Icon, hands down. You are also correct about Corvette's LeMans racing history. Yes, GM can make outstanding cars when they want to (they should be doing it more often). The numbers on this car are mindboggling. However it just doesn't appeal to the masses.

The issue is that GM has had this car for 40, going on 50 years. This car was an American icon not only on the track but off of it as well back in the 60's and 70's (still is). However, when you have a great product you need market the hell out of it. The aftermarket industry absolutely killed Corvette sales (american auto sales as a whole). It was the aftermarket industry that gave birth to a booming rise in demand for Japanese vehicles. All the while GM had this crown jewel that they couldn't get into the hands of the consumer. It is an icon no doubt. But its the younger generation who are beginning to buy cars with more frequency and the Corvette isn't on their list.

I'm from the D.C. area where imports are HUGE. I could go all day without seeing an American vehicle (okay maybe I'm exaggerating but you get the idea). The are more civics and 350Z's that I care to count. Even young businessmen in their late 20's are buying Japanese sports cars. Its just a generational (is that a word??) interest. If GM, Ford, and Chrysler can appeal to the youth much like Japanese vehicles have, than you would see more sales and a decrease in perception that American vehicles aren't "good enough".

Yep, I like the comparison to the Buick Grand National. I own a '94 5.0L GT and have kept it around because it's the first car I ever owned and the rumble of the V8 still gets to me. So seeing the new mustang and camaro concept come to life thrilled me. I agree with you about tuner cars and why they are popular. I'm pretty sure you are correct about the VTEC but I'm not the one to ask.

I really believe American vehicles in the next couple of years with shake the stigma of being mediocre by the next decade. If that Cadillac concept is any indication, things will be just fine.

Jovi is just another biased auto idiot. Site is full of them and they only know what they want to know..which usually means...zero facts! People prefer to just to bash U.S auto industry and presume MB and BMWs are the best as well as the Japanese car fans. Don't get me wrong, Toyotas, BMW/MB are fine autos.

Well I have friends that own European repair shops and I see BMWs/MBs in for service all the time. Half the time these cars are owned by people that can barely afford them and try to get things repaired cheaply. Porshe is the most profitable car maker because people are willing to over pay. Hell...put a high price tag on a foreign apple and people will think it is better then the domestic apple when they are the same damn apple.

If Porshe built a car exactly like the Corvette it would be an easy 6 figure car. People are putting it down only because it does not cost as much as a SL or 911....just stupid. Ignorant, biased, auto fans are a dime a dozen...

How many of you know that Honda got the Vtec from GM??? How many of you know that much of the technology BMW used/uses in its autos were developed by GM??? Thats what I thought...

If you doubt it...this news link shows them still working together:

http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA632242.html?industryid=21951

I didn't know that VTEC technology came from GM but I do know that there is an extreme markup in Porsche's autos.