Here we see it again: the industry’s worst-kept secret, the mid-engine Corvette. This time, spy shots show off more of the car’s shape than ever before.
The party is certainly in the back with a long rear panel stretching the cabin of the mid-engine Corvette, while the front clip looks much shorter. Although, it’s easy to see some Corvette influence in the shape of the front end still. The pillars also look decidedly Corvette and the car’s mirrors remain attached to them, rather than the doors.
It may be a poorly-kept secret, but General Motors and Chevrolet have still denied the car even exists. So, we’re left with speculation and educated guesses over what the mid-engine Corvette may usher in. We may see a DOHC V8 engine arise with the C8 Corvette after the “LT5” code name has surfaced in multiple places, and the Corvette may eventually employ a hybrid powertrain. GM moved to trademark the “E-Ray” name in the past.
One thing is certain, however: this will be one of newly-minted GM design chief Michael Simcoe’s biggest projects. Work likely began under former design head Ed Welburn, but Simcoe will have the ultimate say on the Corvette’s design.
Rumors have created speculation that the mid-engine Corvette could debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show, but it likely won’t hit the road until at least 2019. Until then, we’ll be sure to cover any and all information surrounding the mid-engine Corvette.
Spy shots: AutoGuide
Comments
They’re trying to disguise it as El Camino 😀
That’s exactly what I was thinking; it appears to be a Corvette pickup.
My hope is that “Corvette” becomes a sub-brand with the C7 front engine “Stingray” model continuing and eventually being replaced but with this mid-engine product as a companion model and perhaps called “Zora”. In time, an entry level model more akin to a Nissan Z would be nice to fill-out the brand and get back to the roots of the Corvette heritage.
Before 2008 happened that was a likely plan for Corvette. The Kappa platform that the Solstice/Sky rode on was getting updated as Kappa II and rumoured to provide a smaller Corvette model
Am I not seeing the pictures? All I see is a hood ornament.
Click at the bottom where is says, Spy Shots: AutoGuide
Thank you!
Most people who have been paying attention knew it was going to happen for a good while. The only real question has been how the models will line up and when it was going to be released.
Can the corvette plant build a front engine and mid engine corvette at the same time?
It will be here in 2018 as a 2019 model. It will only be mid-engine. Cadillac supercar will not be mid-engine, it will be a All Electric BEV Plug in, with a dedicated chassis.
2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante
BASE PRICE $350,000 (est)
VEHICLE LAYOUT Mid-engine, AWD, 2-pass, 2-door coupe
ENGINE 5.2L/635-hp (est)/443-lb-ft DOHC 40-valve V-10
TRANSMISSION 7-speed twin-clutch auto
CURB WEIGHT 3,400 lb (est)
WHEELBASE 103.1 in
LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 175.6 x 75.7 x 45.9 in
0-60 MPH 2.7 sec (MT est)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 14/20/16 mpg (est)
ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY 241/169 kW-hrs/100 miles (est)
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB 1.20 lb/mile (est)
ON SALE IN U.S. Fall 2017
The mid engine Corvette I will call the ZORA should at least match the performance criteria For about $250,000. They should also keep the Stingray(front engine rear drive) at about the current price range not just temporary but forever. Price increase accordingly of course. They should also keep the different performance classes like they have now.That way I think they could satisfy both Vett fans the ones who like the current version and the ones who want and can afford something that can compete with the European and domestic(FORD GT) exotics. They will also have a platform for Cadillac when they are ready to enter the game.
Doesn’t hybridization, in theory, make the need for a rear-engine sports car moot?
I thought their whole thing was “We are only going rear engine because there is no other way to improve the performance of the corvette nameplate”
I hope they do a V6TT with electric motors to fill the torque gaps. Around 500bhp, 550 torques and under $80K would peak my interest.
By the time the mid engine arrive a standard Corvette would cost close to that.
A little heads up.
The magnaride system in the car will be like the Exotis and have a ride hight lift mode to get over curbs.
It will even be able to be programmed via GPS to lift the car at points you know need lifted over.