Yes, you read that right. In 2017, the Corvette will finally introduce a mid-engine layout it was always meant for, with the C8 Corvette Zora, or perhaps the C7 Corvette ZR1.
Of course, those in-the-know have long heard murmurings of a mid-engine ‘Vette, and Chevy has even built several prototypes in the past – such as the 1976 Aerovette and the 1990 CERV III. But General Motors has always entertained the idea with caution, knowing that it’s an expensive change, and one that could potentially alienate a lot of the brand’s die hard loyalists.
Apparently, Chevrolet has decided that America is finally ready. The new Zora-ZR1 supercar will sit at the top of the Corvette range, above the 650 hp Z06, and (for a time) stand alone in offering the MR layout, likely sold alongside the current C7. It’s expected to still maintain Chevrolet’s beloved Small Block in some form, although specific powertrain details are a mystery. And while reports believe that the Zora will keep the aluminum space frame currently seen in the C7 in some way, we have reasons to believe the Corvette C8 will introduce a new platform entirely.
As for the body, we could see carbon fiber doors over the current fiberglass ones. and while Car and Driver believes the chassis will still make use of reworked magnetorheological dampers, control arms and composite leaf springs, we also believe a new suspension system will be introduced.
Though, at this moment, the shroud of mystery is still very much covering the 2017 Corvette Zora-ZR1, and only serves to pique our interest even more. After all, the news of a mid-engine American sportscar is something we’ve not had since the Pontiac Fiero. We just want to buy the C8 a drink and ask all about its powertrain options, new architecture, when it thinks it’ll be ready to become America’s only Corvette, etc.
But as they say, good things come to those who wait.
Comments
lol
It’s coming.
That’s all I will say now.
If the mid engine car comes out and it actually is priced at $150,000, I will sell my ’67 convertible to help fund the project.
File that under”believe it when I see it”
Agreed.
Talk of a production rear-mid engined Corvette has gone on for decades. Not that there is anything wrong with that as I’m glad that GM has enough internal creative freedom to allow such ideas to be explored.
Rear-mid engined Corvette rumours can keep the Corvette fan base on edge for years, but all the fevered and hastily typed out forum and blog posts won’t put the car into production.
The fact is many of GM’s engineers are more enabled to do what they think they need or can do now than they have been in decades. It all started when Lutz went to powertrain and told them I have your back and to make power. We ten got the ZR1.
The other tip that is left out on the Car and Driver story is they are playing with a Chevy V8 that is over 1,000 HP but they are having trouble hooking the car up. This may be just all engine or it could be a hybrid system we will just have to wait and see.
Well there is more to this than before. The details are fleeting but the C8 was in the works before the C7 hit the market and it was stated both programs were working concurrent.
As for Mid Engine the rumors are true this time but like I said the details still need a lot of clarification.
I started hearing about this a good while ago but with even less detail The C8 really was to have been the C7 but the time and money issues came in so they took the faster and cheaper way out and gave the C8 the time and money it needed to be phases in.
Also I have heard this from more than one source over the last 3 years. Also note the story has been very consistent in how this is to play out.
As for the photo’s Car and Driver etc. let that part go but the basics of this story has some roots for once. We will just have to let this play out some.
Also note no one from the Vette Team has denied this yet and some have even eluded to it in the past.
Has to check my calendar, Make sure it’s not 1 April. I’ll be glad to see it. Next up? maybe a smaller entry level car. think up to date Fiero. Back to reality…come on GM, build the damn car!
I believe reporting this story as if it were fact is not only poor journalism it does little to inform interested readers. Would you go on record to say that the information you report is a fact, that the opening, “Yes, you read that right. In 2017, the Corvette will finally introduce a mid-engine layout it was always meant for, with the C8 Corvette Zora, or perhaps the C7 Corvette ZR1” is definite? Where is the reference to this being a rumor? Can you cite who you spoke to at GM confirming this or the GM site that has released this.
Understand that there is no problem reporting the story of a rumor but it should be stated. If you review the Motor Trend and now the Car&Driver stories they all have done their homework, researched the story and cite some facts that support their story. Where are your sources? You don’t even reference the magazines that did do their homework and are obviously the source of your disappointing story.
I think you will find out there is more know here than being reported.
The media walks a fine line here as they want to be the first with breaking GM news on any major Corvette action. But if they step over the line they run the risk of being cut off from anything later and it has happened.
GM made major threats when the C7 was leaked a year early. I saw many web sites remove stories and or not even post the photo’s that were about 98% accurate.
Also GM has shown media in the last 5 years previews to new product with the understanding that nothing or just what they want leaked be posted. Many of these stories are based on a lot more fact than they can always report.
This info is not as secret as you may always think it is. I was visiting someone once that had C6 drawings on the wall and I was permitted to see them just not talk about them or photo them before the premier at Detroit.
So for a while now you will get bits of info here and there and some vague hints mixed with some guesses too. GM may show some things but they will leave what is under the skin quiet.
This all could get canceled too. But a this point there has been too many hints of the same info from different points that all are consistent.
If you don’t believe this you can dig on the web for a while and locate many of the older hints in interview and reported stories. I was iffy on this until recently as it now is all coming together an making it a convincing story.
I originally just thought it to be a show car but now I am convinced there is more to it.
Keep in mind this Is not the same GM as we are used to. These guys are changing the way they so business and this time they have money to do it right.
To be honest we are lucky they never did a Mid Engine as with the way GM was it would have just been a bigger Fiero back in the 70’s and had fallen short and may have damaged the Corvette brand more than help it. Today they have the funding to do this right and if they do it as described they will keep the old car as a back up if the plan fails. This is not a tightrope walk without a rope.
I would say Mark Reuss has a lot to do with this one getting off the ground. It has his fingerprints all over it. It will be his legacy at GM like the GN was his fathers.
The only thing I desire; is that if GM designed the mid-engined Vette; is necessarily going to be sculptured under chassis monocoque, more stiffness, more security.
Regards from Spain
I call bullshit
I hope they finally build one! Not that I’ll ever be able to own one in my lifetime, but the Corvette has gone about as far as it can go with a front engine design.
General Motors has always been a step or two (or three or six) behind the curve for creativity in auto design. Have they ever brought out a new vehicle before anyone else has.
Anyhow, here’s my suggestion: keep the “standard” Corvette, and keep modifying it as they always have. But, bring out a second Corvette: the “Zora – mid-engine” Vette – but make it off the charts in styling, power, performance over comfort, and mid-engine. Oh, and make it a good solid six-figure price. Remember how the GT-40 wiped everyone out years ago! Do the same thing. Make it in limited numbers. Those who want it will pay for it. Those who don’t will always buy the normal Corvette. Keep the GS, the Z06, the ZR1. We love them.
Your suggestion would work fine. But don;t bet on it happening. This is General (Government) Motors.
You say that as though it implies something, but your words are empty and cliche.
His suggestion is nothing groundbreaking either. GM Lewis just regurgitated what he’s read/heard and repackaged his cliff notes as original thought. You’re both idiots.
Keep in mind this also opens up the door for Cadillac to fight Audi (R8) and other lux exotic cars. Cien anyone?
How many times have we seen this. Generations of breathless “journalists” have told us to get ready for the legendary mid-engined Corvette. I wish it were so but don’t bet on it.
A most, I agree with GM Lewis. Is the mid engine versatall enough enough to sell in volume to the couples that take road trips and need the room for luggage, golf clubs etc. These are the people that supply most of the sales.
At the Stanford forum Tadge J said there would not be a mid engine Vette anytime soon.
Just sayin what he told us when we were there in Nov 2014.
The pop-up headlights came and went; now it’s time for Mid-Engine Corvette.
Hey let me ride that donkey (donkey).