We recently climbed out of the world-beating 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, which is the latest and one of the greatest Corvettes we’ve ever had the opportunity to pilot and write about for your reading pleasure (but of course, the pleasure was all ours). As good as the new Corvette Grand Sport is, there’s still more to come from the C7 program, as evident by recent aerial spy photos that can be viewed on Autoblog and other websites.
First off, it’s immediately clear that this *is not* a mid-engine Corvette that the world has been anticipating. This is definitely something else. Something that doesn’t stray from the current C7 formula as we know it. At least by shape. We say this because we have absolutely no certain idea what could be lurking underneath the shrouded hood of this harlequined-out Corvette. That said, there is a very noticeable bump in the middle of the hood, and what looks to be some very serious front vent work for cooling purposes. With that in mind, it’s very likely this thing features forced induction of some fashion. There’s also a pair of strut brackets on the rear decklid that would presumably support a massive wing — which appears to be missing. And when we say “massive” — we’re estimating Porsche 911 GT3-to-Dodge Viper ACR levels of massive, judging by the height of these struts. Downforce? Downforce.
So, if it’s not a mid-engined Corvette, what could it be? Well, we do have some morsels of information that may help us connect the dots. First of all, it may be premature to call this mystery C7 a next-generation Corvette ZR1. It’s possible, but based on GM USPTO trademark applications, we have other possibilities. ZR1 is a front runner, but it could also be a Corvette Zora, Corvette E-Ray or Corvette L88, all based on what’s currently alive in the trademark office.
Judging by how little camo is on this thing, we could see the official unveiling of this skunkworks Corvette as soon as this coming auto show season, beginning in just a few months. Stay tuned.
Comments
That would be these 2018 C7 Corvette ZR1 track package, revised aero, wing, revised LT4 engine and cooling system, 700+ hp, 700+ torque, RWD, 7speed manual, 7 speed DCT (Maybe), scott 3 said a C7 ZR1 would be these last for these C7 corvette. I belive These records that these viper set at these ring are going to fall.
These blue calipers, and these different wheels, say’s what it is, it’ C7 ZR1, and I would say that these C8 zora mid-engine corvette will have 800 + hp, 800+ torque, LT5 small block V8 new supercharger engine.
Speedy you are correct in what you state.
This may be the send off car for the C7 that has been reported and will have 725-750 HP
I expect it to have some changes with more carbon fiber stickier tires and may be a wing like the Z/28 has shown as like the one they showed testing on a Corvette earlier this year.
Not sure about the DCT since the present tranny shifts faster. Could be the new 10 speed trans-axle?
We may see this new engine sent to the new car as is since GM carriers over engine packages and just add more power since the new car would be engineered to deal with it. Or we could see something entirely different.
I think the new cooling package was developed for this car and will show up on the Z06 too.
I think it is clear where all this is going just the details like engines etc remain sketchy.
This car will be small gain over the present Z06 but the new C8 may be the Vette to do the first sub 7 seconds at the Ring.
Sub 7 minutes maybe, sub 7 seconds may be a little too ambitious!
A Corvette with factory 750 hp.
Anybody else have a massive erection?
Yes I did mean 7 Min. I had a Freudian slip with Pro Stock on my mind.
Has anyone ever seen the actual Ring figure for the current ZO6?
Well they never released any times.
They had issues there and fought rain and a crash that disabled the car. Also the heart issue may have come into play.
One report was out of a 6:59 but GM flat said that was false.
We do know the car was 4 seconds faster than the ZR1 at VIR so that is one point of reference.
Based on the past ZR1 time most expect 7:10-7:15 at the ring in the Z06. It has a top speed limit due to the down force with the new body. It is good on the front part of the track but the back parts with the long straights suffer with limited top speed.
Thanks Scott!
Based on all the camo on the front end mostly, what are the odds that this could hide some FWD electric engine to get the car to ride on 4 wheels? Any thoughts on that?
GM Would not invest anything more than some simple bolt on systems on the C7 at this point. No matter what the other car is it would be the one they would invest the money in for any new system like that if they even do it at all.
The C7 sales have peaked and they will ride it out with special trim and one big send off model.
All the nose is hiding is the additional air and aero changes the car will need for more cooling and down force.
Emperor
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/general-motors/2016/08/04/sources-mid-engine-corvette-due/88054852/