Caught: Mid-Engine C8 Corvette Spied With Minimal Camouflage
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Looks like the mid-engine Corvette development team stopped for a snack, and in the process, the camera’s eye found them. New spy photos, taken by “Woodward” group member Josh Busenbark snapped the mid-engine C8 Corvette in Cadillac, Michigan, with the least amount of camouflage we’ve ever seen.
While the finer details are still obscured, less cladding shows off the C8 Corvette’s decidedly mid-engine proportions. A longer hood leads into a sleek roofline, which spills out into a short rear deck and equally sloping rear window. It also looks like there’s a large rear diffuser at the rear and we spot plenty of areas where air can flow through all over the car’s body. Potentially, an adjustable rear wing is in place, too; to our eyes, it looks as if there’s a cutout present where one may sit.
Photo: Josh Busenbark via “Woodward” Facebook group.
Overall, the shape is very exotic looking and one we’re not used to associating with a Corvette. We’d even say the rear-quarter panel has some strong Ferrari character to it.
The mid-engine C8 Corvette is the industry’s worst-kept secret at the moment, but there are many unknowns still. It’s unclear if Chevrolet plans to sell the C8 Corvette alongside the current C7 Corvette; we don’t know what engine will be found in the middle of the revolutionary Corvette; and when will we begin to learn official details on the Corvette team’s most ambitious project to date?
Photo: Josh Busenbark via “Woodward” Facebook group.
For now, there are more questions than answers, but we’ll take these photos as evidence the program is clipping along at a healthy pace.
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Also, you’ll notice 2 more in the background. No pics of those ones yet though 🙁
They’re going to have both the C7 (it’s their money maker, and not everyone will be able to afford the mid-engine). The mid-engine (ZORA), why would they come out with the ZR1 for only one year.
Sorry, but I don’t believe the “2 Corvettes” idea is going to be a reality. I know some people aren’t quite ready for the Corvette to go to a rear-mid layout, so it’s understandable that they would want to see GM ease the public into the layout change rather than go cold turkey.
The reality is that going cold turkey and cutting off the Y-body with the C7 is what will likely happen. The practice hasn’t harmed GM or any other automaker when introducing a new generation of car that has a new platform. Manufacturing costs are always top of mind, and running two production lines concurrently for 2 structurally different cars that are both in the same market segment is not cost-effective, doesn’t provide a suitable ROI for the new platform, and perhaps most damagingly, it gives the buying population a reason to cling onto an older car rather than accept the newest performance offering as the replacement.
Admittedly, GM has run 2 concurrent production lines in the past for similar products in the same segment but with different platforms. The Malibu (E2XX) and the Malibu Classic (Ep2) are an example, but that only applies to cars that are sold in volume, be it the general public or in the case of the Malibu Classic, for fleet sales.
The Corvette isn’t and shouldn’t ever be sold in huge volumes like a Mustang. The Corvette at present isn’t terribly affordable in the first place when it starts at $55K, so to call the C7 Chevrolet’s “money maker” isn’t accurate; especially if you look at GM’s truck sales.
Covette is sold in huge volumes, not as huge as a Silverados and Sierras, but 1.6 million since 1953 is nothing to sneeze at. There has been talk of spinning off a performance line off the the Corvette name, think Porsche and the many models of late. Its hard to say if they would or would not concurrently produce two models side by side, but then again, thats why they have suspended tours in BG Ken, secrecy. Porsche makes about 23k off a 911, last I heard the cost of a corvette sans GM Markup and Dealer markup is 23k and that was in 2007.
Grawdaddy, you have no idea how GM operates, I worked for them 30 years, they run multi-platforms all the time, look at Holden they did the Camaro with other platforms at the same time.
What 2 GM platforms, and old one and a new one, were in production concurrently that both actively served the same market segment but were both radically different in their design?
That’s not the same as the variants of an then existing platform like Zeta. That’s why you’re confused about the relation between the Zeta platform and it’s LLL, SSS, and SLS variants. It’s all drawn from the same platform as a variant. You’d have a case if Holden kept the GM-V and Zeta in production concurrently, but since that never happened, you have no case.
I know what I’m talking about, and I don’t care how long you’ve worked for GM, or how emotionally attached to GM you’ve become. A variant of an existing platform is not the same as 2 separate, distinct, and mutually incompatible platforms.
LMFAO, Holden when they were building the Camaro, they had 5 platforms.
Maybe you should get someone to read this sentence for you consider it’s a stumbling block for your comprehension.
“What 2 GM platforms, and old one and a new one, were in production concurrently that both actively served the same market segment but were both radically different in their design?”
So just what are those platforms that Holden had? I know Zeta is one (the one that underpinned the 5th gen Camaro and the Commodore), but the Commodore, Statesman, Caprice, Ute, and Camaro were all sitting atop the Zeta platform. The Zeta platform is flexible enough to allow for variant for each, but they all share the same platform.
But we’re not talking about variants, we’re talking about wholly distinct platforms that separated by age.
So what are those platforms?
Zeta, Delta, Gamma, Theta, Epsilon.
I can name those 5 distinct platforms that were in the AU market at the time of the 5th gen Camaro’s production. Those 5 platforms weren’t being sold alongside cars that were using their predecessor platforms at the time…..
…..so where exactly are you going with all this? You said you worked for GM for 30 years, now prove it.
I really don’t have to prove anything to you, maybe this will enlighten it, an invoice of a current Corvette!
2018 Corvette Z06 Convertible 3LZ
1G1YU3D67J5300333
OWNING DEALERSHIP
FRONTIER CHEVROLET
1640 E HWY 66
EL RENO, OK 730365764
Phone: 405-262-3355
Fax: 405-262-7063
PEG: 3LZ – Package: 3LZ
Primary Color: Ceramic Matrix Gray Metallic
Trim: Trim Combination Suede, Wrapped Jet Black
Engine: Engine, Gas, 8 Cyl., 6.2L, DI, SC, AFM, VVT, ALUM
Transmission: Transmission, Auto 8 Speed, 8L90
Event Code: 5000
MSRP: $111,500.00
Inventory Status: In Stock
Employee Price: $99,447.60
VEHICLE OPTIONS:
Chargeable Options MSRP
3LZ – Package: 3LZ $8,945.00
M5U – Transmission, Auto 8 Speed, 8L90 $1,725.00
VK3 – License Plate Bracket, Front $40.00
Z30 – Carbon 65 Edition $15,000.00
R8E – GAS GUZZLER TAX $1,300.00
No Cost Options
00T – Convertible Top, Blue
FE9 – Emission: Federal
LT4 – Engine, Gas, 8 Cyl., 6.2L, DI, SC, AFM, VVT, ALUM
Other Options
198 – Trim Combination Suede, Wrapped Jet Black
23A – Fender graphics, Carbon 65
37S – Stitching, Blue
AAB – Memory Package
AE4 – Seat, Competition Sport Bucket
AG2 – Adjuster: Seat, Pass, Multi-Directional
AJK – Seat Adjuster, Power Bolster and Power Lumbar
B4Z – PTM Performance Traction Management
B92 – Hood, Carbon Fiber, visible Carbon Fiber Center Section
BTV – Remote Vehicle Start
CFV – Ground Effects Pkg., Carbon Fiber, Visible
CJ2 – Air Conditioning
CM8 – Convertible Top, Power
DD0 – Mirrors, O/S heated, power, LH auto dimming
DD8 – Mirror, I/S R/V Auto Dimming
DTO – Door Graphics, Carbon 65
E57 – Convertible Tonneau Inserts, Carbon Fiber
EYT – Ornamentation Ext Emblem Nameplate Carbon Flash Pkg
FCC – Trim, int, high gloss carbon fiber, instrument panel
FE6 – Performance Suspension, Magnetic Selective Ride Control
G9F – Ceramic Matrix Gray Metallic
GXB – Axle, Rear 2.41 Ratio
IL8 – Trim, Interior Design
IO6 – Infotainment, Connectivity and Navigation
IWE – Suede-Wrapped Upper Interior Trim Package
J56 – Performance Brake Pkg., 6-piston front/4 piston rear
J6B – Caliper, Blue
KQV – Seats, Heated and Vented
N2Z – Steering Wheel, Suede/Carbon Fiber
N38 – Steering Column Tilt, Telescoping, Power
NPP – Performance Exhaust System
NTB – Emissions, Federal
Q7Y – Wheels, Black blade with machined groove
TTV – Spoiler, Rear and ORV Mirror, Carbon Flash Painted
UHS – Driver Information Center
UQS – Audio System Feature, Bose Premium 10-Speaker
UQT – Performance Data & Video recorder
UVJ – Front/Rear Parking Cameras
VV4 – Internet Connectivity, Mobile
XFK – Tires, P285/30ZR19-P335/25ZR20, BW (summer-only)
YM8 – LPO Processing Option
This price quote is not an offer or a sales contract and is only an informational aid for you as you conduct your research.
Additional taxes or different tax rates may apply to your purchase. Your final price may vary, and will be subject to dealer’s preparation or a final sales contract. All pricing excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment.
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When cornered, you give up like a child. Coward.
Well the factory was retooled for flexible production.
Well this is a much different situation here.
First off there have been not one convertible mules seen.
Second the roadster is the greater selling model.
Three today’s line is much more flexible it can support two models on the same line.
Four the targa is not enough for some.
This could go several ways but I expect the roadster will live on for at least one year till they can get the development done on a Roadster. A lot will also be riding too on just what the first C8 has to offer. Will it be a base model? Will it be a upper level? Will they offer. All levers at the start or just one?
The Vette makes money if it did not they would never approve the business case.
The mark up is like it is in the Luxury class where you can make good money at lower volumes. Cadillac for example can make 75% of what Chevy makes even st lower volumes.
With that said I would see the C7 only lasting 3 yeas or less till the rest of the line to fill out.
Chevy has not always been conventional on the Vette at the intro of a new platforms. They have carried past engines to the new car for a year. They have skipped a year, they have delayed convertibles. In this case the. 7 and C8 were in the works at the same time as the C8 originally was the C7 till they delayed confirmed by Bob Lutz. They just delayed the work but never stopped since 07-08 on the mid engine.
The bottom line never count on the conventional here.
Dear GM:
1) Thank you for making this car!
2) Please make this car affordable! Mid-engine twin clutch porsche 718 can be had for $60k. That’s reasonable for an aspirational car for most ppl. Cmon, we bailed you out in 2008. Throw us a bone and keep the base price low!
The point of this car is to be above a regular c7 Corvette, not along side it. If you want a 60k sports car you can get a Stingray that will walk all over any 300hp 60k Porsche.
First, MT’s 2017 drag race: Cayman s beat vette GS to 60 and to 1/4 mile. With a turbo flat 4. And better fuel economy. I don’t know about most ppl here, but I drive mostly in straight lines.
Second, Why are you personally advocating that this car should be an overpriced halo car? I will gladly buy a superior porsche 718 over this if it’s priced out of reach. But the day a vette costs more than a porsche will be a sad one.
This mid engine vette needs 1) a DOHC v8, 2) a twin clutch box, 3) to be vette-priced
STFU! Moron!
That escalated quickly
Can you provide a link to the mt drag race? Cayman is a 300hp 4 cylinder and starts at 56k. I doubt it beats a Stingray. Cayman s is 350hp but it costs 68k. That could come close, I don’t think it will win but maybe. It’s not 56k though.
MT’s world’s greatest drag race 2017. It’s on youtube with million+ views. I was surprised that the >100hp advantage didn’t help the grand sport beat the cayman s.
Also the grand sport costs about the same as the cayman s. So for the same price, you can buy a midengine porsche with 100 less hp that can go faster in a straight line and is easier to control under speed and in a turn. Randy Pobst always says driving a vette fast is like wrestling a gator.
I’m advocating it be a halo car because I don’t think it should or will compete with low model Porsches. I want it to compete with high model Porsches and cars like the GT. It won’t do that at 60k. Why would they offer two Corvettes at the same price point? Makes sense that one goes upscale.
Stingray is a much better car than the similarly priced Cayman. You need to spend more money with a Porsche to get a better car. Options add up A LOT faster too.
The Corvette already competes with the Porsche range of products.
The low end stingray gives you a V8 at the price of a Cayman. Then they offer variations that at a higher Corvette price but lower than 911 price while still competing against a GT3.
This segment is marketed differently from brand to brand and model to model due to the low volume and high cost of development in the sports car segment. That is why so few sports car models last 10 years.
At least we can put to rest the idea of this car being a Cadillac first. Corvette deserves this car, Cadillac can make there version as johan as implied in the mid 2020’s
My bet its a modular chassis so both front engine and rear engine are adaptable. Also make the cockpit area adaptable to both platforms. This way only different dog houses and trunk areas need to change. Keep cost down.
no. just no
That is a much better look ! Wow I like it !!
I’ve wonder if they’ll pull an apple moment where they’re gonna reveal the C7 ZR1 and the C8 at the same time but have these on sale at a different date
Looks like the 458 Italia
Here is what I expect to come about based on what I have heard and know about GM’s moves. Or so I have been taught by people who work for them.
The C8 will start well under $100k. I have heard they are targeting the $70k range as the starting point. But even the base car will be more able than the present GS.
Just because the engine is moved to the rear means $200k.
Second I expect they will at some point go up to $200 k on the top end models with extensive Carbon Fiber.
The plan was to do two models at the start. This may be in play yet mostly donto the fact we have not seen a convertible yet. Yes the C8 may be a targa but there has to be a true convertible at some point. 2-3 years would let them complete work on the convertible and give time to absorbed the higher price of a drop top. Ferrari has made this move in the padt often.
Engine wise I expect the LS to start but in time we will see a DOHC engine. The ZR engine will live on in the C8 and could just move to the Camaro so no wasted effort here.
The Cadillac can come along but not before 2025. They already have much more important models to fix First and move to a sports car once the get a sedan and CUV that can increase volumes and profits.
I have followed the mid engine program since it was started about 10 years ago and delayed by the bail out. I laughed as so many missed the Easter egg left by the Mid engine Malibu mule. So much of this will be clear soon and will prove to be as great of a time as 1963 was in the history of the Vette.
so you are saying the top of the line model will cost nearly 3X as much as the base model?
has such an animal ever existed in the auto kingdom?
It actually has even though they will all be called the corvette they will range in models like the 911 base to all the way up to a gt2rs can easily be tripled in price from base up
The 911 has over its history encompassed models as basic as the 4 cylinder 912 all the way to the 935 and the mega 959 version.
All these cars were based on the same basic model.
The Corvette now goes from base $55k now to nearly $120k for a Zo7 carbon with a special edition package.
The old ZR1 topped $124k the new one is reported to possibly be over $130 k to $135k.
If they move to a mid engine they can offer a number of drive trains. They can offer sheet molded bodies to carbon fiber. Same on suspension parts etc.
The old saying in how fast you want to go is tied to how much you want to spend.
The high end cars with the volume of the lower cars could sell in small numbers but still make a big profit.
thanks for the reply. i was just thinking the current camaro starts at $25K or so and that track focused ZL1 1LE version will go for nearly $75K. and i bet the same thing goes for the mustang.
as a consumer, the car i’m considering buying at $25K, $50K and $75K would be different models. i guess this is more common than i initially thought especially when it comes to sports cars.
It is all about maximizing each platform as the performance segment has totally change since the 60’s.
Performance cars are not like they used to be based on cheaper models selling in six figures.
This is kind of like the worst secret in the car industry and one has to wonder why Chevrolet still thinks they need camouflage when everyone knows what the car is already; although like Lucy does with Charlie Brown and yanks the ball away at the last moment, they can strip off the camouflage and reveal it’s a production version of Cadillac’s Cien concept car.
The reason the camo is still on the car is because it’s still concealing the most important part of “the worst secret in the car industry”.
It’s no secret that the C8 will be rear-mid engine; GM knows the entire worlds knows about the C8. What is a secret is what’s powering it, how it’s being driven, how it’s made, what the materials are, and how it looks.
That’s what the camo is concealing, and that is what you, me, and everyone else on GMA and everyone else in the entire world who isn’t directly affiliated with the C8 development team doesn’t know.
Praying my ass off for the rumored 5.5 liter V8 DOHC twin turbo with 800-odd ponies in the C8 MR coupe.
And can I have it in RHD as well…!
Yezzir, pretty please with sprinkles on top.
Note one of the Vette team people have said they have tested an engine over 1,000 hp. He stated even with the big number they will only use as much as they can get to the ground.
The LS in tuner hands have also surpassed 1,000 HP so it would not be hard for GM to do better.
I say look for a 4.0 liter destroked version of the upcoming 4.2TT in the Cadillacs with high strength forged internals and a screaming redline coupled to the DCT 9007 from Tremec. The body panels Im sure will be carbon fiber as for the updates in BG Paint Facility. Hard to say, but maybe theyll shock everyone and use a monocoque frame. Of course this is all conjecture on my part:)
It is more than enough time for GM to separate the Chevrolet brand from the Corvette sub-brand. The Corvette brand would easily gain much more prestige and would finally compete with Porsche, Aston Martin, Maserati, etc on a direct level.
VW Group (almost) has the perfect lineup of brands for customers to move up from: Skoda (mainstream), Volkswagen (premium), Audi (luxury), Porsche (Grand touring/sports cars), Bentley (ultra luxury), Lamborghini (supercars).
There is no reason why GM can’t have something similar! It would look like this: Chevrolet (mainstream), Buick (premium), Cadillac (luxury), and Corvette (Grand touring/sports cars).
The Corvette will remain a Chevy at least in North America.
The thing you leave out HP with your list of companies is they are dedicated companies with a good number of models and many have struggled financially over the years and have been bought and sold often.
The Corvette is a model not a brand. The serve great equity to Chevy and never have been bought or sold. The Corvette as a model is older than any model and most of the brands named.
Also the name owns such a heritage the last thing you want to do is whore the name out on just anything.
If you are going to do that toss the Vette team a Tahoe project. Let them tune it and call it Tahoe GS Tuned by Team Corvette. This way if you make a mistake it is so much easier to erase.
GM learned its lesson not making the Hummer a GM model or sub brand. When they needed to make changes it was down right impossible and it was expensive to erase a division.
This is were you need to be smart and use care.
Also Ford is not going to make a GT division.
I can understand Ford not starting an exotic super car division named “GT” because the Ford GT is the only model the brand would be able to leverage. With the Corvette brand, the opportunity is there! They would make use of the great names that are already established such as Grand Sport, Stingray, Z51, ZR1. Those could all easily be separate models in a Corvette division. It’s such a shame to keep such great names under a model of Chevrolet. GM can easily make Corvette something that is exclusive, not a model for the mainstream division Chevrolet.
Where is it a shame?
The Corvette is a model not a brand.
It is a mainstream sports car and a volume sports car like Chevy.
Like it or not Chevy and Corvette are joined like peanut butter and jelly.
They have been together for so long they are seen individually as well together with no issues.
Let’s face it the Vette also would not be here today had it not been a Chevy.
Hey the bottom line is people buy the car because it offers exotic performance for a price 1/3 many others. This is what kept it alive.
To move it out would create more cost and expenses as they would have to have their own marketing, dealer network, advertising, and management.
As it is now they have a group of well protected engineers. That only focus on this car and nothing else. The paper work is all up to a Chevy.
The reason we will see a powerful mid engine for under $100k and the longevity of the car is because of the Chevy support and backing so the Vette team can just focus on the car.
The Corvette is and always has been a model with some option packages and that has not changed. It has never been a brand.
The one other factor is if you make it a brand the number of places dealing it will shrink.
No more ability of convince of getting it repaired locally. Owners would face the issues they have with most other overpriced exotic.
I understand that right now it is a model of the Chevrolet brand, I clearly stated that in my response. I’m speaking of what can be, not what is. I figured those are the reasons why everyone loves the Chevrolet Corvette. Some people care about the price and they see the Corvette as a great bang for the buck. The fact that that it is a model of the Chevrolet brand, which has more franchised dealers than they know what to do with, helps too. What I’m saying is that it has the potential to easily be turned into a separate division for GM. It would be very profitable for GM as well because the affluent will flock to the brand for it’s exclusivity now that it is not associated with the mainstream Chevrolet brand. Just because it started off as a model of Chevrolet and has had a rich history with the brand doesn’t mean it has to stay with it forever. The Corvette model has outgrown the brand and can easily stand on it’s own two legs without Chevrolet. Even if it takes time to set up a separate dealer network, or heaven forbid selling direct (sarcasm because I would support that decision), all good things take time. You ask why it’s a shame? It’s a shame because it’s wasted potential.
People who are Corvette people will buy one be it middle class or affluent. They buy it because like Harley it is a icon.
Also many buy it because the labor rates while not cheap are cheaper per hour at a Chevy dealer vs a Ferrari Dealer.
Here is what we have.you have a sports car that can compete with exotics. It cost 1/3 less than most. It is cheaper to repair, it sells in numbers much greater than most other sports cars, it has sold for over 65 years when most sports car models sell for ten or less. It is a model so it save Much in cost of marketing and dealer set up. Should the market change being a model it makes major changes easier.
Finally it is a an advantage being a Chevy as they can leverage the engine in the trucks and reduce cost with little sin in the eyes of the customer.
So to make the move you want to sell to more affluent customers risking the loss of the traditional customers that are the core buyers that have given the car longevity.
To minimize the risk you keep it a Chevy and sell variations of the model to everyone not just the high end buyer.
I think you also underestimate the affluent buyers as I know many millionaires who are Corvette customers and collectors. My boss even started a business with a Corvette and now employed thousands many of which also own Corvettes. Rick Hendrick owns Corvettes. Roger Penske drives a ZR1.
The plain fact is there is just too much risk for so little gain. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
The corvette being sold as a chevy is not and has never been a shame! That’s like saying the Cadillac Escalade should be it’s own brand because it’s much more noticeable then the other Cadillac models!
The corvette is a chevy, it should always be a chevy, and it shouldn’t change because some dude hates standing in a chevy dealership buying or servicing his corvette next to common folks!
People who want this change want it because they feel embarrassed to be buying a 100k car next to a 25k car! Which is ridicules! These people have very little self esteem!
A corvette brand is better then having Pontiac come back! Although I would rather have corvette stay right where it is as a chevy
The Story on the mid-engine’d Corvette, Oct. 11th, by Sean S. shows a great looking car, even under that camo!
But Sean, when you said . . “A longer hood leads into a sleek roofline, which spills out into a short rear deck . . ” – Don’t you mean just the opposite? – a “shorter” hood and a “long” rear deck? Maybe I didn’t understand what you were comparing the camo’d car to.
-Steve
Read more: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2017/10/caught-mid-engine-c8-corvette-spied-with-minimal-camouflage/#ixzz4vJWIHtuG
I guess everyone saw this, 2018 model year will be very short, 2019 will start in January so we might see the mid-engine sooner than later.
http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2017/10/12/chevrolet-start-2019-corvette-production-january/
It’s not a Corvette, call it something else. Porsche 911 are still ass engined although mid ship layout would be better; they would lose purists.
They should lose the purists anyway. They’re holding the Corvette back, and they’re the first to complain whenever a new generation comes out.
The complained when the C5 had a notchback. The complained when the C6 had fixed headlights. They complained when the C6 ZR1 had a blower. They complained when the C7 didn’t have round taillights and had a rear-quarter window. There’s absolutely nothing to lose by leaving the purists to die.
Each generation of Corvette is either evolutionary or revolutionary. There is no option to be sedentary.
If they want that, they should have been Viper fans. If they want the Corvette to stagnate like the Viper by becoming inflexible and resistant to new technology, then they have no reason to even be Corvette fans in the first place.
They are the folks who complain but still buy and kept the car alive for 65 years.
These folks don’t like change but the still come back when they find the car is always better.
They may be stubborn but they generally fall in line.
The new car in introduced. Half love it half hates it. Then six months later 90% love it. It always works this way.
“The new car in introduced. Half love it half hates it. Then six months later 90% love it. It always works this way.”
I want to disagree, but I can’t because I’ve seen it happen every single generation.
This could be promising. I see GM is measuring it against the Porsche 911, which makes sense – hopefully GM also pays attention to interior materials quality, and not only performance…as thus far the Porsche quality is just much, much better!