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New Photos Show Mid-Engine Corvette C8 Up Close: Spy Shots

Feast your eyes on yet another set of spy shots of the upcoming mid-engine Corvette. Spotted undergoing testing in Colorado, the future Corvette, of which there were two, were accompanied by two future GM pickup trucks. All four models were heavily camouflaged.

C8 Corvette Mid Engine Spy Shot - March 2018 - Colorado 001

GM Authority reader Bob, who took the shots, managed to get up close to the models. He said that the mid-engine Vettes “sound fantastic”, as you can verify from the most recent video of the sports car undergoing testing.

C8 Corvette Mid Engine Spy Shot - March 2018 - Colorado 004

We’re patiently waiting the day to see and, more importantly, drive the mid-engine Corvette. The sports car is expected to launch in the 2019 calendar year as a 2020 model year vehicle and will likely be sold alongside the current, C7 Corvette line, for several years.

Hat tip to GM Authority reader Bob.

C8 Corvette Mid Engine Spy Shot - March 2018 - Colorado 002

C8 Corvette Mid Engine Spy Shot - March 2018 - Colorado 003

GM Authority Executive Editor with a passion for business strategy and fast cars.

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Comments

  1. And the dude managed to get two close-up side profile pics and “missed” any showing the interior. Yup, okay.

    Typical hype marketing by car manufacturers in coordination with blogs like this that like to spread out the release of photos to sell more clicks. Yes, you have to make money, but just dont try to fool people. Not all of us are asleep.

    Reply
    1. That makes for one heck of a conspiracy theory… too bad it’s not true.

      The reality is that not everyone wants to be a total a$$ when interacting with the people driving these cars.

      To have gotten interior shots, one would have had to really encroach on their “space”.

      Think about the real-world interaction first… then start throwing around conspiracy theory accusations later.

      Also, as someone who worked at GM on a central office/corporate level and who rode in various prototype cars, a few times across the country, I can tell you that the entire company could not care less about spy shots. They actually hate spy pix with a passion. Making these shots part of some supposed marketing strategy is not the status quo… and GM marketing is all about the status quo, while stifling creativity. Just my personal experience.

      So, I invite you to re-think your entire point of view, and subsequent comment.

      Reply
      1. You are both right to an extent.

        While there are times photographers use care there are times GM does want to show things when they want and how they want.

        Case in point. Scott Settlmire recently retired of GM former F Body manager. He said they would use one side of the Milford proving grounds to show what they wanted seen. He said they knew where they photographer were and would show them what they wanted shown. When they wanted to keep quiet they did not use that side of the track.

        Another Photographer Jim Dunn has documented that he has been invited to meet teams on the road to get shots of a new car. Generally they would give him access to cars and let him shoot the parts or shots they wanted shown. It is in his book. Also a friend is a spy photographer and he has also had this happen to him. It is a gentlemen’s agreement. You show what we want and you get a well paying exclusive.

        While that is not the everyday norm it does happen.

        Yes companies generally hate spy photos as a whole but when they can be used for their own good they will work with the other side. Kind of like the old sheep dog and coyote cartoon with Ralph and Sam.

        These decisions also are not from GM marketing but often from the development and brand managers.

        The Corvette team has long played games with the media too. They would do many things and let them be seen just to mess with them. The Camaro with the C6 under the body was one favorite.

        Also many forget the Malibu shown a few years ago with the V8 in the back seat and Corvette wheels and emblem on the back. That was not someone’s practical joke it was the Vette crew having some fun with Ford when they were just starting to show the Ford GT.

        But in the end anymore GM only shows much of what they want unless something goes wrong like the leaked C7 drawing a while back. That one got people in trouble,

        Reply
        1. The things you note, Scott, were true years ago. Nowadays, there are extremely strict internal policies (I would go so far as to call them draconian) regarding these kinds of things – and the corporate objective is to try to avoid spy shots, period.

          Obviously, they sometimes can’t be avoided… but no one in vehicle development is making decisions like you mentioned, such as to use one side of a track that’s visible, or not doing so.

          The important distinction is that during Settlemire’s time at GM, there wasn’t a department within the company committed to informational security, which spy shots are xosjifered part of. There is such a department today, however… and it’s vehement, to an extreme, so much so that it employs ex employees of national intelligence firms.

          Things have changed substantially between then and now… so the point of view I outlined above applies to the current state of affairs.

          Reply
          1. For sure they have tightened things up generally. But like at most large companies and where you work there are still acceptations to the rule.

            FYI Scott just retired last year so he was well aware of it. He was still very active in the Camaro program and running show cars.

            As for the Corvette guys they still take some liberties.

            Not saying you were wrong but the reality is there are still no absolutes. To be honest many times when GM people do not want to be seen they pull the covers out when sitting.

            I agree that things are darker at GM now than in the past. I miss the days where a brand manager would say I should not show you this but look. That is not happening much anymore but there are some still some planned leaks by some well placed people.

            Lets face it the Malibu with the Corvette gear was a blatant Easter egg for the Corvette fans.

            I agree with you in the most but it is still not a totally sealed box. They do take some opportunities when it fits their needs.

            Reply
            1. If these things do happen today (and that’s a big if), they are extremely rare and need to be vetted/approved by a herd of staff from at least three different departments.

              Note that I’m telling you this based on actual implemtation/processes as per my own personal experience at the very company we are discussing… not conjecture or theory or third party accounts.

              Back to the actual point: as it relates to this Corvette sighting, it is anything but staged.

              Reply
    2. Golifor, think of GM Authority like Pepe – they can do anything they want, any way they want, anywhere they want, just because they want to.

      S’funny how internet commenters with anonymous names (particularly brass pharters) want to assume chair-of-the-board power. If you’re not asleep, Golifor, why don’t you show us what you have done to prove yourself correct? Oh, I get it, we are supposed to stay asleep and just listen to you. You’re not upset that we are asleep, you’re upset that sleepers listen to Luft instead of you…

      How about, Golifor, you go get yourself elected to Congress, set up a motoring journalism spy-shot authorization committee, and subpoena Journalist Luft and shame him in public before our government. I mean, what Luft did is worse than Zucky, right?

      Or, you’re wrong…

      Reply
    3. i wouldn’t care if mary barra took these pictures herself.

      this thing has super car written all over it and if they do it for 1/3 the price, it is going to be absolutely amazing.

      Reply
    4. These are not staged photos – They are the real deal- I saw these cars all over my town and also saw them in this parking lot!

      Reply
  2. I’m sure GM engineers will make an AWESOME car! But I fear I can’t say the same for the designers, for now.
    That’s your time, GM. Pay attention to the details, especially inside. Make it right, GM!

    Reply
  3. If you’re going to make a new Silverado SS you may as well test it with the Corvette team…

    Reply
  4. A completely new Corvette that shares almost nothing except for the name and with it’s mid-engine layout is even more revolutionary than when the C2 Corvette was introduced to replace the original car.

    Reply
  5. I’m thinking this car is a permanent addition. Henceforth, there will be two Corvettes. A traditional front-engine ‘Stingray’ and a mid-ship engined ‘Zora’. In hindsight, I think that’s why they brought back the Stingray name with the C7. The new car, CM1, is a fitting tribute to Zora Arkus-Dutov and allows GM to really grow the Corvette into the upper echelon of sports cars whilst not walking away from tradition. If that’s what they’re up to, it’s a thrilling development. If this speculation is accurate, there will also be a C8 that should launch about 2022 to replace the then eight-year old C7, which gives C7 a more typical lifespan.

    Reply
    1. I hope this is the case, I would love to see 2 different versions of the Corvette 1) the traditional Stingray to maintain and satisfy the traditional current, but aging Corvette enthusiasts and 2) the Zora to take the Corvette to the next level and to appeal to a whole new younger and possibly more affluent audience.

      Reply
      1. It’s going to happen, top level management at GM are quite aware that not every Corvette loyalist will be quick to welcome the all new C8 with open -arms and would rather stick to the C7 bodystyle, so they will have their options between the 2 for a few years prior to completely having to give in to the mid-engine design.

        Reply
  6. So not a fan of the rear 3/4 of this vehicle…

    Reply
    1. So you don’t like black camouflage?

      Reply
  7. Premature enterer

    Reply
  8. Since we are bucking tradition with the power train configuration (which I am struggling with being a traditionalist), please make it AWD!

    Reply
    1. I’m willing to put money on there being an AWD version coming. Base models can be RWD, but a Z06 or ZR1 with AWD could easily kill every single thing on the track.

      Reply
  9. Anyone want to make a guess on the price of this thing?

    Reply
    1. Base $70K to $200K depending on tune and equipment.

      At some point it will get AWD of some kind.

      Reply
      1. I wouldn’t mind an AWD Cadillac varient

        Reply
    2. I would say $120,000 to $150,000, but its going to run circles around the $450,000 Ford GT.

      Reply
      1. They have to make this entire line profitable… that was one of the key objectives to green lighting the program in the first place.

        The new GM isn’t Ford, and due to its corporate situation of having to meet or exceed profitability targets for investors, it can’t do “pet projects” that lose millions of dollars like the Ford GT; the only exception to that is new energy and autonomous, and those are considered lokg-term investments and don’t have have profitability and ROI targets associated with them.

        To make this entire program profitable, I believe that they will have to achieve a starting point below $85K, as that will furnish sufficient volume to cover the contribution margin of the program (the fixed costs). From there, it’s all gravy.

        From what I understand, the goal is to attract an entirely different kind of customer to the mid engine Vette than the ones who normally buy the Corvette in the first place.

        One of the markets identified is a fairly large subset of buyers who either buy used exotic super cars (Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc.) or who buy sport-luxury cars with tuning potential. GM has traditionally not seen this money at all, or seen very little of it – since it either goes to used car markets or the aftermarket/tuning community. And so one of the biggest markets for this car will be this subset of people.

        Reply
        1. If they get C8 out at $85K I’ll buy! Definitely. And I’ll ask Doug Fehan to build the engine instead of myself on that ‘build your own engine’ option. Is there a ‘get Tadge to build your engine’ option?

          Reply
        2. A C8 for $85K or with a couple of options for say $90K on the low end? I would find a way to buy one of those.

          Reply
  10. the mid engine corvette will have a base price of under $70K. remember how much the mid engine Pontiac Fierro cost. GM knows how to do this at lower cost. they know what price people are paying now for corvettes and they are not going to go much above that to kill the sales. this car is not a ford GT with rocker arm suspension and all carbon fiber construction

    Reply
    1. “the mid engine corvette will have a base price of under $70K.”

      “remember how much the mid engine Pontiac Fierro cost”

      Remember how the C3 tripled it price in less than 10 years? The Corvette isn’t supposed to be a loss leader, and apart from engine location, the C8 is light years ahead of the Fiero. A cheap mid-engine commuter car from the 80’s is not a guarantee that a 650hp supercar from the 2020’s will also be affordable.

      Reply
      1. Then what is going to add so much to this car to triple the price?

        If they use similar materials the increase of $20k should cover the base car and then some.

        Now get to the high end yes the price can go the limit if they like. A full on carbon body and more could make for a very expensive car. But at the bottom end I see minimum cost increases owner the present Grand Sport.

        Mid engine cars for the most cost more because they make 3000 or less units per year not because of where the engine is.

        Brakes here are going to be similar. Interior even with better materials should be the same. Body will mostly be sheet molded as today.

        Increases in system like cooling is expected as well as oil cooling. Same for the AC as they will need longer lines but that is minimal cost.

        Wheels tiresa same.

        People just assume if you move the engine the cost will climb. The truth is volume plays a bigger roll.

        Ferrari will sell 3000 units of a model and GM will sell 35,000 unit in the first or second year alone.

        Most of the unit packages like HVAC will be similar to other GM models. The Transaxle from what is speculated is being brought in from outside with no real development cost. The engine initially will be much like what we have now and based on the 2 million units in the trucks annually.

        Brakes are off the shelf Brembo. Same as today.

        The only major increases are going to be for improved content yet announced again covered in the $20k.

        The key to Corvette is affordability and volume they will work to retain that while reaching higher.

        Reply
      2. The C8 is not light years ahead of the C7 in content it is light years ahead in arrangement.

        Moving stuff around is minimal in cost at this volume.

        Reply
    2. A mid-engine fuel efficient car with 1984 technology and a mid-engine super performance car with 2020 technology are as different as Shih Tsus and German Shepherds. With all of the Powertrain technology and chassis technology that has to go into the C8 for fuel economy, emissions, and crash technology, the book has no doubt been rewritten several times since Fiero.

      Given that a Camaro SS can sticker in the mid $50k range, ZL1 in the high $60k range, and C7 Grand Sport in the high $90k range and Z06 and ZR1 both top $100 k, expect the C8 to start in the low $80k with top of the line examples crossing $120k

      Reply
  11. There are things to consider here.

    First off moving the engine really is not a major added cost. The added cost often are some modifications for systems like AC and Cooling.

    The engine is no more expensive to make. The transaxle is limited as we already are using one now. If anything the elimination of the torque tube would be a positive.

    The added cost will mostly come in areas of weight savings and how much carbon and aluminum they use in the new car. I expect the Carbon to be molded and limited in the base model and in the high end it could be extensive.

    The reason many mid engine cars are expensive are due to high cost of carbon and expensive designed engines not based on normal high volume production engines. Both can be avoided here. Even with the exotics they are now down to $150-170 at Audi using a cheaper form of Lambo platform.

    The real reason companies like Ferrari can get more too is limited production and the fact they can get the price due to supply and demand. Limited production keeps this up. With Sergio wanting to expand production it could hurt the value of Ferraris in the future if they become too common. Just look at Maserati today as it is not a rare car and the used prices are not great.

    The Corvette will be required to make money for no doubt as no GM vehicle is beyond not making money. The key is they can do it at prices others can’t touch due to the engines they have to work with and the ability to mass produce 20,000 30,000 units a year on a regular basis.

    Scale is hard to beat and few sports cars have that ability. The Corvette is an Icon and people buy it because it is a Corvette, a lifestyle and hobby all wrapped up in one.

    Ferrari tried mass production with the 308 and a couple other models and it did not go well. Same at Porsche with the 944 and it did more damage than good.

    Reply
  12. How can anybody not like where this new c8 corvette is headed!

    Reply
  13. So with the C8 base I should expect to see Z06-like performance at a Z06-like price?

    Reply
    1. That was the report I read from Don Sherman’s story.

      His info is about the most logical and obvious I had seen so far based on known info.

      Grand Sport like at a Grand Sport price and it will go up from there.

      As for AWD we should see it at some point. Why? Well the Vette team said the tried to do AWD for the ZR1 but they could not package it in on the C7.

      That is a clear comment that leads us to expect AWD on the C8 in some form. It may not be a base model but I am sure one of the most powerful models will get it.

      It was stated by the Vette team by a un named member that they were testing over 1,000 HP and would only use as much as they could put to the ground. Many assumed that was for the ZR but we now know it was not. This now indicates that a top Vette model may have it. What is not know if it is pure gas power or Hybrid. It is something to look forward too.

      This car will start where the C7 leaves off. The sky for increases for performance is at a much higher limit.

      We know the present v8 can do well over 1,000 hp based on the tuner cars being sold. The ability for GM to do a limited model is a easy one to do.

      We are about to witness more change here than we have seen since 1963.

      This car has been in development since the 2000’s and should be well sorted.

      Reply
  14. JDN- already said what Cadillac’s supercar/flagship/Halo car is going to be, it’s not going to be a mid-engine car, it will be these Escala either a Five-Door-Five person Liftback, or Four-Door-Five person Convertiable. First:: XT4/XT5/XT6 (FWD/AWD) crossovers first gen, next gen-XT4/XT5/XT6 RWD/AWD ( next gen- Alpha chassis/ next gen-Omega Chassis, XT7 And XT8 already will be RWD/AWD). CT6/CT5/CT4/CT3 sedan’s RWD/AWD (Next gen- omega/ next gen- Alpha chassis). All electric drivetrains, well on it’s way, first one in 2019.

    Reply
  15. So… One day I’m standing in front of the building I work in having a smoke and I see something out of the corner of my eye.
    Is that what I think it is…. Hell yeah… The new Medium Duty. I scramble for my phone, I desperately hit the camera apt while running across a busy street just to get a few shitty pictures….And that my friends is the rest of the story.

    Reply
  16. Look on the left side fender of C8 corvette ME you will see a on/off nob for a battery system. High performance hybrid system ?

    Reply
    1. I was wondering the same thing.

      Reply
      1. While there may be a hybrid at some point I would not read much into the switch. It is much like a electrical kill switch on a race car.

        With a car like this and if it is used for track testing an outside kill switch is a safety factor.

        Reply
  17. Let me be the first to speculate that this mid-engine beauty is indeed a Cadillac, and not a Chevy. This I suspect is the car JDN says will ‘shock the world.’

    And yes, expect it to be powered by Cadillac’s new HotV engine.

    There is zero business case for badging this car as a Chevy, when the same car badged as a Cadillac halo car will attract at least a $25k premium! Given the business case for Cadillac, GM will be the dumbest company if markets car as Chevy. Better yet, GM could spread development costs by sharing some of the underpinnings with a front-engine next gen Corvette.

    Reply
    1. It also has Bigfoot driving.

      There is zero business case for Cadillac to build a mid engine sports car at this point and time.

      Cadillac has zero sports cars heritage other than two failed efforts unless you want to count the Cadillac powered Allard.

      It would be the dumbest move to sell a car like this as a Cadillac before they can re establish themselves as a quality builder of sedans and Utility models first.

      Plus match this to the Comments by JDN that it would be 2025 before they could consider doing a model like this. Add to the evidence that Chevy has been working on this car since 2007-8 as stated by Bob Lutz.

      You fail a third time at Cadillac on a sports car and you will never get another for a long time.

      Also selling a mid engine two seat car helps them sell their core product how?

      Time to drop the Cadillac hoax until they truly are ready to take one on. In the mean time it is key to stick to and fix their core market.

      Fun cars like this are great when you have your house in order and often just a Hail Mary of desperation when it is not.

      Reply
      1. @scott3

        Perhaps you’re one of the countless who have failed to notice that Cadillac builds very fine sports sedans.

        Indeed, this lack of public awareness of Cadillac’s sports sedan pedigree, is the very business case for building a mid-engine Cadillac.

        It will define the brand. And yes, while most customers may not be in the market for a six-figure mid-engine Cadillac sports car. I bet they’d want some of it’s secret source in their CT 6, 5, 4, V-Sport and V sedans, and XT crossovers.

        That’s the point of a halo car… it increases desirability of mainstream models.

        Luxury consumption is about buying into pedigree and experience.

        Reply
  18. That power plant 4cyl turbo with volt hybrid drive will be neato

    Reply

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