To start your week off with something tantalizing, we bring you the very first spy shot of what could be a Corvette crossover SUV.
Yes, we just said “Corvette crossover SUV” all in one sentence. No, this is not an April Fools’ day prank… but we do feel obligated to tell you to treat this like a rumor. Treating it like a rumor yet? Great. Onward.
The Prototype
Unfortunately, we were only able to get one shot of the heavily-camouflaged mule as it came out for a hot lap at the GM Milford Proving Ground, only to quickly scurry away, never to reappear again.
Even so, the single photo makes it clear that we are looking at a high-riding vehicle (let’s call it a crossover) with an aggressively-raked roof reminiscent of a “coupe crossover” such as the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe.
The Possibilities
Having run this through various sources, one rather interesting possibility stood out: a Corvette crossover.
Such a vehicle would create a Corvette family of sorts, joining the current Corvette C7 as well as the upcoming mid-engine Corvette, which will potentially be called Corvette Zora.
Again, this is a rumor, so we prescribe you take it with a grain (or perhaps an entire tea spoon) of salt.
The Environment
Over the last decade, leading German automakers have found ways to morph two rather compelling vehicle segments – 1) a performance crossover and 2) a personal luxury coupe with utility – into one vehicle.

Second-generation BMW X6
BMW was first with the X6, pretty much taking the credit for creating the segment all by itself. Mercedes-Benz quickly followed with the GLE-Class Coupe.
New entrants from Audi and Porsche have recently validated the existence of the space: Audi is launching the upcoming Q8, while Porsche was recently caught working on a Cayenne Coupe.

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe
Meanwhile, GM has been sitting on the sidelines without so much as a peep about performance crossovers or coupe-like CUVs… though it has been filling out its CUV portfolio with “regular crossovers” – but that is – quite frankly – not enough. And that’s rather problematic, since the ongoing shift in consumer buying dynamics has car buyers opting for crossover utility vehicles at the expense of sedans en masse. Without an offering in the rapidly-expanding and highly-profitable performance crossover coupe space, GM is at a significant disadvantage.
So, could it be that the prototype vehicle seen here is GM’s answer to the rapidly-expanding space of personal performance-luxury crossover coupes? Initial signs point to “yes”, but it is simply too early to deliver a definitive conclusion at this time. But be that as it may, it’s rather clear that GM is working on a crossover coupe of sorts.
The million dollar question is whether the production model will be a Corvette crossover or something else entirely, such as a Cadillac “coupe CUV” of sorts.
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Comments
Doubt it has anything to do with the new Corvette.
It’s more likely a Cadillac crossover based on the CT6.
Why stop on Corvette SUV? They should have a new sub brand with Corvette sedan, pick up, SUV, electric, etc. I would first in the line. New Roads
smh. This would tarnish one of the only products left at GM that isn’t bland.
I forgot one. Corvette minivan would be awesome too.
Everything within reason. A minivan is not within reason. Neither is a pickup.
A performance crossover that has the defining performance characteristics of a Corvette would be within reason. Porsche has done this and to great astounding success with two performance crossovers in the lineup that will soon be three. Why should GM miss out on the fun and financial benefits?
As for the potential product being bland: drive a Porsche Cayenne GTS and tell me that it’s “bland”. Do the same for the BMW X5M and X6M or the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 or GLE63 Coupe. These are very highly-performing machines that match up to a Z06 in their performance levels and are anything but bland.
If chevy makes corvette SUV it’s better to be faster than X5 and 50i. I’m not even talking about full out M version. Current gm SUVs drive like couch on wheels.
I’m with you Alex and my 2 cents is we need to be looking at Cayenne & Panamera type vehicles that would fit in with a true “Corvette” brand. Of course this can also be extended to the Mission E type vehicle as well, IMHO.
LOL!!! Your tongue in cheek reply isn’t lost on some of us. Nice!
There is no need for a Corvette SUV.
Chevy or even Cadillac could do a RWD based SUV with no danger of name equity damage.
I bet it is just using a Corvette engine. The SS and or V series name could bring just as much money on the market if built right.
Most of the sports brands have to use their brand name as they have no other channel to build it. GM has many.
Corvette crossover ~douchie
Corvette powered crossover~awesome
Hell yea, RWD/AWD, call it the “Trailblazer SS” maybe?
In theory you’re right, Cadillac could do a high performance CUV.
But compare a Porsche Macan to a BMW X4. Both are high performance but they have totally different personalities.
If we view a new GM brand, Corvette, as their version of Porsche then it makes good sense. Branding the Corvette a Chevrolet is like branding the Porsche 911 a Volkswagen 911.
Imagine a Corvette brand with the C7 and C8 Corvettes, the Camaro as a 2 + 2 sports car (fix the styling), a sedan, and a CUV.
Best of all, this would enable Chevrolet to focus like a laser on building overpriced, underpowered, and de-contented vehicles, while the rest of GM can focus on making great vehicles.
j/k, my Chevy Volt is a great car and definitely not “de-contented.” I just find it odd how Chevy makes a lot of vehicles that seem stripped down and styled intentionally bad so as not to compete with the Buick or Cadillac cars in the same segment. I wonder how many Chevy buyers decide to never buy a GM product again because Chevy gimped it with the expectation that the person’s next car would be a Buick.
XT7
Unless ultimately “Corvette” becomes a brand. Which is probably going to happen.
Corvette will transition into a stand alone brand. Sources say…..
It could be the Chevy electric performance crossover that was discussed previously on this site. That model was said to be one of the models closer on in GM’s electric onslaught.
This won’t happen. Just as the false rumors that GM will sell the C7 and C8 at the same time. The C7 will be discontinued when the C8 is released.
But is the mid-engined model the C8?
That’s the real question.
I have reasons to believe that the C7 will stick around for a few years after the ME launches, and then be replaced by another front engined model thereafter.
The front engine will only be around to supply the higher performance models till replaced.
Like the past the Z06, Grand Sport and ZR1 are never at intro and come in following years. Once replaced they will disappear.
The last thing the Corvette needs is compitions from with in a Chevy. They already are over protective of the car within GM as it is hence the arguments Corvette team members presented to GM when they saw a 230 HP Fiero prototype and even a V8 Mule.
If there is another front engine roadster it will fall to Cadillac. It would be all the Corvette is not.
The Mid Engine will cover the price and performance range once it is completed over several years. You have to keep the car to were they keep coming back to the well.
No one needs or can live a 2 seat car. Most are 3rd cars for weekends. The Corvette has been blessed with enough sales to keep it alive but it has had to work harder to make a buisness case. Note we almost lost it in the early 90’s.
If it is not broke fon’t Fix it.
As for C8 it is the mid engine. Lutz stated so long ago when he said it was originally the C7 till it was delayed.
The present C7 is as far as it can go. They took the C6 and lengthened the wheel base to get more from it but they are at the limit now per Tadge.
It was made clear that the C7 was going to live on 3 or so years as the C8 fills out the line. The Plant can do multi model lines but who says it needs to be a Chevy?
It will be interesting.
I like that Idea. One of the biggest reasons the Vette is so appealing to me personally, is due to the front engine layout. If I want a mid-engine car (and the weird looks that come along with it (in my opinion)) I would buy an Audi.
The corvette is something I have wanted (and been saving for) since I was 4 years old. I love the looks, the sound, and it just looks so damn fun to drive.
Well for the brand to advance they have to change the physics of the car.
As for the front engine there will be a ton of C5-6-7 models with low miles around at really great prices.
These cars are generally bought driven on nice weekends and get wiped with a diaper by the majority of owners. That is fine but it also leaves a greater supply than demand. Great for the buyer horrible for the seller.
Like has been stated they are th3 cars everyone wants, buys and can’t sell.
FE Vette will stay.
The thought of a Corvette “brand” is way more appealing than the face of a 2019 Silverado. I think leaving the Corvette under Chevrolet and offering it as a “sub-brand” would make sense. Have a super high end sports car, a upper mid level GT car and a high performance CUV would put Corvette squarely against German rivals such as Porsche and Audi.
This is exactly what needed to be done with the Vette. I’ll add a PHEV V8 option and a sedan to that mix also, plus I’ll add the LT5 option across the board. No sub V8 Vettes, that’s what mainstream Chevy is for.
However, an Alpha Impala from the 2.0t to n/a 6.2 will please the po’ folks too.
Isn’t the Camaro already an upper mid level GT? I’ve seen car reviewers test it back to back with BMW coupes and the Camaro was judged to be a better handling and more rewarding car to drive, and was even said to be as refined as the BMW. All that holds it back is the industrial design and Chevy’s image.
Cadillac has these XT7(VSS-R chassis) crossover BEV coming up, and other’s. Yes chevy has a BEV high performace crossover coming up. That look like a Cadillac crossover on these VSS-R chassis.
“Corvette” was for the clicks, but we all know it’s a Cadillac
How do we all know that? We don’t.
There is no Cadillac crossover on the horizon with this body type. In a few years maybe yes when the rumored rear drive foundation launches but it wouldn’t be testing yet and so The only other logical conclusion is a corvette suv.
I’d welcome this effort tho not at the expense of a Cadillac performance suv.
So what foundation is there for a Corvette SUV?
They might have a one-off platform for a corvette suv, much like they have for the corvette.
Plus, there isn’t a Cadillac with this body type on the roadmap.
But I’m not the one arguing that this isn’t a corvette suv? You are. So what proof do you have that this is not a corvette suv?
They don’t have a Corvette SUV in the roadmap either. I’m basing it on what seems more logical for a multinational corporation to do for global sales and the health of Cadillac’s product lineup
If I may chime in with some facts here…
1. Cadillac’s product plan has been made rather public over the past few years in various presentations. A coupe-like crossover model is simply not in the cards. See here:
http://cadillacsociety.com/2018/08/15/upcoming-cadillac-flagship-could-be-an-ev-launching-in-2021/
2. The Corvette product portfolio has not been clear at all, so we can’t say with any level of certainty whether a Corvette SUV has or hasn’t been part of the product roadmap.
Everyone else has them including Lambo, Jaguar… And Ferrari has one on the way.
It’s no Cadillac, the updated XT5 was just introduced and the Escallade is next in line for introduction from a total makeover, it makes since that sources at GM would take this measure to put the Corvette into a Stand Alone Brand, if they’re really going there and put measures in place to ensure that this car sustains it’s Halo Performance title for many more decades to come. I truly believe that this can be a Corvette Crossover due in part that Porsche has done it with it’s division, Lamborghini has just recently introduced It’s first Crossover and we’ll see over time, how well that vehicle holds up in the market. This is another step in addition to the Mid Engine in the efforts to put a new face on the Corvette brand as a whole, I look forward to the change!!
That’s not a corvette SUV. And yes a XT7 Cadillac crossover would be testing this early. Also gm will have (ICE + with hybrid systems on them, EVT).
The smartest thing GM could do is spin off Corvette. I’ve said it for years and still believe it. They could share premium chassis and engines with Cadillac and leave the “cheap” stuff for the rest of the brands.
This is fake news. What makes you think this is associated with Corvette?
What makes you think it’s not?
Author clearly described why they think it could be a corvette suv and then stated that they don’t yet know.
Maybe your comment is fake news.
Looking at the new Lincoln Aviator and the Range Rover Sport or Velar, GM must be targeting these shorter length, sportier roof line types.
Could be for several GM divisions?
It’s more likely to be a Cadillac crossover designed to compete with BMW’s X6.
No such Cadillac model on the roadmap:
http://cadillacsociety.com/2018/08/15/upcoming-cadillac-flagship-could-be-an-ev-launching-in-2021/
… so the chances of it being a Cadillac are dwindling…
Where does the link say that? There’s Lux SUV-4 and Lux SUV-5. If the latter is a successor to the Escalade then the former could be an X6 competitor, no?
edit: d’oh, it could be an XT6, which has D pillars that slope inward and forward.
Another possibility is that it’s the rumored CUV replacement for the Volt. Aerodynamics would dictate a sloped hind end for decent electric range.
Plans change all the time…
Plans change, sure. But not when they have been reported on over the past three years in roughly the same manner. If there was a change, there wouldn’t be a mule roughly halfway though development that we see here. It would just be a bunch of business level planning data in the product planning software.
Probably the 2020 Envision.
I’m a Corvette owner & I feel NAUSEOUS just thinking about such an abomination…….two things I love about Corvettes 1 the way owners of “other brands trash them & 2 my feeling that something like this can NEVER happen , don’t care if everyone else is making Cartoon/Clown versions of their “EXCLUSIVE” sports cars…..
There is a responsible, strategic, and crafted way to expand the Corvette lineup, and then there is the irresponsible way.
Porsche has taken the responsible way and has shown the world that a high-performance, high-luxury automaker/brand can be more than about pure two-seat sports cars.
To that end, I’m sure many 911 owners felt “nauseous” when seeing the Porsche Cayenne crossover debut. Now the Cayenne sells twice what the 911 sells and the Macan crossover sells triple or sometimes quadruple.
More importantly, both of the Porsche crossover enable the 911 to continue, and as a better product than it ever has would have been by itself. Even better, neither the Macan nor the Cayenne are snooze mobiles.
So why should Porsche have all the fun and all the profits? Why can’t the Corvette lineup be expanded with better performance crossovers than those offered by Porsche, while having two “pure” sports cars in the lineup as well?
This is a no-brainer, and the only argument against it is “tradition”. – which is a weak excuse.
Nomad II
Stick a 755 hp LT5 supercharged 6.2L V8 into a Chevrolet Blazer.. and you’ve got yourself a 200 mph CUV.
Might have a little torque steer on that one!
With Ferrari just announcing a sportive SUV, and Porsche, Mercedes, BMW and Maserati already having one, it might make much sense to position Corvette as a separate brand into the sportive high-luxury spot.
In Europe, Corvette is already marketed as a separate brand, alongside Cadillac.
From an investor perspective, it also makes sense: the Ferrari IPO brought in quite some cash for FCA, and investors have hinted at splitting off Cadillac previously. So having both Corvette and Cadillac as value brands, would be an excellent move on behalf of GM.
However, let’s hope they don’t tarnish the image of Corvette by putting the badge on whatever type of vehicle. We all remember what Cimarron did to Cadillac…
Lets not forget that GM’s main competition, Dodge and Ford either have a high performance SUV/CUV or are developing one. The RST versions of Tahoe and Suburban just aren’t performance vehicles.
Another option I’d love to see is a new GMC Typhoon with that TT V8
Hahaha this is fun. How many people used this term “road map” for Cadillac? One even linked said road map. Nothing is “set in stone” till it is for sale to the public. You have to know that by now.
Uummm did you look at that all mighty “road map?”. It calls for 4 sedans and 5 “suv/crossovers”. That leaves one sedan left to announce and one SUV left to announce. So it very well could be “on this road map” Notice two in the Lux 5 category.
So IF you were this assume this “map” is law (lol) you prove yourself wrong. There is another crossover left to announce. XT4, XT5, XTx, XTx, Escalade. We know one of the X’s is the 3rd row we see sneaking around. This is the large crossover and just may be in the Lux 5 spot with the Escalade. Meaning something between the it and the XT5 has been on this map. (This map means basically nothing BTW and was produced YEARS ago and, just sayin…)
Why are you putting quotations marks around words for emphasis?
Also, why did you type ‘ummmm’? Do you talk with lots of ‘ummm’s’ too, so why type it out?
Cadillac XT7 and XT8 ( it will be a BEV crossover), that looks just like a crossover that is RWD/AWD (VSS-R chassis), Escala/CT8 BEV (VSS-R chassis), CT7 coupe (VSS-R chassis) BEV, Next Gen XT4/XT6/XT5 (VSS-R chassis). Yes VSS-R chassis’s are real.
Be bold GM! Let’s see a mid-engined SUV 2 seater with a full ride height adjustable suspension to make in an all around driver in all weather. The roads are deteriorating so much that many would pick this over a C8 or other rubber banded tired sports car.
Professional photographers with high level photography equipment stake out spots regularly to capture ‘supposed’ spy shots of engineering prototypes and this is the best shot they could capture and show!!??
Or is it deliberately blurred for legal reasons?
Has there been a concept car for what could be a Corvette CUV? That would be really interesting
First two (BEV) will be on these currant bolt chassis, Chevrolet high performance Crossover, and Buick Crossover. In these next 18 months, next year. That shape of that crossover is more of a Cadillac crossover-Coupe/BEV, and they are coming.
Impala ?
GM can fill a gaping hole in their line-up with a small “SS” SUV, a la the Trailblazer SS. I am still driving a Saab 9-7x Aero (AWD/LS2) simply because there is not a comparable new vehicle available at anything like a reasonable price.
XT7 Cadillac Crossover Touring
” Corvette ” as a brand?
Say goodbye to the magic!