Just last week, GM unveiled a striking new Corvette concept rendering in conjunction with the grand opening of its new advanced design studio in Royal Leamington Spa, England. While GM insists the new concept is not bound for production, the automaker describes it as a “blank-page approach” to reimagining the iconic nameplate. And that raises an interesting question – should the new concept be the inspiration behind the next-generation C9 Corvette?
Visually, the concept breaks from established Corvette styling with a futuristic design language and a host of next-gen race car cues. That said, the designers still sought to toss in a few Vette-style hat tips – for example, the concept features an “Apex Vision” spine, a pronounced central structure inspired by the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray’s famous split rear window. The profile also integrates a panoramic cockpit view that seeks to reimagine some of the nameplate’s classic design elements.
Meanwhile, the underlying structure leverages additive manufacturing techniques to minimize parts and weight. The body also eschews the usual array of spoilers and wings, instead looking to optimize airflow simply through the shape of the body panels. Gullwing doors and pushrod-style suspension contribute to the concept’s race car-inspired attitude.
Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen GM signaling at a potential next-gen Corvette design. In May of 2023, we got an eyeful of a concept by GM Lead Creative Designer Gary Ruiz dripping with C9 potential, characterized by a low profile and aggressive canopy. The new U.K. concept looks to share some of these proportions and cues, suggesting a possible thematic throughline for Corvette’s evolution.
Gary Ruiz concept sketch
U.K design studio concept
With the C8 marking a major shift to a brand-new mid-engine platform, GM is clearly willing and able to challenge convention when it comes to the Corvette nameplate. This latest concept continues that trend, exploring new forms, as well as potentially hinting at a new all-electric powertrain.
GM confirms that additional Corvette concepts are in development and set to debut later this year. Whether or not this U.K.-born concept ultimately influences the design of the C9 remains to be seen, but either way, we want to know – do you think it should it provide inspiration for the next generation? Let us know by voting in the poll below!
Comments
No.
No, it’s hideous. For a track-only vehicle, fine, but not one for the street. I can tell that kindergarteners did this one.
Not even a track vehicle that uses downforce, it’s a low Cd, low downforce crutch for BEV.
Strait to trash bin
Boomers hate it so I guess its cool.
But the Corvette is their car, let them have what they want.
A True absolute mess.
Looks too much like the Batmobile.
NO! NO! NO! Just no.. An iconic American car absolutely has to be designed – on America soil! And, no V8 means it’s dead on arrival.
“V-Roomba”
If you really want to sell the car, put a v8 motor in the front and offer it with a manual transmission.
Kids like how this looks but they’ll never be able to buy it.
Say what you want about Elon musk, at least his electric car looks exciting to drive. This thing looks like the first speedbump will take out the entire front clam.
NO… for a Corvette expected more of the C2 details, higher, not this speedracer attached low on floor. it is too much european cheap, than an elegant car, maybe you can sell this idea to jaguar, while they have to ideas for the type 00 next
Loos like a “Hot Wheels” design.
No, should be the CE1 if anything.
NO!
Big mistake taking this project to England…and for good reason! Lets just walk away from this “British Wet Dream” and say “thanks but no thanks”! Nothing about this particular project disaster looks even relatable, I realize that it is simply a design study, okay I get it, but lets be honest here, I cannot see GM/Chevy here in the USA using much of anything off of this cars design for American roads! Oh well, “sorry Charlie,” nice try but you missed the target completely, no need to try again…we “Yanks” are not accepting this design study! OMG!
GM is on record stating that the C9 will be both EV and ICE
This design is modern and has lots of Stingray design cues.
It is simply stunning thus the Boomers should not be worried as GM will never allow something this stunning to hit the roads.
Very excited to see the upcoming LA design and the Michigan one as well.
Wonder how close or how far apart they will all be.
Obviously just a design study. I agree it is not attractive mostly for that front end. It is certainly impractical. Starting with that front, the overhang is so long, it will never make it into 95% of all driveways much less any normal streets. The 63 split window was abandoned in 64 because people hated trying to see out the back, why would the attempt putting it in the front? All those vacuous spaces around and under will leave no room for even the smallest luggage. Totally impractical. In short, no one has to worry about that ever seeing the light of day.
Stunning? Add a discharge chute & 4wd & it appears that it would make a badass snow blower. I don’t think the Boomers have any worry, for they have lived during the time when some real thought was put forward in appearance & under the hood, contrary to the boring exhibits crowding America’s highways today. I can see a Lego kit being introduced. We are all entitled to our opinion.
the car seems those 45 Watt plastic vaccum cleaner we have here …
It’s bad to the bone , Mary doesn’t have the balls to build it!
If this is the C9, then my C8 will be worth a lot more money.
It’s just a design study at this point. It probably has little if any relationship to what the next gen Corvette will look like. Then again, I said that about the Cadillac Celestiq and look what happened to that.
The lead designer’s background on this project has been almost entirely in FS trucks and SUV’s. Maybe that’s his forte.
Just my opinion but gm’s UK design studio should go out a recruit some Aston Martin designers. Design is highly subjective of course, but the most of designs coming out of their shop of late have been universally praised.
…but most of the designs…
I have a 2024 C8 and I’m looking forward to being able to choose electric in a C9.
I also have an EV and the HP, torque and performance are outstanding. A Corvette EV could be incredible. I hope GM will have both ICE and EV available in a C9 so there is a choice.
Ugly! It looks more like a speed boat looking for water.
Split windshield from the 40’s?
Let the Boomers have one more ICE Corvette and then let them rest in peace.
The next C-10 can have six electric motors and ten screens to run them.
Good luck GM!
Possibly a car to compete with the Ford GT and similar cars on the track, but it should not be a Corvette. It looks way too impractical for every day use. Build it, and new Camaros and Impalas for people who don’t like SUVs.
No, this is something that looks like it belongs in a future movie or something. It does not look right for now.