[TXSTYLE]

I have already been seriously contemplating a C7 or even pre-owned C7 Z06 as a third car for us. But now... I'll be patient. Me thinks it'll be worth the wait...




*rubbing hands together*

It’s time for an updated report on the mid-engine C8 Corvette, and here’s the game plan as we understand it from our impeccable source: The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette (code name: ZERV, perhaps chosen as an homage to Zora Arkus-Duntov’s 1960s mid-engine CERV concepts) will bow in production form at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2018 with a version of today’s pushrod V-8 engine delivering 450 to 500 horsepower. Expect a base price of approximately $80,000.

When volume production begins, presumably later in ’18, today’s C7 Corvette will expire, although there should be remaining stock for those who prefer the traditional powertrain layout used for more than six decades. The C7’s final hurrah will occur at next year’s 2017 NAIAS, when a swan-song mega-power edition debuts, possibly wearing the illustrious ZR1 badge.

A notable power upgrade to the C8 will occur in January 2019, attributable to a new four-cam, 32-valve V-8 set to be presented at NAIAS. That C8 surely will top $100,000. To continue building momentum, Chevy hopes to show, in 2020, a hybrid E-Ray Corvette—a term GM has trademarked—with electric front-wheel propulsion. C8 Corvettes may wear ZORA identification of some sort (such as ZoRa1) to pay homage to Zora Arkus-Duntov, the car’s spiritual godfather and mid-engine advocate from 1955 to 1975.
Experimental C8s currently reside in Building 54 (a.k.a. Area 54) at GM’s Milford, Michigan, proving ground. Since we nabbed aerial photos of one test mule two years ago, prototypes seldom leave the building during daylight hours. GM owns two Ferrari 458 Italias for benchmarking, and the company once had a McLaren in its benchmark fleet. Also owned by the General: a Nissan GT-R, two Porsche 911 Turbos, and a BMW i8, any of which may be being used to aid in C8 development. So focus your eye-in-the-sky cameras on coordinates 42° 35’ 11” N and 83° 41’ 10” W—in the event you hit pay dirt, remember Car and Driver is information central for all there is to know about the next-generation Corvette.

http://blog.caranddriver.com/c8-in-2...olet-corvette/
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/exc...st-photos-news

[ShocknAwe]

Well, color me intrigued.

[Fundguy1]

Hmmmm

[TXSTYLE]

All of these "car guys" around here and somehow only 3 of us are interested in this seemingly amazing machine? Hmmm...

[TXSTYLE]

I certainly can appreciate those fantastic choices GM purchased and no doubt, disected for benchmarking!

[Fundguy1]

That's surprising. I'm also surprised how fast they want to replace the c7. Only a 4 year run. Shortest since the c2s

[Fundguy1]

I'd honestly prefer this was a different car like the GT40 and the continent to make corvette front engine. The reason is the price on a new vette has been pretty stable for a couple decades. Now it'll almost double.

[larryn]

Similar mid-engined reports have happened for decades. Color me skeptical, though I hope it happens, as I have hoped it happened so many times (and C&D reports) in the past.

[eluded]

That's a Great story.

I'm gonna go ride my unicorn for a while and then I'll go home to chat with my leprechaun friends gathering up a pot of gold they found at the end of a rainbow.

[TXSTYLE]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

I'd honestly prefer this was a different car like the GT40 and the continent to make corvette front engine. The reason is the price on a new vette has been pretty stable for a couple decades. Now it'll almost double.

I'm kinda with you on that. However, it would seem to me that they feel content with making the Camaro the bargain performance vehicle and allow the Vette to take on the Worlds Finest Sports Cars albeit at a cost, tech, and price hike.

[TXSTYLE]

Plus as the article points out, the rear drove variant will still be available. Which makes even more sense.

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

Plus as the article points out, the rear drove variant will still be available. Which makes even more sense.

Just till they sell out of existing stock.

[ShocknAwe]

Honestly it's exciting to hear that GM is trying to do some rebranding. The camaro should be the base/cheap thrills car, and the corvette should be an american supercar-ish. I never saw it as a muscle car.

Also really interesting that they will be doing hybrid front wheel drive assist. I wonder what the details will be. It's basically the only kind of AWD I like. And adds minimal weight too.

I do hope they fine tune the styling a little. Need more curves and a little less hard angles, without getting fat and bloated.

[gthal]

If GM builds this car, I will buy one without any doubt.

[Mywifes335]

http://blog.caranddriver.com/c8-in-2...olet-corvette/

They've been talking about mid-engine since the C5, so I'm jaded. Let's see if it ACTUALLY happens. If they do, it might take a whole generation to sort out the handling.

I mean, the transverse leaf spring setup didn't get great until mid-lifecycle on the C6....that was 50 years.

[StealYourFace]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

http://blog.caranddriver.com/c8-in-2...olet-corvette/

They've been talking about mid-engine since the C5, so I'm jaded. Let's see if it ACTUALLY happens. If they do, it might take a whole generation to sort out the handling.

I mean, the transverse leaf spring setup didn't get great until mid-lifecycle on the C6....that was 50 years.

The springs they used on the mid lifecycle c6 z51/GS/Z06 were virtually identical to the c5 z06, except some very slight spring rate adjustments.

[Mingwan]

Originally Posted by eluded

That's a Great story.

I'm gonna go ride my unicorn for a while and then I'll go home to chat with my leprechaun friends gathering up a pot of gold they found at the end of a rainbow.

My thoughts exactly

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by eluded

That's a Great story.

I'm gonna go ride my unicorn for a while and then I'll go home to chat with my leprechaun friends gathering up a pot of gold they found at the end of a rainbow.

Exactly they have been speculating on the mid engine vette for 30 plus years.

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by StealYourFace

The springs they used on the mid lifecycle c6 z51/GS/Z06 were virtually identical to the c5 z06, except some very slight spring rate adjustments.

For C6.5, they made other updates as well, including revising the dampers, stabilizer bars and replaced the entire steering rack.

Yup tweaked the spring rate of the leafs.

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Exactly they have been speculating on the mid engine vette for 30 plus years.

It like deja vu for me. I was like hasn't GM played that tune before? Like EVERY gen since before the C5?

[1MOREMOD]

Reminds me of lotus evora?

[gtron]

This thing sounds crazy. If i were going back to a two seater it would be on my shortlist for sure.