Rumors of a Mid-Engine Corvette Still Floating Around
Some folks think the ZR1 Corvette isn’t the most exotic Corvette that General Motors will ever produce. The folks at Edmunds AutoObserver are reporting that a mid-engine Corvette is still possible for the C7 generation, but also explaining why it doesn’t make sense.
The main problems with a mid-engine ‘Vette are the inherent cost of developing a new mid-engine platform and the historically low volume of mid-engine sports cars. Both of those factors go against the historic affordability of the ‘Vette and its reasonable production numbers. Chevrolet currently sells more than 30,000 Corvettes per year and that figure would likely be reduced if the platform shifts to a mid-engine layout.
(Click through to read more about the possibility of a mid-engine ‘Vette.)
Another rumor is that the mid-engine Corvette could be a limited-production model in addition to the front-engine Corvette. That scenario doesn’t make much more sense. The Bowling Green, Kentucky plant that builds Corvettes isn’t designed to run two different platforms on the same assembly line, so there isn’t a good business case for this rumor either.
What do you think? Should GM keep the Corvette affordable and front-engine, or move to a more exclusive mid-engine design? Let us know in comments.
+ Edmunds AutoObserver: GM’s Dream of Mid-Engine Corvette Not Off the Table
Comments
JS
Why not build it and just name it something other than Corvette? And what price range are we talking about? If it was affordable enough it would sell.
Bob
No reason to change the corvette so dramatically, they can make it the new Pontiac Fiero.
The Stig
It wouldn't make any sense to me to do something like this. But then again many of GM's decisions don't make sense........
If these rumors aren't likely anyway, why report it?
Jeb
Heck, like Bob said, bring back the Fiero. The last years were hitting their stride and there's a cottage industry putting V8s and blown V6s in the things. If there was a way to easily replace the shoebox dash with something either more stylish or Seven-esquely spartan, you could take care of what to me was the worst part of the car. A V8 Fiero club racer is one of my real-world dream projects.
A Corvette I WOULD Buy, If Only… | Alex Roy’s Team Polizei 1
[...] Here’s yet another picture of yet another un-produced Corvette - far cooler than any Corvette ever actually built. Check out Winding Road’s post on the possibility of a mid-engined Corvette. Now…if only GM would install a real interior. They could charge a few grand extra over the sticker many already agree is low for a car of its caliber. I’d pay, and I bet I wouldn’t be alone. [...]
hwyhobo
Here’s yet another picture of yet another un-produced Corvette - far cooler than any Corvette ever actually built.
I hope you are kidding. It looks like a Jetson dorkmobile. I'll take the regular Corvette looks any day.
Yeah, Fiero would be nice instead, it's just that the name Pontiac to many is long for "junk".
Should GM keep the Corvette affordable and front-engine, or move to a more exclusive mid-engine design?
Is there an inherent reason why a mid-engine car should be much more expensive?
Ducati Minor
"I’ll take the regular Corvette looks any day."
I wouldn't. I believe that is the Aerovette concept from the 1970s. The C3 let itself go with government mandates after 1972 and become overweight and underpowered, the C4 exterior is more boring than that special of A Charlie Rose Christmas, the C5 looks like an enlarged RX-7, and the C6 is just a better-looking evolution of that.
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