Is The Next-Gen Corvette Going To Undergo An EVOLUTION or A REVOULUTION?

The Truth About Cars reports:

Along with flying cars and hydrogen fuel cells, the mid-engined Corvette occupies the most spurious level of automotive rumor-mongery. GM has a deep, rich history of flirtation with the idea of a mid-engine ‘vette (too deep and rich for us not to commission a forthcoming brief history from Paul Niedermeyer), but even in the last three years the engine configuration of the C8 Corvette has attracted intense speculation. In October of 2007, Motor Trend kicked off the modern era of mid-engine ‘vette rumors with a lengthy piece which “revealed” that

"GM vice chairman Bob Lutz reportedly has been pushing for a mid-engine C7… We hear Lutz is backing down from his support of a mid-engine C7, though other powerful GM execs reportedly still favor it. Those at GM who prefer an evolutionary, front-engine C7 are facing a tough battle."

Almost exactly a year later, MT took it all back. With GM facing bankruptcy and bailouts, plans for a new Corvette were put on hold and the RenCen pendulum was swinging back towards an evolution of the front-engined C7....

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freeagent - 3/17/2010 10:42:22 PM

+1 Boost

Hey, at least this time is doesnt purport to have a 4 rotor wankle.

dodgedart - 3/18/2010 12:06:10 AM

+1 Boost

Where's MY 4 Rotor Vette from the 70's? A mid-engine turbo 4 rotor wankle (or even 3) would be too revolutionary- even though licensing a clean and reliable design from mazda is entirely feasible in this day and age. Chevy is still having enough trouble including reliability and fit/finish/build quality into the latest designs, a revolutionary design would be a setback until the bugs are worked out as the new owners struggle. Stick with V8. Let Ford have the GT.

t_bone - 3/18/2010 1:11:10 PM

+2 Boost

That 1968 design is still hot.

theman440 - 3/18/2010 4:48:13 PM

+1 Boost

Ditto!

dumpsty - 3/18/2010 2:30:17 PM

+1 Boost

There may be a lot of people who want to see a rear engine Vette today. But GM is playing the market very carefully these days....they're not going to consider something like that until the market sweetens up a bit more.

A smaller Corvette would be nice. In times where new versions are getting larger in every update, it would be nice to see the Vette go back to its small roadster roots. ---- This is where GM can make multiple Corvette body types that would support a separate brand. Today's supersport coupe, small roadster, 4-dr sport coupe (think Chevy SS concept but sitting a bit lower and looking more like the Vette), and a rear-engine super car variant would be a great draw to GM's vehicle tech abilities.

tango - 3/18/2010 7:46:37 PM

+1 Boost

The Corvette has carved out a spot for itself as is. Front engine, rear drive, V8 engined with transverse leaf springs. I say let it stay that way ad infinitum. I don't think GM should get ahead of themselves and try to recreate a Ferrari. Let Ferrari try to recreate a 'Vette...

LauderdaleDriver - 3/19/2010 4:56:56 PM

+2 Boost

The Corvette needs a revolution. It appeals to older guys who grew up with black and white TV and "Route 66."

A more exotic, high tech powerplant and new styling themes are needed to bring in younger buyers.