Maybe Next-Gen Corvette Should Be a Separate Nameplate

By Detroit Steel - August 3, 2015

I know I’m going to take a lot of heat for this one, but after having some initial issues with the idea, I’ve now been swayed into thinking that making Corvette a sub-brand of Chevrolet could actually be a really good thing.

More importantly, I think it needs to happen sooner rather than later.

Yup, I can already hear the criticism coming from purists yelling at their computers and cell phone screens and them calling me every name in the book. Although I’ve been critical of John McElroy’s perspective on the concept as noted here, a recent story by Automobile magazine has helped change my opinion on a freestanding Corvette nameplate. That’s mainly because the Automobile post presents a pretty sound case for the idea with the possibility of a new Zora model.

Insinuating that the mid-engine Corvette is bound to happen, Automobile speculates that the nameplate might be sold by both Chevrolet and Cadillac dealerships, given the fact that Caddie needs a premium sports car as well.

Either way, I’ve just come to the conclusion that a sub-brand makes sense. Think about it: If Corvette is truly going to compete against the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, which it seems intent on doing, then the nameplate needs to truly distinguish itself as a brand.