7 Corvette Models That Need to Make a Comeback

1. L88

Chevrolet has a long history of producing Corvette special editions that essentially race cars for the street. The L88 was such a car, and it was one that Chevy worked to discourage normal citizens from purchasing. It's 430 hp rating was more like 540-580 hp, but Chevy didn't want people to get the impression that it was more powerful than the 427/435 hp 'Vette back in 1967. Today, enthusiasts would love to have the option to buy something that could rival the Z06 in a straight line.

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2. L89

If Chevrolet made the unlikely decision to green light another L88, they might as well make the L89 available as well. The super rare model was essentially the same as the L88, but it came with aluminum heads in place of the heavy iron ones. That one change led to a substantial weight savings of 75 pounds, however. In today's world, perhaps the L89 could utilize many of the weight saving features of the Z06, but with a naturally aspirated engine.

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3. ZR1

The original ZR1 was built as a successor to the L88, and it featured all of the same race-ready goodies. With more than 1 horsepower per cubic inch and a relatively light curb weight, it was a real performer as well. And it handled quite well, thanks to the lighter small block up front. The ZR1 actually looks to be making a comeback in 2018, so this one might be the first to work out.

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4. ZR2

Big block Corvettes probably have as much of a chance at coming back as the dinosaurs, but we can dream anyway. The ZR2 used Chevy's huge 454 V8, even when smog laws were choking power out of every car on the road. Today, Chevy could probably shoehorn a big block in a Corvette without too much trouble, but they have little reason to. But boy would it be sweet.

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5. ZL1

The ZL1 moniker represents the holy grail of Corvettes. Its all-aluminum L88 big block was quite literally a racing engine, except it was offered in a street car. The ZL1 is a rare bird today because of it's huge cost premium over a regular Corvette. Today, we're sure that Chevy could find a handful of people who would pay big bucks for a modern version of this incredible car.

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6. Z06 Carbon Limited Edition

While most modern "special edition" Corvettes are nothing more than appearance packages, the Z06 Carbon Limited Edition was something truly special. Built in 2011, it hit the sweet spot between the Z06 and ZR1. The Carbon used the ZR1's carbon ceramic brakes, adjustable shocks, and wheels. Carbon fiber was used in the hood, front splitter, rocker extensions, and roof. The result was a car that weighed the same as a Z06 but was much more capable - lapping Laguna Seca three seconds faster than its little brother. Today, there's a similar gap in the lineup between the Grand Sport and the Z06 that could be filled.

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7. Competition Edition

The European Competition Edition Corvette was offered back in 2009 as a nod to the car's involvement in motorsports. Weight savings techniques were employed throughout, and the design was said to pay homage to the Corvette C6.R. The Competition Edition also employed the Z06's lip spoiler, five-spoke aluminum wheels, and any exterior color you wanted so long as it was black. Today, it would represent a nice and relatively inexpensive upgrade to the base Corvette.

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