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Just ran across an article and it shows a "redesigned" C7 to have more appeal to European buyers. The article states "GM is still thinking world-domination. Point in case, the redesign of the C7 Corvette to appeal to foreign markets not to mention their rumored mid-engine redesign to move the model closer to supercar status. Another rolling example, the new Z/28 GM has stripped the car of its lug image and turned into int an elite track-ready machine."
So that brings me to ask a few questions and since I'm a C5 owner, I'm asking them here in the General section. Has anyone seen or heard of this version of a C7? Or of the mid-engine rumors? Did you notice the tail lights? Any idea of how much of this is true? Here's the pic of the redesigned C7 that was shown. Is this for real?
The picture posted and the article is from the current October 2014 issue of Car and Driver. The usual, what do you think the next Corvette will look like stuff.
The mag held a design contest among auto designers on what they would like the next gen C8 should look like.
Other items lifted from the article:
- this would be a 2017 special edition model called the ZORA ZR1
- it would be released as "revolutionary" upgrade to mid engine and take the platform to near supercar status.
- production would be limited to approx 1500 units per year, cost in the $150,00+ range.
- current C7 model would run until 2020, then the new C8 platform would used for all Corvette production.
- C8 platform would initially retain pushrod V8, would also allow for V6, AWD, and hybrid combinations.
There are a few rumors floating around about how GM plans to offer multiple Corvette models and that this "Zora" edition will be a mid-engine offering targeted at the higher-end exotic segment.
You can read between the lines many different ways. GM made it a point to call the new C7 "Stingray" so maybe there is some truth that they want to follow a Porsche business example that offers different Corvette models.
One of my friends just picked up his new C7 via the museum delivery option and the question of a mid-engine C7 was asked of the GM engineers who laughed it off. Who knows, maybe they're just covering their tracks.
I have long said that the Corvette brand is strong enough to carry itself in the event GM ever went out of business. I just don't know if I want to see a Corvette SUV or an under-powered, V4 stipped down Corvette roadster.
That article, and rendering, appears to have been created by a small child.
Some "euro" guys won't buy a Corvette because it's a Corvette while some Corvette guys won't buy foreign because it's foreign. Fortunately, some normal people are in the middle that will buy the best car, based on their needs.
That article, and rendering, appears to have been created by a small child.
Some "euro" guys won't buy a Corvette because it's a Corvette while some Corvette guys won't buy foreign because it's foreign. Fortunately, some normal people are in the middle that will buy the best car, based on their needs.
Why are people stuck on a mid engine? What's the appeal of it?
Low polar moment of inertia, as the weight is near the center of the car, rather than engine up front and transaxle in the rear. Should make the car more responsive to turn in, change of direction, etc. That's why competition cars (Indy, F1, Sprts racers, etc.) are almost all mid engine. Can also make it more twitchy tho'.
p.s. only Porsche to fit this model is the Boxster/Cayman. The 911's still adhere to Ferry Porsche's original sin - engine hanging out the back........
Last edited by jackthelad; 10-03-2014 at 05:03 PM.
Low polar moment of inertia, as the weight is near the center of the car, rather than engine up front and transaxle in the rear. Should make the car more responsive to turn in, change of direction, etc. That's why competition cars (Indy, F1, Sprts racers, etc.) are almost all mid engine. Can also make it more twitchy tho'.
p.s. only Porsche to fit this model is the Boxster/Cayman. The 911's still adhere to Ferry Porsche's original sin - engine hanging out the back........
Why are people stuck on a mid engine? What's the appeal of it?
I guess you have never driven a proper mid engine. My C5 can't hold a candle in handling to my mid engine car. When was the last time you saw a front engine win at Indy?
I guess you have never driven a proper mid engine. My C5 can't hold a candle in handling to my mid engine car. When was the last time you saw a front engine win at Indy?
go carts aren't mid engine and they handle great.....
Those of us of a certain age will recall the mid-engine Corvette concept cars from the early/mid '70s.
Of course most of those also had oddities like 4-rotor Wankel engines...
10-03-2014, 07:53 AM
What? A new C7?
