Daily Slideshow: Catching up with the Mid-engine C8 Corvette

The next generation of Corvette.

Chevy fans have been up in arms with excitement lately over news of the Corvette ZR1. Boasting a whopping 755 base horsepower, the ZR1 was hailed as the most powerful Corvette to date. While the ZR1's stellar performance specs have us intrigued, the engineers at Corvette these days clearly didn't want to wait long to outdo themselves. Corvette is on the brink of its long-awaited Eighth Generation, and the information we have on it so far could make it out to be one of the brand's greatest steps forward. Reportedly drawing in an awe-inspiring 850 horses behind the reins, the Corvette of the future will feature some major developments over its predecessors. It may be a year away still, but we can have some fun speculating the kind of automotive glory due to us come 2019.

>>Join the conversation about the forthcoming C8 Corvette right here in Corvette Forum.

What can we expect?

With this C8 generation, what's going to be new? Although Corvette has not officially said much about it, leaked documents have given us a vague inkling what they've got up their sleeve. While the insane horsepower gives the new one that numerical edge, the most radical design change is the reported switch to a mid-engine format, putting the engine behind the seats. Unsurprisingly, this would involve a major reconsideration of the way the car's elements are organized within the frame. Considering the 'Vette's tendency to lead the pack in trendy sports car design, the fact that Corvette has been so daring with the design this time makes us wonder how the C8's future influence will manifest itself in the designs of other automakers.

>>Join the conversation about the forthcoming C8 Corvette right here in Corvette Forum.

What are the advantages and setbacks of a mid-engine layout?

The mid-engine format has become increasingly popular among the modern sports car design philosophy. As such, Corvette isn't really blazing fresh trails by switching to the mid-engine layout so much as they're modernizing to fit the times. This bodes good things for the car's performance. Among the benefits of going mid-engine, the C8 Corvette should weather better traction and handling, thanks to the evener distribution of weight. On the flipside, it significantly restricts the potential for passenger space. The Corvette was always a two-seater though, so the transition to a mid-engine layout seems fitting.

>>Join the conversation about the forthcoming C8 Corvette right here in Corvette Forum.

There's a wide range of prospective engine options

The C8 Corvette is going to be equipped by default with the V8 engine, a perennial ingredient of the 'Vette for ages. Although we're still waiting on confirmation, there's word the turbocharged V8 will come in three grade options: a 5.5-liter, 4.2-liter, and the 6.2-liter, the last of which has been used for the C7. A diesel fuel option has been all but confirmed as well for the upcoming generation. Finally, while this is pure speculation on our part, we wouldn't be surprised if we see a hybrid C8 emerge within the first few model years; the introduction of a hybridized powertrain by itself would be a historic step for the brand.

>>Join the conversation about the forthcoming C8 Corvette right here in Corvette Forum.

The camouflaged design is still a bit of a mystery

It is common industry practice that test cars get layered up in camouflage. This is in order to keep the hype of the visual design in store for the official release. Like many things at this stage, we can only speculate in wait for the official word, but it's pretty clear that this vehicle bears similarity with the C7 design, albeit with a larger rear to accommodate the new engine placement. Moreover, while the camouflage robs us of scoping any details, the gist we can see looks like a slightly meaner-looking variation on the past generation. This "meaner" update ruins parallel with the way Ford has developed increasingly aggressive aesthetics to revitalize their Mustang brand. 

>>Join the conversation about the forthcoming C8 Corvette right here in Corvette Forum.

6. It's still a fair ways away

Who knows what the C8 will really look like once the first set of wheels rolls off the assembly? All of this is still a year away. We know one thing at least; if you don't care for the new mid-engine direction, the familiar C7 variant will remain in production for a few more years still.

By reliable estimates, the C8 Corvette should be released next year with a starting base price of around $80,000 USD.

>>Join the conversation about the forthcoming C8 Corvette right here in Corvette Forum.

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