Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM
Mid-engine C7 Corvette still being considered
All the way back in January, veteran automotive journalist Peter De Lorenzo alerted us to the possibility that the next-generation C7 Corvette may arrive with a low-volume, expensive mid-engine counterpart. We haven't heard much about the rumor since then, but this week De Lorenzo reveals in his editorial that not only is it alive, but that GM is seriously considering dropping the front-engine/RWD drive layout of the car and switching it entirely to a mid-engine set up.
Citing only "impeccable" sources, De Lorenzo says that keeping the Corvette relatively inexpensive was the major obstacle for moving to a mid-engine layout. Supposedly Corvette engineers have found a way to produce a mid-engine Vette while keeping the cost reasonable, about around the price for a fully loaded Corvette Convertible today. Who knows how they've done it, but since Corvette faithful within General Motors would not allow the car's price to swell, the achievement was a must for the mid-engine project to move forward.
[Source: Autoextremist via Jalopnik]
De Lorenzo also makes the point that GM has never capitalized on the Corvette being the company's technological halo-car, but that a mid-engine car would do just that. Further, the current Corvette has no peer in racing, not in the ALMS GT1 class or at Le Mans. De Lorenzo suspects GM brass are seriously considering the opportunity to win it all in Le Mans with a Corvette Racing prototype car. Such a win would be the first for a domestic in a very, very long times (think Ford forty years ago).
A mid-engine Corvette could certainly happen, and all of De Lorenzo's arguments appear well reasoned, but we've heard no word of this being considered outside of the intelligible ramblings on Autoextremist. That doesn't mean it's all false, though.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
John P. 4:44PM (8/22/2007)
While I love the idea of a mid-engined Corvette, It would be a true supercar if they do it the way I know they can given their recent history of building very capable cars, I think it would be best to build it and sell somewhere above the front engined model.
Maybe 2 versions of the Corvette? One Mid-engined, one Front Engined? hmmmmmmmm it would be interesting.
Reply
MasterCKO 6:07PM (8/22/2007)
yeah, I was thinking that as well. They might release it that way to ease the buyers into it.
smartmlp 9:14PM (8/22/2007)
I think this is a dumb idea since it will destroy the concept of a 'low-cost' super car beater. Having two platforms will increase production costs for both versions and drive up MSRP as a result.
Valentino Amoro 4:45PM (8/22/2007)
No need to introduce a mid engine Vette.
The current LS3 Z51 is faster than the 911 S, R8.
The z06 is a 7.42 on the ring and faster than the F430 and 997 911 Turbo.
I doubt a mid engine layout will change things.
Reply
K 5:59PM (8/22/2007)
The 997 turbo does it in 7:40.
Valentino Amoro 6:22PM (8/22/2007)
True. But that boils down to the tires. The Z06 sports the worst Eagle F1 crap.
Put 997 911 GT3 tires on it and 2 seconds is nothing.
Kash 6:38PM (8/22/2007)
Ignorant statement. A mid-engine layout balances weight distribution or biases it towards the rear for more traction whilst acceleration. The balanced or rear-biased weight distribution also improves handling.
There is a reason that almost all supercars (McLaren F1 excluded) are mid-engined, and it's not just for looks. There is a reason that Le Mans Prototypes are mid engined, same with F1 cars.
If Chevy can build a mid-engined Corvette with 500hp for around $80k they will rock Porsche's world.
Valentino Amoro 8:23PM (8/22/2007)
Not necessarily true. Even with a front biased mid engine layout the Corvette acheives 50-50 wt distribution.
That said a rear ward bias would be superior.
I'm not questioning that a mid engine layout is superior. My question is based on the need. The existing Z06 and LS3 C6 are world champions. The shortcoming are in steering feel and interiors, which are being rectified.
Also, the 997 Porsche's (GT3/Turbo) have sticky ties.
If they address 1)steering feel (already done in LS3), 2) interior 3)tires the Corvettes will outclass most mid engine supercars (as they do now), except for more convincingly.
why not the LS2LS7? 4:46PM (8/22/2007)
Sounds great. Did Moesler help them out?
Don't drop the regular one, please.
Reply
AirZurk 4:48PM (8/22/2007)
No no, thats dumb. Thats changing an icon way too much. If enthusiasts were mad about the pop-up headlights going away on the C6, just imagine how this will go over. Keep the Corvette engine up front and give the mid-engine setup to Cadillac and kill the XLR (though i do love the way that looks).
Reply
Trinitron 4:52PM (8/22/2007)
Overhang city.
Reply
Todd 5:07PM (8/22/2007)
Duck-billed Platypus.
jake_hodges 5:45PM (8/22/2007)
Wow, is that not pretty. And that's an awful lot of dashboard to dust. How are you going to keep the inside of that windshield clean? It feels icky from idea to execution, stem to stern.
naggs 1:58PM (8/23/2007)
guys, that concept is well over a decade old, the possible mid engined vette of the near future would have nothing in common with that picture.
Gray Smith 4:52PM (8/22/2007)
I agree don't drop the regular one, but this has me thinking, anyone remember the Cadillac Cien from a few years ago? do you think it could have been more than just a concept for a caddy? I dunno, i'm thinking way out in left field. A mid engined Vette would bring in a whole new owner group I think..
Reply
John R 8:47PM (8/22/2007)
Anyone remember the Corvair? That was mid-engine and it was nice until Nader killed it. If GM does make a this I'd rather have them call it a Corvair, damn the negative history.
Barney 12:04AM (8/23/2007)
"Anyone remember the Corvair? That was mid-engine and it was nice "
No it wasn't. It was rear engine mounted and GM killed it when they introduced the Acadian & Chevy II Nova. Nader just made GM spend the extra $10 to make them safer.
Mr. Oak 11:17AM (8/23/2007)
I agree this approacjh 100%. They're 2/3s of the way there with the Cien. That V12 DI lump that they talking about not so long ago. Would also help. GM/Cadillac here is your flagship.
Preston M 4:52PM (8/22/2007)
Comes complete with air-brakes.
Reply
biggins 5:01PM (8/22/2007)
i think it would be horrible if they switched the Corvette to a mid-engine layout. It would ruin everything the Corevette is tradionally about.
HOWEVER...
I think a different named mid-engined car from GM would be stellar! I'm all for that, just dont name it a Corvette.
Reply