![Bugatti Bird-gate Followup: Driver identity revealed <b>[*UPDATE:</b> Now with actual crash video!]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bugatti-veyron-swim-1258147199_143x85.jpg)
Mid-engine Corvette still being considered
click above image for high-res gallery of the 2009 Corvette ZR1
The 2009 Corvette ZR1 has arrived, but speculation surrounding the next-generation C7 model and a possible mid-engine variant continue to persist. Bill Visnic from AutoObserver claims that the idea of a mid-engine Vette, either as a variant of the C7 or a replacement of the current front-engine model, is still being discussed by top engineers involved with developing the next iteration of Chevy's iconic sports car. The main argument against the idea of a mid-engine Vette remains the price tag, as costs would drive up the price to above $100,000. While the ZR1 is priming the public for the concept of a $100,000 Corvette, the current base model remains an affordable performance bargain for John Q. Public. If the Corvette switched to a mid-engine platform, the base price for the car itself would be well above $100,000. The other concern is how much a mid-engine Corvette would alienate the car's fan base, which helps drive sales that far exceed more prestigious sport cars in its class (more than 30,000 units so far this year).
While some have argued that a mid-engine layout for the next-gen model would demonstrate the technological prowess of GM's engineers, we'd argue that the ZR1 proves the current layout affords plenty of opportunity to show off the team's skills. Just read Sam's report on the new ZR1 and its LS9 motor and you'll know what we mean. Does anyone out there want a mid-engine Corvette, or is the Corvette team just bogged down by the thought of what it can do rather than what it should?
[Source: AutoObserver]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
VP 12:05PM (12/21/2007)
No thanks for a mid engine layout. We will take an affordable supercar like the Z06 at Landcruiser prices :)
Reply
seoultrain 12:09PM (12/21/2007)
I don't see how making the Vette mid-engined will raise costs 150%. That's just silly, unless you're only planning on selling a few hundred per year, which is also silly.
Reply
Dave 4:23PM (12/21/2007)
Absolutely right.
A transverse mid engine could actually be cheaper. GM proved that when they introduced the Fiero in 1983.
If a small block Chevy engine can fit in a Fiero, it certainly can fit in a Vette, which is wider.
Midengine is also slightly more efficient than front engine RWD. And it would convert easily to an E-Flex style series hybrid version.
Russell 12:10PM (12/21/2007)
Mid engine supercar is a great idea, it doesn't have to be a Corvette.
Reply
Dan 12:14PM (12/21/2007)
Hasn't corvette essentially reached brand status within GM? I like the idea of offering a mid-engined corvette layout in addition to the traditional front engine. It would then be poised to compete even more with the likes of all other global exotic super car producers. Using the corvette name on a mid engine high performance car would only enhance the image and furthermore provide a platform for new cutting edge technology development. I say go for it. Just not at the expense of the current layout.
Reply
Paul 12:16PM (12/21/2007)
I am with you dan... for a moment I wasn't but I think that Corvette can be used as a brand upon itself. You could have the:
Corvette
Z06
ZR1
and...???
I see no problem with a mid/rwd layout as long as you keep the front/rwd layout as well.
3seriesisking 1:13PM (12/21/2007)
Agreed
Matt 1:35PM (12/23/2007)
I have the exact same thoughts.
naggs 9:53PM (12/21/2007)
i agree that the corvette has already evolved into a brand
there is room for a mid engined car above the current lineup
call it the corvette zora
Andrew 12:17PM (12/21/2007)
Man, you guys are really geeking over this ZR1. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice car, but does the gallery need to be on the front page all week?
Reply
B-Rad 1:16PM (12/21/2007)
Most certainly.
BTW, as long as there is an affordable front-engine layout base car with another Z06 and ZR1, a top of the line mid-engined enzo killer would be sick!
Darren Monk 7:09PM (12/21/2007)
I love it when you guys mention Enzo and GT Carrera when you compare them with the Z1.There is no doubt than the Z1 is going to be a very quick car indeed and for the price you probably can't beat it.But you still cannot build a NA engine to beat the exotics.American cars have to have either a bigger capacity engine and /or forced induction.If the exotics do have forced induction it is usually a moderate capacity engine eg Porsche Turbo.
As for a mid-engined Corvette,I don't think GM has enough experience in that field of engine layout.
naggs 9:59PM (12/21/2007)
"There is no doubt than the Z1 is going to be a very quick car indeed and for the price you probably can't beat it.But you still cannot build a NA engine to beat the exotics.American cars have to have either a bigger capacity engine and /or forced induction."
so american engines are worse because they have displacement and FI?
i will counter your rediculous statement with something that uses the same reasoning
ferrari needs 4 times as many camshafts and 50% more cylinders to match the hp of a small block chevy
when comparing engines, how about sticking with things that actually effect, i dont know, stuff. like efficiency, weight, dimensions, price, reliability, power delivery
but then if you did that you would be forced to accept the fact that the CSB is the best street performance engine ever made
Syco 12:18PM (12/21/2007)
Im with VP, keep it front engine. What they really should do, is dump the XLR and make a mid Engine Caddy. A quality, mid engine Caddy, similar to the Cien, would be a great showcase of GMs engineering prowess..
Reply
VP 12:24PM (12/21/2007)
I was coming back to post the same thing. Keep the 'Vette as is and let the engineers go wild on a Caddy. The Cien is still one of the best concepts we have seen in the last decade.
ChrisL 12:31PM (12/21/2007)
I'm with Syco. The XLR is basically a Corvette in a suit anyway. Have a "halo" model exclusive to Caddilac be mid-engined as an extension of thier "art and science' marketing approach. They can show thier engineering expertise there.
One other thing, whoever in GM thinks that mid-engined cars costs NEED to exceed $100k has completely forgotten the Fiero they produced not that long ago.
500 12:33PM (12/21/2007)
Off-Topic a bit, but dump the XLR and make a new, full-size Eldorado! It would sell far more copies. GM should have learned by now that 2-seat Caddies don't sell (Allanté, XLR...)
If GM must make a mid-engine Corvette, however, I do agree with making it a higher-end Corvette model alongside the traditional one.
Paul 1:14PM (12/21/2007)
Now that has got me all tingly in the pants!
Bennet Pullen 12:21PM (12/21/2007)
How about you just build the Cadillac Cien instead?
Reply
tankd0g 12:22PM (12/21/2007)
I thought it already was mid engined. Isn't the bulk of the engine behind the front axle?
Reply