Rendered Speculation: C6-based retro Corvette C3R
Click above for high-res gallery of C3R renderings
While it can be argued that the current Corvette is the best ever built, there are those who would say the C6 is, well, homogenized. Safe. Boring, even, at least in the looks department.
Christian Cyrulewski would be among those who are visually disinterested in the current Corvette. But instead of grousing about it over a beer or six with the local Corvette club, he's taken matters into his own hands and come up with the C3R. In his words, that stands for "third-generation retro Corvette based on the sixth-generation (C6) platform."
Christian's website is short on details but rife with renderings of a curvaceous custom Corvette based on the latest platform out of Bowling Green. Top Speed says Christian plans to cruise the Woodward Dream Cruise next year in a C3R prototype, and if there's enough interest, could offer a kit version of the car. Like your retro-styled muscle cars with actual muscle? Top Speed says Christian also plans a 427-powered version of the kit complete with side pipes. No word yet on pricing, availability, or, heck, validity of the C3R, but we'll keep ya posted.
[Source: Top Speed]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
SHF 11:34AM (11/07/2008)
Just make this the next Corvette. I'm not that much of a Vette fan but this thing is pretty sweet
Reply
BigMcLargeHuge 11:36AM (11/07/2008)
Do any new cars have hide-aways?
Reply
Dean 11:35AM (11/07/2008)
This seems to be following the trend of manufacturers building 'retro' cars. The lines are very clean, and it looks very well done. Probably my favorite of all the retro cars out there. Let's hope the real car looks as good as these renderings. Where do I sign up?
Reply
Carlos 11:35AM (11/07/2008)
That thing is sexy! Though I don't like hidden head lights.
Reply
2004m3driver 11:38AM (11/07/2008)
Yeah no need for extra mechanical parts just for looks. Even the NSX did away with that.
Rev 11:36AM (11/07/2008)
Nice! That's what I'm talking about!!
Let's leave the eighties/nineties styles back in the decades they came from and reach back further to the glorious old school, before the time of big hair and fuzzy-dice...
Camaro ditched the cheap, fleet look - you can do it too, 'vette!
Reply
LDMAN 11:37AM (11/07/2008)
The last chrome bumper on a Corvette was on the 1972 model. All we need now is 454 or 427 block and we are in busines. It actully looks better than the C6
Reply
sirholio 4:21PM (11/07/2008)
actually, the '73 had chrome in the back still, but that was all.
Elise SC 11:37AM (11/07/2008)
I was hoping you guys would write about this design. It would be awesome to see the guy's idea to become a reality. This blows the current Corvette out of the water, IMO.
Reply
Eddie 11:39AM (11/07/2008)
I like it. It looks better than the C1 + C5 conversions.
Reply
Arturo 11:42AM (11/07/2008)
I like it papa.
Reply
why not the LS2LS7? 11:43AM (11/07/2008)
Don't like it.
And I kinda doubt there would be a kit, the current Corvette doesn't pinch down and up in the middle like that, and a body kit isn't going to change it.
Also, if there's one thing I'd take off the Corvette, it's the wing mirrors. They've been used too long now (including in the SSR), it's time for them to change. And yet there they are on this rendering.
Reply
Shotgunner 11:49AM (11/07/2008)
I've been wanting to see something like this for too long. The key element that i felt needed to be addressed was the boring upright b-pillars, and i loved the fairing-style swept-back pillars on the original C3. Sure it reduces the trunk lid to a tiny hatch, but damn it looks good! And I agree, it would be interesting to see some exposed headlights on this.
Reply
Torrent 11:53AM (11/07/2008)
get rid of the hideaway headlights, and you've got a winner
Reply
Nelson 12:03PM (11/07/2008)
Is that based on C6 wheelbase and track width? The proportions look much more attractive than most C5/C6 conversions.
I like this one too.
http://www.automotivestylings.com/gm/stingray_front.htm
Reply
TheClassic 12:27PM (11/07/2008)
Very nice, I like it. Although there was something that just didn't sit right with me in the area above the rear wheel. Its probably most noticeable in the first picture of the gallery. I've had a hard time figuring out exactly what I would change. I think the rear wheels need to be brought forward (remove the brake, with less space between door and wheel arch, and more between wheel arch and tail. Then taper the rear down and in a little more.
Obviously the designer was limited and couldn't change the wheelbase.
Reply
LMBVette 12:53PM (11/07/2008)
The C3 has always been my favorite Vette. I'd trade in my C6 in a heartbeat for one of these!!!
Reply
cawfebug 2:43PM (11/07/2008)
If they were to ever go "retro" look at the '63/'64 split window for inspiration. Although these renderings are pretty nice.
Reply
Sweeney_O 1:16PM (11/07/2008)
I'm so glad I'm not the only one who doesn't harken back to the flip-up headlights. That's one retro touch we do not need to bring back.
Reply
Golferal 1:16PM (11/07/2008)
I quite quite put my finger on it, but there's something about the current generation Vette body that's out of proportion. I can't figure out if it's the length (too long) or if it's too flat & wide.
In any case, I like the retro touches in this design.
Reply