Pics Aplenty: 2009 C3R Retro Corvette Stingray
Click above for high-res image gallery of the C3R concept
Might it be possible that the General would consider going retro for its next Corvette? It's worked wonders for the current crop of remade pony cars, with Chevy's own Camaro being a prime example. Some might argue, though, that the modern 'Vette has never really strayed from its core ethos of offering big performance for a relatively low price, so perhaps it's not in dire need of visiting the past for inspiration. On the other hand, its current styling is an evolution of the C4 design and doesn't bear much resemblance to past classic generations.
One enthusiast by the name of Christian Cyrulewski has taken matters into his own hands by using the third-generation Corvette as inspiration for a rebodied C6, the current version of America's sports car. This is the second version of the C3R, as it's designer calls it, and it's received some tweaks since last time we showed it to you, with more to come we're told. Design elements like the Mako Shark-inspired front fender peaks and steeply flowing rear buttresses from the early C3 series are present, as are hideaway head lights, which were a Corvette staple until the latest C6.
While there are no firm plans to produce a car based on these renderings, past indications are that Cyrulewski would like to see the first C3R running down Woodward Avenue for next year's Dream Cruise. We'll be there, of course, and will definitely keep our eyes peeled for the C3R.
Gallery: 2009 C3R V2.0
[Source: Serious Wheels]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Franz 2:03PM (11/24/2008)
Hell, if GM built this I'd buy a Corvette. I think it's brilliant.
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Franz 2:07PM (11/24/2008)
... except for the massive blind spots. Keep the standard Vette rear glass.
Dude 2:15PM (11/24/2008)
Use your side mirrors or give it a rearview camera. No blindspot.
BoxerFanatic 2:30PM (11/24/2008)
There was a rendering in the first group, a week or two ago, that had the original rear glass, as an optional configuration.
The C3 changed for 1977, IIRC, from flat rear glass, to fastback curved, swept-back glass, which has been kept since, to current.
The only things I can pick at...
The creases in the roof... make the creases at the side really flow into the flying buttresses, so that the transparent roof would look good, and the a-pillars and roof panel side rails can be painted, but leave the windsheild, roof, and center span behind the roof panel, over the rear glass can be black or tinted.. from the cowl to the back of the roof.
lower the headlight placement, and make them flush clear covers over fixed lights. Closer to the bumper line, though.
I would de-emphasize the spear in the hood... but I can understand it being how it is...
and one last thing.
raise the side markers to be right in line, or very complimentary to the ends of the thin metal bumper strips. Make the side markers as extensions of those, not down further on the bodywork.
But as a whole... this looks A MILLION PERCENT better than the current Corvette. A BILLION PERCENT better than the C5.
I would buy this car. I am not a corvette fan, due to it's styling, fit and finish compared to it's price and purpose. The C6 should be more gorgeous than it is. The C3R IS that gorgeous.
But this updated, sleeker version of the C3's idiom is the best I've seen, and actually better looking than the REAL C3 ever was.
HOTT!!!
imirk 2:38PM (11/24/2008)
not to mention that flat glass will kill the aero. But it is a sex machine.
KeatMP 2:05PM (11/24/2008)
Looks amazing.
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Red 2:08PM (11/24/2008)
I'd like to see the headlights moved lower toward the airdam, almost like lighting strips. I dunno if the pop ups would work now. Regardless, this mofo is mean. And I like it.
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Dude 2:12PM (11/24/2008)
Wow! Now that's a Corvette!!
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bob 2:14PM (11/24/2008)
Really sexy! Love what he's done with it. A few tweaks here and there and it's production-ready, imho.
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I-man 2:14PM (11/24/2008)
this guy is talented.
mean.
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Scott K. 2:16PM (11/24/2008)
I like the current Corvette a lot. I think it looks great and you have your choice of performance values.
I like this a lot more. Agreed about the rear glass, tho.
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patrick 2:39PM (11/24/2008)
It's what the 1984 corvette should have been.
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Alex 2:23PM (11/24/2008)
I like it, but i think it should left in the hands of a coach builder. GM should continue to evolve the species.
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Alex 3:03PM (11/24/2008)
+1 The design should evolve, there are so many places the designers at GM could take this car, I don't think back should be one of them.
Scott 2:25PM (11/24/2008)
I'm shocked to say this, but...those pop-up headlights really work for this car. Amazing design.
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YH 2:26PM (11/24/2008)
a little bit corvette, a little bit GT40, all sexy. If there is to be a C7 I think retro might be the way to go.
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Amien 2:43PM (11/24/2008)
It's got to have a tear drop rear-glass, you just cant take it away.
Aside from that,
This
Is
Sex.
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Torrent 2:45PM (11/24/2008)
Build it!
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Angel Rivera 2:46PM (11/24/2008)
Just keep the leisure suit and gold chain crowd away from it.
Also, how to reconcile hidden headlamps/HID/aero question?
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happy_penguin 2:49PM (11/24/2008)
Most of it looks exactly like a 1973 Stingray. Cool or not, why is that special?
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