If the Corvette Stingray concept foreshadows the next-generation Corvette C7, then what might the production car look like?
Given the concept’s massive wheels, exaggerated exterior, and extremely low roofline, there’s almost no way the production Corvette C7 will look exactly like it. The Corvette C7 will retain its front-engine layout, forgoing a more costly – and complex – mid-engine setup.
One speculated engine option would be a twin-turbo 3.6-liter DOHC V6 capable of 400 horsepower.
For example, when the Corvette’s most recent major update came along for model year 2005, purporting to mark the transition from generation five (C5) to generation six, we characterized the sum of the changes as Corvette C5 and 11/16ths.
The members of the Corvette tribe don’t refer to their baby in alphanumerics. The Corvette’s looks haven’t changed much in the last two generations, covering 13 years, but we anticipate change in the Corvette C7 will be apparent at a glance, even to casual observers.
According to insider folklore, CEO Dan Akerson—GM’s fourth CEO since March 2009—attended a Corvette styling review and told design chief Ed Welburn that he thought the C6’s posterior was way too wide. Chevrolet first signaled its interest in reviving the split window by outfitting the Stingray concept vehicle with one. The C6 Vette has long been a respected member of the serious sports-car community, but its interior has been subpar for ¬¬just as long. There will be changes under the hood, too. Also, fuel-economy ratings may show a slight uptick. We look for the base Corvette coupe to start at roughly $52,000, ranging up to about $115,000 for the ZR1.
The future for America’s sports car sees the Corvette becoming lighter, slicker and moderately more compact, powered by an equally powerful but smaller V-8. A list of priorities from the average Corvette owner puts perform¬ance at the top, with fuel efficiency somewhere just above the desire for rear seats and a better tow rating.
In the meantime, the new Corvette C7 will retain a front-engine design, but the car will lose weight while its engine will become more effective at extracting energy from fuel. Improved aerodynamics will also help the Vette punch a smaller hole through the air, aiding acceleration, top speed and mpg.
