This is the C8 mid-engine Chevy Corvette
 

All hail the Emperor! Chevy's Ferrari-fighter is almost here.

https://s.blogcdn.com/slideshows/ima...1-kgp-ed-1.jpg

http://www.autoblog.com/2016/09/12/2...#slide-4056208

That's very interesting. The dimensions are almost stereotypical for a mid-engine sportscar, but it looks really wrong for a Corvette.

The reason Chevy might make the Corvette mid-engined is so they can better compete in GT3 racing. They were so bad at LeMans this year and could not bring the fight to Ford that they have decided it's time to give in to the GT3 aero regs and go mid-engined.

I don't pretend to understand the aerodynamics, but for some reason the rear end of front- and rear- engined cars are at a huge disadvantage int the current GT3 rules. In GT classes, Porsche and Chevy were not competitive at LeMans this year. Porsche has decided to take it's ball and go home, Chevy has decided that if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Though the mid-engined Vette is not confirmed yet and that mule in the OP may be nothing more than a test prototype.

And if your super car can't compete in GT3, it won't sell because GT3 is fundamentally changing sportscar racing around the the world. Aston-Martin is wrestling with the same problem and BMW is behind in the GT3 game as well. Some front-engined GT3 cars are doing just fine (the cheating AMG, Bentley among others) but being mid-engined is a huge advantage.

I was just thinking about how I would never want a Chevy product (I like Fords, and could imagine myself behind the wheel of a Charger or Challenger).

This could change things....

Talk of a mid engine Corvette has been ongoing since the 50s.
Let me know when it happens zzzzzzzz...

GT racing is more about the BoP (Balance of performance) politics, than front of mid engine location. The Corvette's are running fine in IMSA, under the revised BoP

Looks exotic I guess because of the cabin fwd design. Can't wait to see it on the road. GM was so hyped about this they pushed it from 2020 to 2017. Didn't think it would be 2017

My hope is that they call it something other than Corvette. That is unless they plan on the Corvette moniker abandoning the $55k-$85k "affordable supercar" price range and go straight to $120k+ which this thing is likely to cost.

In my eyes if Chevy significantly increase the cost of the Vette, they will likely also increase the minimum price of the Camaro ($30k-$55k range) and then bring up a "sporty" car under that for the $23-$32k buyer. Probably yet another gussied up FWD hot hatch (like the market needs another one of those... boo.)

Agree, a mid-engine supercar doesn't really evoke the name Corvette to me.

Plot twist: Chevy secretly bought Vector Motors and calls this the "C8." Everyone was misunderstood that it would be the C8 Vette.




(There is zero truth in this)

Seriously though... this is the closest thing to a Chevy supercar I've ever seen. It somehow evokes the future, the United States, and musclecars all at the same time

http://www.topcarrating.com/vector/1...in-turbo-3.jpg

I agree with this 100%, except the part about hot hatches :thumbdown:

I'd expect a Ford GT competitor up in the >$100k price range with the Corvette remaining exactly where it is than a mid-engined 'Vette. It would also be in the fat high end premium grand tourer market, 911 Turbo S, Aston Martin whatever, BMW i8/M6, Merc AMG GT/S coupe, Bentley, Rolls, Audi R8 etc.

But given lackluster success in mid range luxo-sporty cars in the past with Cadillac -V and Chevy SS I'd be surprised if it came to fruition.

Actually, the reason why they were so bad at Le Mans this year was because the top cars were all turbocharged.

As for your comment about Porsche packing up and leaving...

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/p...urbo-at-monza/

It should be noted that strong rumors and photos suggest a mid-engine RWD 911, which would require a technical wavier from the FIA.

Everyone is hopping on the turbo train, GM included.

-alex

It will be a Corvette, I don't even know if they even use Stingray anymore on the current Vettes in any form but perhaps the mid engine will be a Corvette something...