Corvette to release mid engine model

[TheVTCGuy]

When my father passed on Christmas night, I became a Corvette owner. That’s a picture of my father’s (my) 95. He bought it 25 years ago and did little more then stare at it, it only has 46,000 miles. I am working on it, installing new belts hoses, filters etc. and this summer will bring it to its new home in San Diego from Arizona. There will be a thread about that later but I was really interested in this article about the mid engine. Call me bias, but nothing is as sleek looking as the C4 model, but what is it about mid engine that makes this such an event? What are the advantages? I have done a little research but it seems to me this is mostly an attempt to emulate Ferrari. What do you guys think?

[timepieceluvr]

If their previous efforts are any indication it will be a tremendous performer at a tremendous bargain albeit without the cachet or the quality and finish of the more expensive brands. Kinda like the Rolex of the sports car world. Not a Patek or an AP but great in its own way.

I hope it’s awesome. :)


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[Blansky]

Haven't they been talking about a mid engine Corvette since the 80s?

[Etschell]

Cant wait.

[SoTaxLaw]

Originally Posted by Blansky

Haven't they been talking about a mid engine Corvette since the 80s?

Try the 1960s. See Chevy Astro II.

[Tools]

Weight and balance.

I read that the new models have had problems with twisting/breaking the frame from the torque/power of the new engines.

Should be quite an animal.

[Dale.Cooper]

Originally Posted by Blansky

Haven't they been talking about a mid engine Corvette since the 80s?

Zora Duntov wanted the mid 60's Corvette models to be mid engined, but GM wouldn't go for it. You can look at the big back glass and see that he intended for an engine to be visible back there. Would have been amazing.

[lig]

I’m looking forward to a mid engined Corvette for the aforementioned reasons. IMO a front engine rear drive layout is perfect for a GT but for an all out sports car a mid engine layout is optimal.

[ttomczak]

Originally Posted by Tools

Weight and balance.

I read that the new models have had problems with twisting/breaking the frame from the torque/power of the new engines.

Should be quite an animal.

Only the highest end model with (speculation / rumor of course) close to 1000 hp... The twin turbo one...

If GM gets past the teething problems like still exist on the C7, it could be a game changer.

[Keadog]

No manual transmission, at least per what I've read. Pass.

[1William]

I am interested and look forward to seeing what Chevrolet has done with this vehicle. I am not a huge Corvette fan but have several friends who own them and love them. I believe that Chevy will either hit a home run with this vehicle and design or fall flat, no real in between.

[Rock]

That is a really good thing to be able to inherit something like a nice car from your Dad. Every time you look at it or drive it there is a really tangible connection that maybe you don't get to the same extent with something more ordinary.
The fact that it is in such good condition makes it even a bit more special.
Hope you have many enjoyable miles in it.

I'm not a big fan of mid-engine. Generally harder (and more expensive) to access and work on and the weight distribution benefits are lost on the majority of punters.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Rock

I'm not a big fan of mid-engine. Generally harder (and more expensive) to access and work on and the weight distribution benefits are lost on the majority of punters.

But easier for the computer controlled stability and traction management to guide


On Paul’s question - at least in motorsports - braking is better especially for endurance racing. You can balance the excessive wear the fronts get - as well as reducing the torture those tires get too.

Also getting on power earlier when coming out of turns. It can reduce TTO as well as help with plowing.

But a lot will depend on if they really do move to AWD at same time - rumors are just that until formal unveiling.


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[nick c]

Are you buying one Paul?

[RW16610]

This will be awesome! I loved the ones like yours as a kid. My interest shifted over the years but the latest model brought that back. Can't wait to see what the newest will be like as they enhance the supercar traits.

[piratfisk]

Heartwarming story about the C4 & your father, Paul (OP). As for the MR Corvette... I think I'll believe it when I see it. They've been teasing a mid-engine Corvette for a while, but then again, Toyota & Acura have teased new Supras & NSXs (respectively) for over a decade & they delivered.

[JohnnyBoots]

I'm excited to see what this mid-engine C8 can do. I'm really surprised they didn't develop the standard cars and Z06 as front engine and use the mid-engine development for the ZR1. That seemed like a good way to transition the traditionalists and keep the FR layout as they made way for a front-engine C9. Way to be bold!

[V25V]

Originally Posted by Blansky

Haven't they been talking about a mid engine Corvette since the 80s?

Yes.

[davidgilmore]

Corvette has reached the edge of it’s performance potential as a front engine design (although it is technically a front mid engine currently with the 650 or 750 HP engines slightly behind the front axel). The C7R race cars that compete in IMSA GTLM class have outrun other cars costing 5 times as much since the 2014 intro of the C7 platform some of which (Ford GT, Ferrari, and newest 911) are already mid engine and getting tougher to beat. A mid engine approach is the next logical platform to allow Corvette to dominate on the track and on the street.

[Tri-Tip]

A mid-engine Vette will be cool, but unfortunately, it's still a Chevy. I had both 2000 and 2007 Corvettes and they were great cars, hardly any mechanical issues, fit and finish wasn't great, but the price was great at under $50,000. I doubt the mid-engine C8 will be much less than $100,000 if at all.

The reason I moved on is the horrible dealer service I received both during the buying experience and any warranty work. If I had their bottom of the line car, it would have been expected, but not with one of the most expensive cars in their lineup.

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by JohnnyBoots

I'm excited to see what this mid-engine C8 can do. I'm really surprised they didn't develop the standard cars and Z06 as front engine and use the mid-engine development for the ZR1. That seemed like a good way to transition the traditionalists and keep the FR layout as they made way for a front-engine C9. Way to be bold!

I’m pretty sure the plan is to have both. Updated C7 front engine models in the same price ranges as current and the mid-engine a huge leap in both spec and price.
I’ve never been a huge Corvette fan but rented one in February on a four day trip to LA. It was docile in traffic but lots of fun on the canyon roads and anywhere you could step on it a bit. Despite the C7’s upgrades, it still cuts a few corners compared to say a 911. Lots of performance for the price but build quality and overall refinement a notch below. After coming home though, for the first time in my life I’d seriously consider buying one.

[davidgilmore]

My 2015 C7 Z06 has been absolutely bullet proof and without a single issue on track or off. No rattles, mechanical problems, or heat related problems on track when driven very hard. I have never found a car on track I could not reel in and pass including Porsche GT3's and similar vehicles. Perhaps I got the only good one ever built, but looking forward to my next one!

[Kimber007]

Originally Posted by davidgilmore

Corvette has reached the edge of it’s performance potential as a front engine design (although it is technically a front mid engine currently with the 650 or 750 HP engines slightly behind the front axel). The C7R race cars that compete in IMSA GTLM class have outrun other cars costing 5 times as much since the 2014 intro of the C7 platform some of which (Ford GT, Ferrari, and newest 911) are already mid engine and getting tougher to beat. A mid engine approach is the next logical platform to allow Corvette to dominate on the track and on the street.

This is spot on, very well said

Originally Posted by Tri-Tip

A mid-engine Vette will be cool, but unfortunately, it's still a Chevy. I had both 2000 and 2007 Corvettes and they were great cars, hardly any mechanical issues, fit and finish wasn't great, but the price was great at under $50,000. I doubt the mid-engine C8 will be much less than $100,000 if at all.

True, but I still think there is an untapped market for a mid-engine sports car for $100k. Of course there is the Lotus, Alpha Romeo, and 718 Cayman but for that money I want WAY more than 200-300 hp and that's exactly what this will provide with a low cost of ownership.

Originally Posted by Tri-Tip

The reason I moved on is the horrible dealer service I received both during the buying experience and any warranty work. If I had their bottom of the line car, it would have been expected, but not with one of the most expensive cars in their lineup.

I have lived in 2 different states since purchasing my C7 and it seems to be the particular dealership you take it to. I have had a couple just like this but some are fantastic. Of course I have to drive mine 25 minutes further each way since the one closest to me is horrible but certainly worth it.