2013 Chevrolet Corvette to rival Ferrari with mid-engine layout: rumour

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By Brett Davis | May 13th, 2011

A General Motors top US executive has said the next-generation Chevrolet Corvette will be something “completely different” to existing models. This has brought about a frenzy of rumours around the world speculating that the new model will sport an all-new mid-engine layout.

If the rumours are true, it will be the first ever mid-engined Corvette in history, representing a significant departure from the layout of traditional Corvettes which have always showcased a front-engine, rear-wheel drive format. Reports suggest even though this will shift the heritage of the car, Corvettes have always been regarded as a bit of a test bed when it comes to stretching GM’s engineering.

A mid-engined layout would allow the new model to match the European hot shots more equally, on paper at least. The current C6 ZR1 Corvette has been known to put some of the most highly regarded supercars through their paces on the track, even lapping the famous Nurburgring in Germany in 7:26.4 – faster than the Ferrari 458 (7:32.92) and the 997 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (7:33).

GM North America president, Mark Reuss, has expressed that the new Corvette will be a true international competitor in the high-end sports car market. Specific details have been kept under very tight wraps.

As far as the bodywork goes, the next-generation C7 Chevrolet Corvette could feature the split rear window design last seen on the 1963 ‘Vette, although this is also a rumour.

We’ll have to wait and see to know for sure. The C7 Chevrolet Corvette is said to hit production in 2013. Stay tuned.

Devil’s Advocate

Wouldn’t be the first time they have thought about a mid engined, high performance sports car. Back in the late 60s/early 70s GM toyed with a design that had a 3 rotor rotary engine mounted behind the driver. This was until the oil crisis caused them to stop development of their rotary engine project just like many other manufacturers. Whilst it wasn’t definite they were going to call it a Corvette, it apparently was “bandied” around a little.

Can’t wait to see what they come up with.
Rex

Can’t wait to see it. I’ve always found it kind of amusing to see the (at least on paper) humble corvette turn out such amazing performance that puts the alternative exotica to shame. I hope they actually give it a nice interior this time around though. The current gen must feel like you’re driving the worlds fastest late 90′s Hyundai excel when you’re sitting in them.
Eric

Look like the BATMOBILE.

Frenchie

Dito!

Doctor

Would be nice to see the ‘vette leave its kit-car design behind at last.
Richo

The current corvette is technically already considered to be mid-engined, because the engine sits behind the front axle line, thats considered a “front-mid” layout rather then a “rear-mid” layout which for example a Porsche Boxter uses.

At the end of the day the location of the engine isn’t important, its the weight distribution, and with the engine pushes back behind the front axle line, and the gearbox in the back, the corvette already has the perfect 50-50 weight distribution so i’m not sure what GM will acheive by moving the engine to the back.
http://www.onlinecardeals.net/ John

Mostly the engine should be at the front as this concept is best and most used in the automotive sector. But at present the design is just awesome. I am very much excited and waiting to see the new design.
Shak

Doesnt make much sense for GM to spend money trying to make the Corvette mid engined, when as Richo stated above, it already has near perfect weight distribution. And besides, moving the engine would completely ruin the Corvette design language. Spend money where it is needed, on more exotic materials in the construction, and a better quality and designed interior.
Westie

Every new ‘Vette brings a new “mid engined” rumour.
Perhaps it’s like a Ferrari in that it catches fire?
Seriously tho, the only (rear) mid engined Ferrari in production is the 458, don’t forget. All the rest are front or front-mid.
I’m thinking the Vette’s natural hunting ground is more along the lines of the 599/612/Hearse.
Are GM hinting at a Volt style hybrid?
Porsche and Jaguar are doing it, so why not?
Halo model with one of GM Powertrain’s 6.2 AFM V8s and about 100kW of electric? And some CF to replace the fibreglass.
Still a Vette, just updated.
Aaron

Looking forward to see what Barak Obarma and the American Govenment make.
Govenment Motors…………what a joke!!

Richo

Candidate for worst post ever on this website? I think so…

Al Juraj

Next to Hyundaismoke and Camrylover

Theo

good on ya aaron…your definitely a smart man
http://yetmec.blogspot.com Henry Solomon

This ride is something else….i’ll get one as soon as it is launched……
http://yetmec.blogspot.com Henry Solomon

This ride is something else….i’ll get one as soon as it is launched……
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view this page onlineWelcome to our May 2011 flyer,

We have just finished a large upload of newly arrived LPs onto the site sourced from two collections I recently purchased. One was a fairly small collection of around 600 sealed Columbia LPs from the collection of a former exec at Columbia records that looked like they just came out of the pressing plant yesterday. The rest are from an S.F. bay area collection that covers most genres and as usual I only purchase LPs that are either sealed or look as close to perfect as possible so we have some great music for yo
http://yetmec.blogspot.com Henry Solomon

This ride is something else….i’ll get one as soon as it is launched……
HomeNewest ArrivalsSuper DealsSearchPopJazzClassical
Click Cover

For Details

view this page onlineWelcome to our May 2011 flyer,

We have just finished a large upload of newly arrived LPs onto the site sourced from two collections I recently purchased. One was a fairly small collection of around 600 sealed Columbia LPs from the collection of a former exec at Columbia records that looked like they just came out of the pressing plant yesterday. The rest are from an S.F. bay area collection that covers most genres and as usual I onlyjJjJjjJjjjjJjjjjjjjJjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjJjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjJjjjjjJjjjjjjjjjjjjJjjjjjjJjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjsjdjdjddkdkdkdkdjdjxhdjxsdjdkdkdj purchase LPs that are either sealed or look as close to perfect as possible so we have some great music for yo
Shak

CA, i thought you guys censored comments like those above?
http://yetmec.blogspot.com Henry Solomon

This ride is something else….i’ll get one as soon as it is launched……
HomeNewest ArrivalsSuper DealsSearchPopJazzClassical
Click Cover

For Details

view this page onlineWelcome to our May 2011 flyer,

We have just finished a large upload of newly arrived LPs onto the site sourced from two collections I recently purchased
http://yetmec.blogspot.com Henry Solomon

This ride is something else….i’ll get one as soon as it is launched……
HomeNewest ArrivalsSuper DealsSe
Al Juraj

Switching to a mid-rear layout is quite a radical move. Maybe they should also consider 4WD to make better use of all that torque in the current cars. For sure, they need to do extensive work on the interior materials and more sophisticated seats to become a true international competitor. Finally, the new Vette must come in RHD.
http://www.ronsamericanrv.com Rons

Wooooow its look like my dream car, I am eagerly waiting to see this car rocking on the road.
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This car looking nice…General Motors is currently developing the new Chevrolet Corvette C7
which will feature a small capacity, high-revving V8 boosted by
turbochargers.