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2018 Chevrolet Corvette to be mid-engined, could spawn EV variant – report

The current C7 Chevrolet Corvette may only be a few years into its life cycle, but there is already talk of big changes for the upcoming C8 Corvette in 2018 - most notably a switch to a mid-engined layout.


For six decades, the Corvette has been a front-engined, V8 muscle car. However, that could all change with the next generation, according to an "impeccable source" referenced in a new report by American publication Car and Driver. If the report proves accurate, the 2018 C8 Corvette will indeed switch to a mid-engined powertrain.

Although the Corvette's chief engineer, Tadge Juechter, denied rumours of a mid-engined Corvette back in 2014, this new report adds to the spy photos of a mid-engined Holden Commodore SS-V ute tweeted by Car and Driver in 2015.

Reportedly codenamed ‘ZERV’, the C8 Corvette is believed to give a nod to Zora Arkus-Duntov, who was an instrumental influence in the development of the earliest Corvettes, and an advocate for the mid-engine layout.

Car and Driver’s report also claims that the C8 Corvettes, or at least some, could wear ZORA identification to further pay homage to Arkus-Duntov and his 1960s' mid-engined CERV concepts.

Other new upgrades reported to feature in the next-generation Corvette include a notable power upgrade from a new four-cam, 32-valve V8 engine, and the possibility of an electrified ‘E-Ray’ Corvette in 2020.


Above: The Corvette has been a front-engined muscle car for seven generations

The E-Ray name was trademarked by Chevrolet at the end of last year and, according to the report, the E-Ray Corvette will use electric assistance to turn the front wheels of a mid-engined, hybrid-powered, four-wheel-drive Corvette.

Don’t expect to see the new Corvette for sometime yet, however, as the current C7 Corvette Stingray has breath in it yet.he 2017 North American international auto show (NAIAS) next January is also expected to play host to the unveiling of a new C7-based ZR1 Corvette. Chevrolet’s new V8 is also believed to be revealed at NAIAS.

Despite this, Car and Driver speculates that the C8 Corvette will debut at the 2018 NAIAS, with more power, a new powertrain layout and a price tag approaching the $100,000USD ($137,000) mark.

Stay tuned to CarAdvice for updates on the next-generation Corvette as they emerge.

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