Mid-Engine Corvette Closer Than Ever

It is no secret that GM has flirted with mid-engine Corvettes for decades. Until now, the company has lacked the motivation, consensus, and/or resources to move to a mid-engine layout.

However, this is the new GM.

The feds are no longer calling the shots and the General has been upstaged by Ford for too long. GM now possesses the financial wherewithal, control, and competitive spirit to harness its resources and once again compete for the title of America’s finest sports car.

In 1992, the Corvette’s leadership was challenged by the Viper. Dodge’s V-10 supercar failed to eclipse the Corvette in America’s imagination and GM could afford to ignore it. However, in 2005, the Corvette was unseated by the Ford GT as America’s finest sports car. The two products are not direct competitors, but GM has nonetheless been frustrated by its penultimate position vis-à-vis Ford. During and immediately following the great recession, GM had little choice but to pretend the GT did not exist. Full-line mainstream manufacturers like Ford who produce supercars do so for their intangible benefits, not for their financial windfall.

The mid-engine Vette will get thrust from an advanced derivative of the LT1/LT4 engine family. This one will feature a pair of parallel or sequential turbochargers with output north of 700 horsepower. It’s not clear if GM plans to get exotic with the transmission or if the mid-mounted engine will require a new or significantly adapted transmission. Nonetheless, a three-pedal seven-speed manual as well as a two-paddle eight-speed auto are almost certain. Down the road, GM may also employ the super-Vette as an early recipient of advanced NMC battery technology.

The C7 has been a critical and commercial success for Chevrolet. Sales have returned to pre-recession levels and its one billion dollar development cost is well on its way to being fully amortized. The C7 will remain in the Chevy lineup, at least through the end of its life-cycle. When GM introduces the mid-engine car, it and the C7 will share the Corvette moniker.

GM is not concerned about the mid-engine Vette cannibalizing C7 sales because the new car will slot well above the current front engine car, which will continue at the $55,000 to $120,000 price range. The new mid-engine model will be priced much higher. Our best guess is that it will sticker close to the $400,000 Ford GT and Lamborghini Aventador.

Look for GM to upstage the forthcoming Ford GT with an official announcement in late 2016 or 2017.