Spy Shots Of Mid-Engined C8 Chevrolet Corvette Spotted
The images are grainy, but that won’t stop us from contemplating how sexy the mid-engined C8 Chevrolet Corvette will be once it is ready for production and release.
The spy photos show a prototype of the C8 in its actual body, so we can go ahead and start with the speculations. The front end is wrapped in blocky camouflage, effectively covering its contours, but the doors are only wrapped with squiggly patterns. And though there is a camo on the read end, too, it has been stretched tautly thus, revealing the rear’s overall wedge shape.
It’s easy to see that the C8 will have mid-engine proportions, any doubts whether or not the car will have a mid-mounted powerplant should be satisfied with these photos.
What to expect for the rear end are small rear windows, Corvette’s signature quad taillights, amber turn signal lights, forward-hinged doors, and frameless windows.
The C8 is expected to arrive with a small-block V-8 engine that can produce 450 to 500 horsepower. Shifting gears will be handled by a new Tremec-sourced seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.
But aside from this, a hybrid model is also expected to be launched online later in the car’s life cycle. This is based on reports that General Motors trademarked the Corvette E-Ray, meaning it would probably use it on something. The C8 could also be developed using lessons from Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 Turbo and BMW i8. More powerful versions might also be introduced later on, though this would also mean the revival of the ZR1 moniker.
This mid-engined Corvette will reportedly make its debut at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show in January. It will arrive in showrooms later than year as a 2019 model.
Expect the C8, which would effectively retire the C7 (though a few units will remain for those opting for a traditional powertrain), to top $100,000 in price tag.