[EKaru]

I'll believe it when I see it

General Motors is mulling a radical re-engineering for the Chevrolet Corvette, centered on a more fuel-efficient, mid-engined V6 powertrain, a lightweight alloy body and a more compact footprint.

The idea is to re-energize GM's ambition for the Corvette, with fundamental changes that will make it into a contemporary global supercar. The changes are penciled into GM's product plan for the next major model change, the C8, with an on-sale date around 2016. Both coupe and convertible models are planned.

The C7 had been the focus of plans for a mid-engined model capable of matching Europe's most exotic supercars. The mid-engined C7 got as far as engineering development but was canceled when the global credit crunch hit and GM faced financial woes that eventually led to the company's trip through bankruptcy court.

As a result, GM recast its Corvette plans around a more modest revamp of today's C6 into the C7 version, essentially a stopgap until the world-beating C8 arrives.

"That [the C7] will be the last of the traditional, old-style Corvettes," a senior GM insider told AutoWeek.

That will buy GM time while it works on a revolutionary new concept for the C8 Corvette that can blend fuel-economy and emissions improvements with the required level of supercar performance and handling.

MOTOR FORECAST An illustrated look at a potential rear design of the C8 Chevrolet Corvette.

Engineers are likely to shrink the C8 Corvette's footprint to cut weight and aerodynamic drag and reduce its visual bulk, which also will help with sales outside the United States.

Likely to shock Corvette purists is the suggestion that a V6 will replace a V8 in the C8, although 440 hp courtesy of twin turbochargers ought to calm fears of reduced power output.

With a traditional C7 on the horizon and a world-challenging all-new C8 in the wings, the survival of GM's greatest sports car likely will depend on its adaptability more than on its longevity

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/articl...Ka9LQ

[tenfifteen]

Originally Posted by EKaru

I'll believe it when I see it

This. Read a version of this story awhile back. Never happen. The C6's development was the C5.R program, so whatever happens has to be driven by lessons learned on the track.

Smaller displacement engine with variable timing (ala new 5.0L Stang)? Sure... mid-engined? Less likely but possible. V6? No fkn way. Ever.

[Smalec]

Without its V8, half of the buyers will suddenly feel its not a sports car.

This won't happen

[Broham]

emission regulation on manufacturers is getting tougher every year... good move

[tenfifteen]

Originally Posted by nitinopp

Without its V8, half of the buyers will suddenly feel its not a sports car.

This won't happen

Without the V8, it's simply not a Corvette. Someone may chime in and remind us that the '53 and '54 had sixes (and less than a dozen '55s), but there's a reason the generational numbering (C1, C2, etc.) starts with the 1956 model year.

[Dewstain]

So basically they want to make an NSX.

[EKaru]

Back in 86' when the Vette Indy concept was released... I remember there was an exhibit at the Epcot center back then and GM reps were saying that it would be the corvette of the future

[M3_Dust]

you are about a week early for this type of thread

[MrBooby]

Originally Posted by EKaru

Back in 86' when the Vette Indy concept was released... I remember there was an exhibit at the Epcot center back then and GM reps were saying that it would be the corvette of the future

Why does the interior look like it was built out of Legos and spare N64 parts?

[Viceroy]

Originally Posted by MrBooby

Why does the interior look like it was built out of Legos and spare N64 parts?

that's exactly what i was thinking... lolwtf?