MotorAuthority

Preview: Next-generation C7 Chevrolet Corvette

Posted Wed Nov 5 2008 6:49 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

The introduction of the C7 Corvette was originally planned for 2012 but this has most likely been delayed

There are all manner of rumors concerning the next-generation C7 Corvette, with stories ranging from the possibility of a mid-engined platform to AWD powertrains and even the arrival of a dual-clutch version. Although there isn’t much substance to any of these rumors, one of them that’s starting to gain credence is the possibility the new car could be delayed due to upcoming CAFE regulations as well as General Motors' own financial problems.

According to a recent report, the C7 Corvette has been put on indefinite hold. Not only is there no set timetable for the next-generation model, plans for an update to the current C6 model has also reportedly been delayed as well.

Insider sources have revealed that the C7 was originally planned to be introduced in 2012 for the 2013 model year but this is now unlikely to happen. However, contrary to the insider information, Corvette vehicle-line executive Tom Wallace has previously stated that GM was working on a future Corvette and that some changes to the current model are coming in 2010. He also acknowledged that CAFE regulations will play a role in determining the layout and hardware of the next-generation Corvette but stressed that it won’t kill the car. Unfortunately, Wallace is set to retire later this year, lessening the credibility of his previous comments.

This latest computer generated rendering gives us a preview of a possible design direction GM could take for its next Corvette, suggesting that the unannounced concept vehicle seen on the set of the movie Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen could be the inspiration for the car. Some of the elements carried over from the concept include the egg-crate grille, vertical slat headlights, side vents, and the jet-fighter glasshouse.

Story Tags:

• C7
• C7 Corvette
• C7 Corvette rendering
• Chevrolet
• Chevrolet Corvette
• Corvette
• General Motors
• GM
• Spy shots
• Supercars

Reader Comments

• Wed Nov 5 2008 10:46 AM

  SuperSkyline89 says

  Man, I was hoping it would look better than that, it's ugly! The nose is too low and pointed, and the roof is too low to the rear wheels. Hopefully they change it up by the time it makes it to production.

• Wed Nov 5 2008 1:41 PM

  NoNameDenton says

  I see a lil Ferrari in the nose, I am hoping that picture is not accurate though

• Wed Nov 5 2008 3:31 PM

  Gus says

  I like the current one so much, it's still so fresh looking, I see no need to make big changes for quite some time.
  If GM is hurting, they shouldn't spend money changing a car that is already wildly popular...

• Sat Nov 8 2008 11:51 PM

  azlan says

  yea the current model is a whole lot better looking than that!, if they really think they should change it i think they could go back a bit retro and re-do a model day stingray...