Given that Chevy isn't even sure it should offer stop-start technology on its Corvette Stingray, the concept of a hybrid 'Vette seems fairly unlikely. You'd think so, anyway--but General Motors North America president Mark Reuss has hinted that one might be possible at some point.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Reuss said, "actually, don't laugh" when the subject of a hybrid Corvette was brought up. "I think it would be really fun to do," he added, suggesting that it would build capability inside the company--and that people might even love it.

While this year's Corvette Stingray is the most advanced ever, offering direct injection and cylinder deactivation technology, General Motors Company [NYSE:GM] has generally kept the Corvette formula a fairly simple one. Big V-8 engine up front, drive going to the rear wheels, and a driver with a big grin sitting between them.

Gas mileage is better than ever and there's now a seventh ratio in the gearbox too, but the company is undecided on whether even to offer stop-start technology. Engineers are worried that such a system will add weight and cost, and compromise the car's image, but increasing efficiency is a major part of keeping vehicles like the Corvette alive over the coming years.

Mark Reuss and the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pace Car

Mark Reuss and the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pace Car

Hybrid technology seems like several steps further than simple stop-start tech, but if such a model were to be released, it's unlikely it would be the one and only 'Vette--instead, it would sell alongside more familiar variants and the usual lineup of more powerful, more hardcore versions. According to the Times, the hybrid system could take the form of a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), like that found in Formula One race cars and the McLaren P1 and LaFerrari supercars.

It's worth noting that hybrid technology also dominates in a form of motorsport much closer to Chevrolet's heart--GT racing. Corvettes have been a mainstay of American Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship for many years, and the GT racing environment puts more emphasis on fuel efficiency than most series.

Would you buy a Corvette hybrid? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

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