The idea of a mid-engined Corvette has been dangled in front of us for the better part of five decades, but nothing has ever materialized. However, that could soon change as Motor Trend reports that a Corvette with its engine in the middle could debut as soon as next spring.
Since every single mid-engined Corvette rumor has fizzled out this one should be taken with a grain of salt, but MT claims that the next-generation C7 Corvette ZR1 will debut with its engine mounted mid-ship. Moreover, the rag says the new ZR1 will debut before the 2015 Indianapolis 500.
Launching a mid-engined ZR1 alongside the front-engined C7 Stingray may seem a little odd, but MT says that General Motors completed most of the engineering work years ago. You see, the C7 was originally designed as a mid-engined car, but those plans were switched to a front-engine layout following the company’s financial woes. Designs for the mid-engine Corvette were put on hold, but never completely scrapped.
Going forward, Chevy could separate the Corvette line into its own vehicle family – think how Land Rover offers several different flavors of the Range Rover. The C8 Stingray would carry on as a front-engine, rear-drive affair, while the C8 ZR1 and a rumored Zora model – named after Zora Arkus-Duntov, the “Father of the Corvette” – would be mid-engined and offer rear- or all-wheel drive. The Stingray would continue Corvette’s value stance while the ZR1/Zora would command as much as $200,000 and rival high-end vehicles like the Ferrari 458.
Power figures are unknown at this time, but 800-horsepower has been suggested for the upcoming ZR1.
Adding another level of intrigue, Cadillac could get its very own version of the mid-engine Corvette. Cadillac’s supercar would be tuned more as a GT and aimed at vehicle like the Audi R8. Pricing would be much steeper than the R8, however, with a rumored price tag of $250,000.
Will Chevy’s mid-engined Corvette finally come to fruition next year? We’re not sure, but color us intrigued.
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