We are suddenly rapidly approaching the next-generation C9 Chevrolet Corvette, as the automaker has just announced not one, but three new concept cars set to be a sign of things to come for the new age of the American sports car. This first new concept is a dramatic redirection, and we feel it’s missing two key ingredients.
The brief from Detroit’s GM HQ was simply to develop what the next Corvette could look like, so much of what we see here is privy to change still, but we can already say we’re more excited for the next two teased Corvette concept cars to come later this year.
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This C9 Corvette Is Missing Something
The first critical missing element we immediately noticed based on this new reveal was where it was designed. This is not an American Corvette, rather it was designed by a new GM studio based in the UK. That’s right, this here is an English ‘Vette, but to be fair, they did a solid job on the exterior. The classic Stingray split rear window is also a great touch. It’s not the first Corvette design study to be done from a non-U.S. team, but the final designs have always been American. This first concept is clearly inspired by endurance motorsports series, as the current Corvette already races in WEC.
Aero Everywhere
This concept is very aero-focused, featuring a nearly completely open front end, with a center gap flanked by two large square-ish scoops, and very slim lights embedded in the edge of the wedge shape. Down the profile are some massive star-pattern wheels, with fighter jet-inspired intakes behind the doors (with warning labels and arrows featured on the paintwork) and ahead of the rear axle for more airflow, likely for brake and powertrain cooling. Speaking of the doors, those are gullwing items, which open in a fashion mimicking the newly redesigned interpretation of the iconic Corvette logo emblazoned on the concept’s nose.
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Direct front and rear views clearly indicate some severe ducting through the underbody for complete airflow management. The rear is almost classic Ferrari if you squint, echoing a bit of the current Roma, as well as the older F430, with quad taillights, exposed rubber from massive airflow exits behind the wheels, and geometric lines shaping a neat T-shape to the rear elements.
All in all, it does not immediately read classic Corvette despite retaining the C8’s mid-engine shaping, but it’s still a stand-out design and anything but anonymous. They did a good job, all things considered. So what’s the second main issue with this Corvette concept, then? Well, it doesn’t have an engine. It’s fully electric.
Will The V8 Corvette Survive?
Don’t panic, however. Top Gear confirmed this first concept is electric, but the subsequent two may not be, and GM went so far as to confirm a V8 version will persist for the C9 generation. Phew. It was also heavily hinted that final engineering would always be done by the U.S. teams. No specs have been offered for this completely conceptual design so far.
GM has already promised a second concept will debut an LA-based team’s design for the C9 something this spring or summer, followed by a third Detroit-led team’s concept to debut in August. That final concept is said to be the “proper” look at what we can expect for the production C9, and it could include elements from both previous concepts.
Source: General Motors, Top Gear
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