Report: C7 Corvette Due Out in 2012
Earlier this week GM laid out it’s two-year-plan at a product and technology event, with the focus being on new Buick and Cadillac models and, of course, the 230 mpg claim for the Chevrolet Volt. But there was another tid-bit of info in that two-year-plan on another highly-anticipated Chevy… the C7 Corvette.
Initially the next generation Corvette had been postponed until 2014, but according to GM’s latest plans the car’s production has been bumped up, leaving the engineering team significantly less time to re-create the legendary sports car.
That being said, it’s no surprise that the Corvette will continue to use it’s front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. What isn’t clear is, well… everything else. As for the design, with the limited time frame we would expect to see an evolutionary new body, but considering the big changes at GM these days, the automaker may want to help set itself apart from the past by using more progressive sheetmetal, like that off the Corvette Stingray Concept (pictured above).
We do expect to see more light weight materials, including carbon fiber, aluminum and magnesium and there is also the possibility of a smaller, yet more powerful engine. Forced induction on all models is also not out of the question.
With test-mules expected in 2011, we’ll keep our eyes focused on the Nürburgring to see how development of the C7 Corvette is going.
[Source: CorvetteBlogger]
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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i'm in the process of purchasing a 2009 z06 I hope the new c7 corvette doesn't force me to put my c6 in storage(moth balls.) in short, I hope it really exceeds expectations in looks and performance. the last thing vette fans need is to relive the 80's.
I own a 2010 Z06, exactly like the one Will retired with. I have owned a vette every year since 1977. I walk and talk vette nearly everyday. I am retired and still work with the High Performance Industry. I have never considered a change, however all in all it is time for a dramatic change. Looks, performance and interior. Chevy needs to go to work, spend the money and get it done right soon. I am sure current sales numbers say the same thing. I'll purchase a new something in 2012