The 2009 Chicago Auto Show brought with it the Stingray Concept car and while some simply love it, others really dislike it. What it really means though is that GM is close to coming out with another version of the Vette and if many rumors come to fruition, the C7 generation Vette will be released in time for a big day in the life of the Corvette.
The Corvette turns 60 years old in 2013 and that is the root of most of the rumors that have been swirling around as of late. While GM continues to deny that it is in any sort of financial ruins, the fact that they had to have their CEO removed by the President of the United States was not a huge vote of confidence. But all that money nonsense aside, is there really any way that Americans can be without a Corvette in their lives?
Things have begun to at least look better on the GM front and while they may not be selling as many units as in the past, they have reduced their models and brands and are more focused on what they have left. Obviously one of the mainstays for GM will continue to be the Chevy Corvette.
So what can everyone expect from the C7 Corvette? Many believe that the Stingray concept car will be the next Vette, though GM officials have already said nay on that. But are they just trying to fool everyone? Probably not. Just as with many other concept cars of the past, Chevy never fully reveals all its cards until the unveiling day and when the dust settles the real thing and the concept may be similar, but they will not be the same.
In the rumor mill it is widely being speculated that the next generation of the Corvette will be smaller and lighter than the C6 that is currently being produced. There is also talk of more advanced materials such as carbon fiber, magnesium, and aluminum playing an even bigger role in the C7 Corvette. There is an even rumbling of a smaller engine, which may normally cause a panic, but as the ZR1’s supercharged engine proves, big horsepower can come in small packages.
While the world will just have to wait and see what comes out if the C7 Corvette does come out on its 60th birthday then that would indeed be fitting. Either way the Corvette Nation is in for some type of limited edition tribute Vette no doubt in 2013 so why not make it a limited edition of the first year of the C7?
What is known for sure is that GM is actively seeking design ideas from all over the country and outside of it as well. What will more than likely happen is what always seems to happen with the Corvette. GM will tinker with the idea of a mid-engine Vette and in the end take a bit of the past, a bit of the concepts, and a bit of the future and roll out a front engine, rear wheel drive, and super powered next generation of the greatest sports car ever known to fly down the highways; AKA the Corvette.
