The internet blew up recently with some blurry spy photos that apparently showed a real mid-engine C8 Corvette on GM's Milford Proving Grounds. Consumers seem to be remaining somewhat skeptical, and we'll believe it when we actually see them at the showroom. As you may know there has been talk of a mid-engine Corvette for many years and allegedly GM was close to coming into the development stage back in the mid-2000s but GMs bankruptcy cancelled that. Earlier this year there were similar spy photos of what appeared to be a mid-engine modified C7 chassis, so it was clear that GM must be fairly serious.
Detroit News reports that the mid-engine C8 has been given the codename Emperor, and is GM's obvious attempt at taking on the Ford GT and European Exotic cars. Supposedly the front-engine Corvette platform will continue until 2021, which is largely believed will be the ZR1 model.
As for what engine will power this new mid-engine platform, no one knows that for sure either. There is wild speculation on engine choices, ranging from a twin-turbo V6 (which seems to be an increasingly popular choice with car makers) to a modern DOHC V8 to replace the "old technology" pushrod V8s currently in use. The transmission could be the Tremec TR-9007 dual-clutch 7-speed auto, while others point out that GM also has access to an ultra-modern 10-speed automatic that’s already slated for use in the ZL1. Only time will tell, but it looks like the traditional manual transmission is out.
So is it real? It certainly seems like it, but like Bigfoot sightings we only have hearsay and a handful of blurry photos for "proof". We're certainly hoping it's real, and it really seems to be this time, but we'll reserve judgment until GM makes it official.
