We’ve been hearing reports about a mid-engined Corvette for a while, but Chevy has never confirmed any of the rumors. Now Car and Driver claims that the Corvette will switch to a mid-engine layout when the all-new C8 Corvette debuts in early 2018 at the Detroit Auto Show.
We’ve been hearing reports about a mid-engined Corvette for a while, but Chevy has never confirmed any of the rumors. Now Car and Driver claims that the Corvette will switch to a mid-engine layout when the all-new C8 Corvette debuts in early 2018 at the Detroit Auto Show.
Test mules for the new Corvette have been spotted and now an “impeccable source” claims that in January 2018 the Corvette will officially ditch its front-engined, read-wheel drive layout. Even though the V8 will move behind the passenger cell, it will be powered by a modified version of the same pushrod V8 that powers the current Corvette with around 450-500 horsepower. A four-cam V8 is expected to debut about a year later, which will be followed by a hybrid version, called the E-Ray that will use electric motors to power the front wheels.
Related: 2017 Chevy Corvette Grand Sport priced at $66,445
Another big change will be the C8 Corvette’s starting price. A current Corvette starts in the $50k range, but the new C8 Corvette will see its starting price jump to around $80k. Since the C7 Corvette will likely be the last front-engined Corvette, Chevy is going to introduce a more powerful model above the current Z06 at next year’s Detroit Auto Show.
Source: Car and Driver
