2020 Mid-Engine Corvette: What We Know So Far

1. Concept to "Poof!"

The first official mid-engine Corvette prototype was revealed all the way back in 1970. In 1986, GM showed off the Corvette Indy, complete with a mid-mounted twin-turbo V8 and four-wheel steering. Even Cadillac debuted a Cien concept powered by a 7.5L V12 with 750 horsepower. GM was on the way to researching and building something amazing that many years ago. In 2004, the design team got as far as building two full-scale clay models, a Corvette, and the equivalent Cadillac XLR, both with the mid-engine configurations. Unfortunately, the recession of 2008 caused the automaker to eventually cancel this mid-engine supercar development.

2. Power Placement

So, why a Mid-engine concept? Well, a mid-engine configuration would allow more grip, better cornering and hence, much better performance. As amazing as the current Corvette is, the C7 is somewhat limited in those ways. With weight distribution being optimized, there will be instant aid with turn-in and cornering capabilities. Can you say track monster? This would also lend way to a direct competitor to the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. This is the way the father of the Corvette Zora Arkus-Duntov always intended the vehicle to be built.

>>Join the conversation about the C8 right here in Corvette Forum.com.

3. Performance

The current ZR1 was rumored to be receiving a dual-overhead-cam V8. But hat behemoth of a motor could be used in the C8, instead. It's a well-suited engine for something that will be competing with the likes of a Porsche 911 Turbo S or a Ferrari 488. There are claims of 600 hp, but it is unknown whether the new 'Vette will be kept naturally aspirated. The DOHC engine is potentially a limited-production high-performance option. The last time a DOHC engine was used in a Corvette was the Lotus-designed LT5 that powered the Corvette ZR-1 from 1990 to 1995.

>>Join the conversation about the C8 right here in Corvette Forum.com.

4. Transmission

When it comes to putting this power to the tarmac, the C8 could possibly use a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which can handle 9000 rpm input speed and 664 lb-ft of torque. That's certainly an improvement over the current Corvette's eight-speed auto. Still, a world where non-manual Corvettes roam the streets and punish the tarmac is a bit hard to imagine. But fear not, because a new patent application from General Motors could indicate how a manual transmission could still be utilized. The application is called "electric slave cylinder for manually shifted vehicles." This configuration will use a sensor along with a clutch-by-wire technology as opposed to the traditional hydraulic lines. The patent application reveals a sensor that is mounted on the clutch pedal that can signal an actuator in the transmission to move the clutch plate. This would allow the engineers to place the transmission further away without needing any hydraulic lines. 

>>Join the conversation about the C8 right here in Corvette Forum.com.

5. Air Intake and Ventilation

The design of cars of this caliber is so important when you consider the competition, inspiration, and upcoming innovation. With the motor being mid-mounted, there will need to be proper ventilation for cooling. Air flow into the motor will be necessary to help power the growl of the monster. While some design cues were inherited from the C7, Pratt & Miller Engineering team have redesigned this upcoming beast to have hot air exit through small vents on the rear hatch and also from the rear wheel arches. The rear fenders give way to a rear intake system that will allow massive air intake, much like other ultra-capable supercars.

>>Join the conversation about the C8 right here in Corvette Forum.com.

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