Saab engineer admits mid-engined Corvette C7 was under development

Corvette Vision Concept AKA SIDESWIPE in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

As American as Swedish meatballs

New details have emerged about the next-generation Chevrolet Corvette (C7).

A senior Saab employee revealed via an unnamed trade magazine that the Swedes created a double-clutch transmission for a "mid-engined version of the Corvette" when Saab was still owned by GM. It featured a wet-clutch setup that could handle up to 590 lb-ft (799 Nm) of torque, slightly less than the current ZR-1.

Despite being fully developed, the layout was sidelined due to the economic crash of 2008, but apparently is now back on the agenda.

As we have previously reported, the C7 is expected to go into production in April 2012 (as a 2013 model). It will be smaller than the C6 and feature lightweight materials for better fuel efficiency and improved performance. Speaking of which, the base model could be powered by a turbocharged V6.

Styling will likely be influenced by the Stingray Concept, which debuted at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. This means the C7 could have a split rear window, a "double bubble" roof, and angular lines.

Source: Autocar

2014 Chevrolet Corvette to get a seven-speed manual - report
(17 comments)
Chevrolet ramping up for 2014 Corvette production
(10 comments)
Corvette C7 rendered by college student
(14 comments)
GM deny mid-engined Corvette; hybrid more likely
(13 comments)
2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition Announced
(16 comments)

Add a Comment

Comments (13)

newest first oldest first

Subscribe to comments

DolceRides

noooooooooooooo, please no v6, not on a corvette, if that happens people are gonna swap them for a ls7 or something

August 6, 2010 9:00 am

report abuse | reply

4 replies

sensei

Its obvious how little you know about modern V6 engines made in the USA. The V6 Mustang is lighter and can easily be tuned to make more power than the GT. Those who think that there is no replacement for displacement are the mentally challenged. Its 2010 not 1964.

August 9, 2010 7:37 am

report abuse | reply

B_M_Gearhead

Given the same technology, an engine with more displacement will always make more power. The main difference you are seeing is that the new breed of V6 engines we are seeing now have dual variable overhead camshafts and direct injection, as opposed to pushrods and port injection on the V8's. If they did make a 6.2L V8 with the same technology, then its not a stretch of the imagination to assume we will start seeing almost double the output of the V6. We have all the technology, its just not being done yet.

August 9, 2010 11:53 am

report abuse | reply

sensei

The extra weight can negate the added power by limiting performance. People drive cars, not just engines. Again, people who cling to the lie that there is no replacement for displacement are the mentally challenged.

August 13, 2010 5:04 pm

report abuse | reply

B_M_Gearhead

sensei, I'm not mentally challenged. You just changed subjects, I was speaking about volumetric efficiency and you swapped over to power to weight ratios! That is called a non-sequitur. Plus, the weight difference between a V6 mustang and a V8 is 130 lbs, that includes upgraded suspension/bigger brakes and mandatory creature comfort upgrades that come with the GT package. If what I said before holds true, then the extra 300hp that could be achieved by putting the valvetrain/injection tech into the V8 would more than offset the extra weight.

August 16, 2010 10:39 am

report abuse | reply

wjaprep

Mid-engined Saab engerniered Corvette? Im srry, my brain just exploded...

August 6, 2010 1:50 pm

report abuse | reply

Prancing Horse

Rendering actually looks pretty good.If Chevy produces a mid engine 911S level performance better interior for about $80,000, i would buy for sure. But like usual if they do end up producing a good product (camaro) the douchebag dealers will make me mad with their outrageous markups and drive away customers.

August 6, 2010 11:18 pm

report abuse | reply

kimbo

dual clutch gearbox and a V6? Looks like C6 is going to be the last true Corvette, especially the ZR1, pure muscle car.

August 7, 2010 3:45 am

report abuse | reply

fourrings

the corvette profile is all wrong to be a mid-engined car and would have to be changed substantially changed. either that, or you would have a really large trunk under the hood.

August 7, 2010 8:22 am

report abuse | reply

B_M_Gearhead

"Some guy we don't know, in an unnamed trade magazine!" Seriously I doubt GM would do something like a mid-engine Corvette. Chances are that "maybe" the Swedes were contacted to help develope a dual clutch style trans for the new C7, but like all late model Vette's it will have a rear trans mated to the engine via a torque tube. A similar setup is currently in use on the Mercedes SLS. I bet some employee saw the thing and had no idea how it functioned in the car and just made claims like he was important. Probably just a floor sweeper.

August 7, 2010 1:13 pm

report abuse | reply

radmeister

You can have a mid engine setup in the front of the car, and based on the renderings the front seems long enough to support that seeing how the LS engines aren't really long one could easily be mounted in a front-mid style as in the McLaren SLR.

August 9, 2010 10:21 am

report abuse | reply

Shark

Mid-Engine? Unless it is a front mid-engine then possibly, otherwise not a chance! It definitely will not be a V6, it will be the current 5.5 L DI V8 OHV engine currently used by team Corvette in the American LeMans series which they are using for the race and will transfer the technology down to the C7 road car. There will also be a stick still available for us hardcore drivers that want that connection to the car, the dual clutch may be coming as well who knows... but that currently is not being used in the current race cars which is where Corvette prefers to test for endurance and reliability before making it available to the road car.

August 9, 2010 2:46 pm

report abuse | reply