2014 C7 Corvette will be more 'European looking'

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

Next-generation C7 Corvette won't feature a split rear-window and will go with a more 'evolutionary' design change

The next-generation C7 Corvette will be going with a more European-looking design but one that will represent an evolution from the current C6 styling, according to a report by GM Inside News.

The upcoming 2014 C7 won't be featuring a split-rear window, though, as was featured on the Corvette Stingray Concept back in 2009 - a fact GM Inside News says has been confirmed by General Motors. But GM only confirmed it won't be part of the standard package, leaving the possibility open that certain variants may indeed be sporting the split window first seen back in 1963 on the Stingray model.

The C7 will also still be riding on the same platform as the current C6, so there's no surprise regarding the lack of extreme changes. Power plants will begin with the base 6.2 liter unit and transmission will be a seven-speed manual gearbox.

The 2014 Chevy C7 Corvette is scheduled for launch in mid-2013 and will be built at GM's Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.

Source: GM Inside News via Inside Line

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swifthead

ain't gonna happen!

November 9, 2011 10:50 am

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MRAD

I still think that a complete revolution of the model into a MR car with a split window signalling a tip of the hat to past Corvettes, as well as a high reving V8 would have been a better move. Not only would have it been an example of what GM could achieve if it puts its resources into the right projects, but it could also get back a great deal of respect for the brand after all of the crap it has gone through in the past few years (that, and actually keeping the Volt the way it looked in its concept form, unlike the tissue box it has become).

-3

November 9, 2011 11:33 am

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3 replies

sideskraper

No. Corvette is front engine rear wheel drive, V8 engined, simple, attractive yet brutally effective sports car. It has been that way for nearly 60 years. Why would they need to change this formula that obviously works? Mid engine? And lose the boot space that many of their buyers find so practical and useful. These are everyday cars used by everyday people. Everyday people shop for groceries and take things around to places with them. The only thing that needs to change about the Corvette formula is the interior. It's really quite vile. There really is no excuse for the interior's low spec finish, specially when you consider the interiors that are coming out of Japan and Korea at very low price points. The option for a super luxury high end "euro" spec interior would be a good possible addition. Although I believe they would probably hold out on offering such a choice for fear of cannibalising a future speculative Cadillac XLR.

November 10, 2011 5:18 pm

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2 replies

MRAD

I am quite aware of what a Corvette currently is, as well as what it has been in the past. Knowing this, I am quite aware as well of how much of a change the model has faced over its life, they have changed almost everything about the car, expect the front engine, rear wheel setup, yet they have made a substantial number of changes. The car has received a supercharger, the entire silhouette and style of the vehicle has changed substantially from its early days as a convertible coupe and so on. This is also not a grocery getter, just because it is possible to get a couple of bags of groceries with the car, doesn't mean that it is supposed to be for that purpose. If the car is to evolve further, using a mid-engine layout would be the next logical choice. Its interesting how many people are against the idea of a MR Corvette on this forum, as there seems to be a substantial amount of support for the idea of making the change pretty much everywhere else from what I've read and people at GM that I spoke to (just too much work apparently from what one of them said). I agree with the interior, it is just damn ugly for what you are paying, especially when you get to the higher dollar models.

-1

November 11, 2011 7:01 am

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sideskraper

You make no sense. Corvette fans are lucky that you don't make the decisions at GM.

November 12, 2011 5:18 am

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Shark

If they really want a cool european looking car they should come out with a similar version of the 1963 Pininfarina Rondine Corvette http://www.supercars.net/cars/2808.html

November 9, 2011 11:46 am

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Speedoholic

I love the Corvette for its American styling and identity... If I want a European-looking design, I'd get a 911.

November 9, 2011 12:03 pm

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RobERob

On first impression, the Vision concept had some nice characteristics, but overall, it developed the look of a confused photoshop experiment/cosmetic nightmare; especially that front end. As for a more "European-looking design" for the Vette, I think GM is making a stupid move. Improving, or for some changing, it's architecture to reflect something more "European" would completely contradict everything else it is, starting with what's under the hood. Sure it can work, but historically, those shopping for a Corvette usually aren't in the same crowd as those who champion imports. And likewise, it's going to take a little more than just a 'look' to fool a Porsche/BMW customer to cross over.

-1

November 9, 2011 1:53 pm

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vilivo

NOOOOOOO! Keep it American looking, its part of its charm.

November 9, 2011 2:18 pm

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bone91

hey, there is no problem with the corvette looks. just make sure it can compete globally with its reliability and quality. corvette deisgn is already an icon of america.

November 9, 2011 3:37 pm

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LBento

Is it going to have an European handling?

November 9, 2011 4:42 pm

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2 replies

sideskraper

It already does.

November 9, 2011 5:04 pm

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Grey

better it got Corvette handling!

November 10, 2011 12:52 pm

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dcars62

The current styling is very nice and an evolution of that design is ok with me. I'm not sure what European styling means.

November 9, 2011 6:29 pm

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PAA

I trust Chevrolet when it comes to the Corvette. Whatever they do I'm sure it will be awesome physically and spiritually. The current Vette is already a class player but we've had the same design for 3 decades so its about time for a redesign.

November 9, 2011 8:29 pm

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teXas

By 'European looking', they mean it's no longer going to be the bargain supercar that it has always been. The prices have already gone up tremendously during the C6's cycle, whilst retaining the same Cobalt SS steering wheel. The Corvette has proven world beating performance, and better than average fuel economy, so I'm only crossing my fingers for continued American styling, better feel, and refined feel for what the car now costs. I can't wait to see it!

November 9, 2011 8:53 pm

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1 reply

Grey

the biggest drawback for the corvette is the atrocious last generation GM plastic interior and reliability! fix those and its good as gold!

November 10, 2011 12:54 pm

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tbrodie

Being that they've been bending glass for decades now, I'm not sure what the split rear window really provides. GM seems to be seriously upgrading the interiors of its products, so I don't think you need to be concerned about the steering wheel. I think part of what underwhelms me about the Vet's styling were all of the styling concepts GM kicked around during the fourteen year period ('68-'82?) in which they did nothing with it. They had a mid-engine version that really raised the bar.

November 10, 2011 9:12 am

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tazcubed

I'm fine with most of the way they've evolved the Corvette - agree with Grey about the interiors. My only concern is they make a mistake by following some of BMW's "latest and greatest" designs like the gawd-awful looking 6 series, X6, 5GT or even worse - incorporating Caddy's or Beu-hick design nightmares. Otherwise, keep it to it's American roots.

November 10, 2011 2:59 pm

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peterjamesbenson

err santa scratch that comment about the cts I want know a 2014 Stingray!!!

November 10, 2011 3:34 pm

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Han Solo

What the ...??? Is GM out of it's mind? There are only a handfull of American made muscles cars that are really famous around the world for it's distinctive "American Look", like the Ford Mustang, Chevy Corvette, Chevy Camaro and the Pontiac GTO and Trans AM. Take those looks away and you will loose your identity. I think there are already too many European cars out there.

November 10, 2011 3:52 pm

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wcfbiggestfan

i would not mind driving the C7 for a test drive!.. it smokes.. i would buy it over an xkr-s..

November 11, 2011 4:08 pm

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