Jalopnik: corvette c7

Corvette Is Safe From Carpocalypse

The Auto Insider — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:30:00 EDT

While the Dodge Viper may be dead, and despite some fools saying otherwise, GM CEO Fritz Henderson says the Corvette is here to stay. They're even developing the next-generation C7 according to AutoWeek.

In an interview with Henderson, AutoWeek was able to ascertain certain details about the next-generation sports car, namely that it would arrive sooner rather than later (whatever that means) and it'll be based on further development of the current-gen C6 platform, which itself is derived from the C5 Corvette. Henderson wouldn't elaborate too much on the car other than stating that the C6 is already a superb car and that they (GM) aren't looking to radically advance the engineering of the C7. Could this potentially mean that we'll get a C6.5 before a completely new model in the near future? It's likely, given GM's current financial position. We're just pleased to hear they haven't given up on one of the only exciting products in their lineup. [via AutoWeek]

Corvette Stingray Racing Concept: If Sideswipe Were A Race Car

The Auto Insider — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:30:00 EST

The Corvette Racing program, like everything at GM, is under scrutiny in the Carpocalypse, but this hasn't deterred Bad Boy Vettes from penning this Corvette Racing C7.R concept based off a newly-revealed Autobot named Sideswipe.

The crafty boys over at Bad Boy Vettes sure do know their way around Photoshop, as evidenced by this artist rendition of a proposed Corvette Stingray C7.R based off of the recently revealed Corvette Stingray Concept. It seems like this concept is so aerodynamically balanced it has no need for any kind of aero aids. Either that or the BBV crew just got tired after applying all of those stickers. We commend them for their efforts, but in all reality, this concept will probably never reach production let alone be translated into a potentially doomed racing program.

[via BBV]

C7 Corvette Allegedly Put On Indefinite Hold Due To GM Financial Struggles

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EDT

Here's a whopper of a story if it ends up being true: Autoweek is reporting General Motors has placed the next-generation C7 Corvette program on indefinite hold due to the company's shaky financial situation. Sources within GM are saying the program has been shelved for now with no specific timetable for release. This is not to say the 'Vette is dead, only that GM's management has no clearly defined direction for the car. With the pressure from 2020 CAFE requirements and with coffers running dry, there are other more important programs to tend to.

Autoweek goes on to look into their crystal ball and imagine a time when the C7 will actually bow as early as 2014 — yikes. Unfortunately, this doesn't sound terribly far-fetched to us. Considering the madness happening in Detroit these days, this kind of thing has to be expected, but these kinds of rumors always come as a shock. We love the current Corvette, but that's a long time to wait for the next iteration. [Autoweek]

Transformers 2 Corvette Centennial Design Concept Caught Filming Action Scene

Mark Arnold — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:30:00 EDT

We were the first to reveal the true identity of the General Motors Corvette Centennial Design Concept, and now it's been spotted not just driving around, but in a full-on action scene. Followed closely by a camera car, as well as other GM product-placement-bots like Bumblebee and Ironhide, it's hard to tell if that mean exhaust note you hear is coming from the 'Vette or not, but either way, we're just glad to see it's fully functional. [via TransformersLive]

2012 Corvette Gets The Full Speculation Treatment From PopMech

Mark Arnold — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:40:00 EDT

Is the 2009 Corvette ZR1 really the end of an era? Popular Mechanics doesn't think so. They're already speculating on what might be in store for the 2012 Corvette "C7", and they see a future that includes higher performance and better fuel economy.

Among the many questions are whether the next Corvette offer a twin-turbo direct-injection V6? The answer? Maybe. How about a range of smaller V8 engines? Perhaps. Then there's the age-old question: Will the engine will be moved to the middle, behind the driver? No. Here's what PopMech has to say about an engine moving amidship:

"One thing we know with certainty is that the mid-engine Corvette—the one that pops up as a production possibility every decade or so—remains just a wistful idea. "The mid-engine Corvette is simply too expensive," says auto analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics. "It would need costly new tooling and offers little weight savings because it requires an extra, metal-intensive firewall."

The rest of those questions and more are ~~answered~~ speculated upon for your enjoyment. Although we're still on a high from our ZR1 first drive, we probably should be worrying about what's next, shouldn't we? [Popular Mechanics]