Corvette Goes Midengine? Not So Fast.
August 23, 2007
Here we go again. Parts suppliers to automotive blog sites are atwitter about the prospects for a midengine Corvette. Indeed, that discussion –- which has occurred repeatedly since the 1960s -– is heating up yet again inside General Motors.
Automotive Web site AutoExtremist.com claims to have inside information that the C7 going midengine is nearly a done deal; a final decision is due next month, it insists.
Not so, say sources. Such a move is a long way from being a done deal with the C7 not due until mid next decade, and a decision to go midengine is not imminent. In the meantime, numerous enhancements will be made to the C6 Corvette before the C7 arrives, around 2013.
Proponents argue a midengine Corvette would allow them to do things with the sports car that can’t be done with a front-engine version, not the least of which is boost acceleration. Such a car would go a long way toward establishing GM’s global technology leadership, a top goal for the automaker, they contend.
But is a fast, high-horsepower midengine Corvette the right symbol for GM's global technology leadership? Might not be, in this era of more stringent fuel-economy efforts.
Cost is another major question mark, however. Proponents insist a midengine Corvette can be accomplished at a cost minimally more than the cost of the current model, so it would sell at the equivalent of about $66,000, claims sources talking to AutoExtremist. The Web site adds that a more luxurious version would replace the Cadillac XLR, which now shares the Corvette’s C6 platform, and would feature a unique motor, retractable hardtop and different styling.
Other sources and outside analysts don’t buy that a Corvette, with its hallmark for affordability, can go midengine without a significant cost bump that would have to be passed onto the customer –- or eaten by GM, not a desirable situation in light of the automaker’s struggle to stay in the black.
Forecasting firm, Global Insight says GM’s move to a midengine Corvette is risky business.
“To replace the Corvette with a halo sports car nearly half again as expensive as the current model would be an extremely risky move,” Global Insight said in its daily analysis of news today. “A halo vehicle for GM could be a good move internationally, but to so dramatically change what has become an American icon would seriously risk alienating the market that the vehicle already has in North America, by far its largest market.”
Global Insight warns GM risks the current price advantage Corvette has over comparably performing competitor sports cars. “But to move the model into the more rarefied territory occupied by the Porsche 911 and Audi R8 would move it out of the affordability range presently enjoyed by its current owners.”
Edmunds' own Jeremy Anwyl, CEO, agrees: "Corvettes should be front-engine and Porsche should not be a sport-utility. Some things just shouldn't change, like Classic Coke."
Posted by Michelle Krebs at 7:12 AM under GM , Rumors | Comments (5) | digg this | Seed Newsvine
well, GM can go both ways at producing 2 kinds of corvettes, currently there is the normal C6, Z06 and mybe an SS version. I dont see why not have a front engine C7 and a mid engined C7 SS version. and buyers can choose from depending on how deep their pockets are.
Posted by: low | August 23, 2007 at 12:44 PM
I agree with Low.
Posted by: vetmst | August 23, 2007 at 2:33 PM
maintenence costs will skyrocket and most home mechanics won't be able to do the work themselves. this is good for Chevrolet dealerships, bad for the home mechanics and lesser skilled independent shops. this would be more of an issue than cost to buy, since many will gladly pay a huge mark-up for one. currently priced, it has few performance rivals... but the reason I didn't pay the mark-up is because there are other cars i'd rather have at the price. I like performance at a value. If they are still unsure, create a lower end MR model and see how that goes. Perhaps a Porsche Cayman competitor for much less money... stuff the new V6 from the CTS into a light MR chassis and tune it at Nurburgring and you'll have a winner... or even go as far as building a Lotus Elise/ Exige competitor with the Ecotec engine...
Posted by: huy | August 23, 2007 at 3:06 PM
That would be a very expensive proposition -- 2 different powertrain configurations on an already small volume car. Don't think that business model would work. But thanks for your vote.
Posted by: Michelle Krebs | August 23, 2007 at 3:49 PM
I agree with your comment Michelle. Developing 2 different powertrain configuration would be very expensive. But, fast cars are all about passion and power. Buyers are driven by their passion towards the car. The secret to increase the volume production is to design a fast car suited for europe. However, the current big block front engine affordable super car doesnt sell over europe. I live in europe, and i manage to see ferrari's more than Corvettes.
We all have to forget about the idea of buying a certain car at a certain price. If quality is to go up, price must to. at a 66k the corvette is not cheap. the regular consumer can't afford it anyway. so why not go up market. It's a big move. But GM have to take its chances to compete against rivals who offer many configurations at different prices.
Posted by: low | August 24, 2007 at 7:49 AM