Stingray concept with original version
Reports hot off the web in the US are quoting GM's vice-president of global design on the possible 'Europe-ization' of the next generation 'Vette.
The aforementioned 'des-pres' is Ed Welburn, who has intriguingly revealed to Automotive News that GM's design studios around the world have been invited to submit studies for the C7 Corvette project - which is currently expected to go on sale in the US in 2013.
Apparently the radical (some US pundits might say 'heretical') move has been inspired by the need to improve the iconic Corvette's image in the US, as well as making it more saleable over here.
Is this the way to attract younger buyers?
GM's domestic problem is that the average age of a typical Corvette buyer is a long-in-the-tooth 54, and younger buyers are more likely to be turned-on by European imports than the 'red-neck Ferrari'.
According to the AN article, Welburn says 10 design studies have been submitted from GM global design studios, some of which he described as 'absolutely phenomenal', so we'll be watching with interest to see how the new 'Vette turns out. Most speculation to date has centred on a future model that picks up cues from the split-rear window Corvette Stingray Concept shown here.
Under the skin, the expectation is that the C7 production model will need to take substantial steps forward too, with a dual-clutch transmission and a smaller, but more efficient V8 under the hood. The next version could also be slightly more compact, and the reports also say that Welburn's team will be focusing on interior quality - not the current model's strongest suit.
(Above) Ed Welburn walks viewers around the Corvette Stingray Concept - recorded last year.