Next Gen Corvette to Reflect European Styling

[Zeus]

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/08/r...rst-time-look/

The Chevrolet Corvette is a uniquely American invention. It's the quintessential sportscar from the land that brought us baseball and apple pie. Interesting, then, that General Motors would choose to seek out design studies from its various styling studios from all around the globe, particularly those in Europe.

According to AutoWeek, though, that's just what GM's vice president of global design, Ed Welburn, did late last year when the time came for The General to start drafting proposals for the next-gen Corvette. Why would GM consider looking at European design flavors for its oh-so-American, V8-powered, rear-wheel drive sportscar? Demographics. According to Welburn, "We have challenges in the States with the Corvette. The average age of the customer is really rising."

That average age, for those keeping track, is 54 years-old (so says the Power Information Network). And it seems that the import-favoring younger generation in America isn't all that interested in the current 'Vette, a fact that has undoubtedly played a part in the Corvette's 48-percent sales decline in 2009 over the previous year.

One thing's for certain – its certainly not the Vette's all-conquering performance that's holding it back. Perception seems to be a bigger problem. "We have to develop a design that feels trimmer, meaner, to go along with the incredible performance that the car has," said Welburn, referring to the notion that many believe the current Corvette looks too big despite being roughly the same size as the benchmark Porsche 911. We might also suggest that GM needs to gag the beancounters who will undoubtedly threaten to nickel-and-dime the quality out of the next Vette's interior.

Whatever the case, Welburn knows the car can't stray too far from its heritage. "It can't mutate into something that gets so far away from Corvette that it is no longer a Corvette," he said. It seems the future may hold very interesting things for the iconic Corvette within the next two or three years. We anxiously look forward to seeing what Chevrolet manages to cook up.

This is the absolute best thing which could happen to the Corvette. Retain its too-good-to-be-true performance, Add European styling and flair without taking away from what makes it a Corvette... This thing could put Vigra out of business because its giving me erh... nvm.

And to the nay-sayers out there who love their Camaro's... consider that the man who designed your car didn't exactly grow up eating apple pie.

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

I like the idea. The key being not to stray away from
it's heritage. I'm not so sure though that this is gonna
solve the problem of average age of the driver. For most people
it takes awhile before you can afford a new one. Probably
around the age of 54.

[Zeus]

Originally Posted by BackinBlackSS/RS

I like the idea. The key being not to stray away from
it's heritage. I'm not so sure though that this is gonna
solve the problem of average age of the driver. For most people
it takes awhile before you can afford a new one. Probably
around the age of 54.

I think they are looking to tap into the younger businessman who today would buy the M3, C63 AMG or even Porsche Cayman before ever considering a Corvette.

But revamped styling + high quality interior = big winner.

[riverrattcom]

Corvette 50th Annv. Concept

I see a little bit of the Camaro in it

[Zeus]

woot woot

[TaylorRyanSS]

I hope they make the C7 as close as they can to the stingray

[THE EVIL TW1N]

Originally Posted by riverrattcom

Corvette 50th Annv. Concept

I see a little bit of the Camaro in it

lol there is nothing visually camaro about it, other than a chevy emblem it may have.

[mrray13]

Originally Posted by Zeus

And to the nay-sayers out there who love their Camaro's... consider that the man who designed your car didn't exactly grow up eating apple pie.

While the Korean guy gets all the credit, I still will argue he got his ideas from the Ridgecrest, Calif., teenager by the name of Kris Horton. His early renderings are what drew me into wanting a Camaro. Of course, I'm not hating on what I got, lol, in fact just the opposite. I'm just saying that the guy who did design our current car was influenced by an apple pie eating American teenager and his drawings.

[Zeus]

Originally Posted by mrray13

While the Korean guy gets all the credit, I still will argue he got his ideas from the Ridgecrest, Calif., teenager by the name of Kris Horton. His early renderings are what drew me into wanting a Camaro. Of course, I'm not hating on what I got, lol, in fact just the opposite. I'm just saying that the guy who did design our current car was influenced by an apple pie eating American teenager and his drawings.

No way! Not only could you never be able to say that this designer stole a popular idea from some kid, but they look NOTHING alike! You would have a hard time making them look farther apart if you drew two retro Camaro's.

[masterofpuppets]

How is the C6 not "European design"? Ferrari lights anyone?

[d69chris]

Saw the Sting Ray at the OC auto show in Oct.09

I want one!

[Zeus]

Originally Posted by masterofpuppets

How is the C6 not "European design"? Ferrari lights anyone?

The lights are round so its European design inspired? lol?

[masterofpuppets]

Originally Posted by Zeus

The lights are round so its European design inspired? lol?

Compared to the 5, yes. The C6 has always looked like a cross between a 360 and a 599 to me. I'm not saying it's a bad thing.

[n!ght r!der]

Originally Posted by Zeus

woot woot

Batmobile? lol