Welburn: C7 Corvette To Get Split Rear Window
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Welburn: C7 Corvette To Get Split Rear Window
http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1...it-rear-window
Just over a month ago we brought you the first reports that the C7 Chevrolet Corvette is due to arrive in 2012, and now Ed Welburn, GM's product design head, has revealed that the next Vette will get a split rear window along with some other vintage styling cues.
The split rear window, though often considered an iconic Corvette element, was actually only fitted to the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. It was also featured on the Stingray Concept car shown off for the Transformers movie debut, though GM and Welburn have both reiterated that the Stingray Concept is not the C7 Corvette.
While the stingray us undeniably Corvette, the next-gen Vette will be a bit more retron in its styling, not unlike the current 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, according to the report.
Our own previous reports also confirm that the mid-engine rumors for the C7 Corvette are just that--the next car will retain the traditional front engine/rear drive layout. It will continue to push forward with the use of high-tech materials including carbon fiber, aluminum and magnesium to help further reduce weight.
As we noted earlier today, the Corvette will also have to become somewhat more emissions-conscious thanks to new standards being implemented by the federal government. GM won't let that sap the car's legendary performance, however, vowing to do whatever it takes, including going hybrid, to keep the Vette alive and kicking.
One potential direction to help maintain performance and meet emissions targets is a reduced displacement forced-induction V-8 engine not unlike the LSA fitted to the current Cadillac CTS-V. Rated at 556 horsepower, that engine would be no slouch for even the Z06 application in the Corvette range, especially with a lighter curb weight than the C6 Corvettes.
Just over a month ago we brought you the first reports that the C7 Chevrolet Corvette is due to arrive in 2012, and now Ed Welburn, GM's product design head, has revealed that the next Vette will get a split rear window along with some other vintage styling cues.
The split rear window, though often considered an iconic Corvette element, was actually only fitted to the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. It was also featured on the Stingray Concept car shown off for the Transformers movie debut, though GM and Welburn have both reiterated that the Stingray Concept is not the C7 Corvette.
While the stingray us undeniably Corvette, the next-gen Vette will be a bit more retron in its styling, not unlike the current 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, according to the report.
Our own previous reports also confirm that the mid-engine rumors for the C7 Corvette are just that--the next car will retain the traditional front engine/rear drive layout. It will continue to push forward with the use of high-tech materials including carbon fiber, aluminum and magnesium to help further reduce weight.
As we noted earlier today, the Corvette will also have to become somewhat more emissions-conscious thanks to new standards being implemented by the federal government. GM won't let that sap the car's legendary performance, however, vowing to do whatever it takes, including going hybrid, to keep the Vette alive and kicking.
One potential direction to help maintain performance and meet emissions targets is a reduced displacement forced-induction V-8 engine not unlike the LSA fitted to the current Cadillac CTS-V. Rated at 556 horsepower, that engine would be no slouch for even the Z06 application in the Corvette range, especially with a lighter curb weight than the C6 Corvettes.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Waiting for next track day
I think its a cool design feature, but like rap music the car industry needs to chill with all of he recycling. Retro is a poor excuse for design advancement. A few iconic models sure, but I fell like its getting ridiculous. We now have mini, VW beetle, Fiat 500, Mustang, camaro, charger, Ford GT40 Farrari california and I am sure I am leaving out something.
great car, but who's paying for all this r&d?
i like the corvette a lot but wouldn't consider one unless the govt is OUT of there and they're no longer getting taxpayer (YOUR) dollars so they might compete with brands that don't get YOUR money.
i like the corvette a lot but wouldn't consider one unless the govt is OUT of there and they're no longer getting taxpayer (YOUR) dollars so they might compete with brands that don't get YOUR money.
CL Community Team
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From: IL
Racer
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CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,388
Likes: 620
From: IL
To be fair though, this new Vette is allegedly taking a styling cue from the 1963 model, so it kind of falls into the same vein IMO.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 365
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From: NJ
I think its a cool design feature, but like rap music the car industry needs to chill with all of he recycling. Retro is a poor excuse for design advancement. A few iconic models sure, but I fell like its getting ridiculous. We now have mini, VW beetle, Fiat 500, Mustang, camaro, charger, Ford GT40 Farrari california and I am sure I am leaving out something.
They could easily style a new design that would make everyone take notice, instead they get lazy and redo a design that has already been done. 
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,521
Likes: 261
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
That's why it was only used one year.....in 1963. Early-model air-cooled VW Beetles also had a split rear-window...1949, I think, was the last year for it.
However, despite the lessened rear visibility, split-rear window 1963 Stingrays rank among the most classic of all old Corvettes, and are eagerly sought after by colllectors.
However, despite the lessened rear visibility, split-rear window 1963 Stingrays rank among the most classic of all old Corvettes, and are eagerly sought after by colllectors.
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