General Motors on Thursday revealed a new Corvette concept born from the company's Pasadena, California, design studio. Described as a "thought-provoking, boundary-pushing expression of GM design-thinking," the car features a wild shape, a carbon-fiber monocoque, and an electric powertrain.
Officially named the California Corvette Concept, it's the second of three Corvette concepts set to be revealed this year—the first being from the company's UK design headquarters. GM says this one carries a "distinct SoCal flavor."
'Southern California has been at the heart of automotive and design culture for a century, and GM has had a deep design presence here for nearly 40 years. We wanted to ensure that this concept was developed through that SoCal lens, but with a global and futuristic outlook. Duality of purpose is the basis of this concept’s design strategy.' — Brian Smith, Design Director, GM Advanced Design Pasadena
The concept itself has classic mid-engine proportions, with plenty of flowing curves and a tight midsection. But the pointy nose and sharp fascia immediately give it away as a Corvette, albeit one from the distant future. Its defining feature is the single-piece, front-hinged canopy. It tilts up for occupant ingress and egress, or it can "be removed, transforming the concept from an agile, slick sports car to a lightweight, open-air track car.”
The minimalist interior uses a bright red theme, with an incredibly driver-focused cockpit setup. It's as if designers turned up the current C8's interior to 11, with a wall separating the two occupants. The steering wheel is a two-handle affair, with a screen at the center and a head-up display up front. Other cool tech includes a rear air brake and an active spoiler.
Chevy doesn't go into detail on the powertrain, saying only that this Corvette concept is an EV powered by a T-shaped prismatic battery pack. Designers went with this shape to unlock a lower seating position and make room for the tunneled underbody shape.
Like the last Corvette concept revealed in March, GM is quick to point out there's "no production intent" behind this one-off. We're inclined to believe them, considering executives have pointed out nobody wants an electric Corvette right now.
Still, we wouldn't be surprised to see some of these design elements end up on a future production Corvette—EV or otherwise.
