The above image is a Corvette Forum rendering of the mid-engine 8th generation Corvette alleged to be launching at the 2019 Detroit show in January. The front-engine Corvette has been a mainstay of the American performance market since the 1950s, and some models have been compared favorably to contemporary 911s throughout the years. Built in Bowling Green, Kentucky, General Motors’ ‘Plastic Fantastic’ fiberglass sports coupe is an undeniable icon, but it’s never been quite enough to draw faithful 911 fanatics away. As the 911 continues to grow larger, would a two-seat, mid-engine, American V8 sports coupe be enough to draw you away?
In recent years Chevrolet has really been stepping up to the plate with serious improvements to the Corvette. They now offer actually decent interiors, better assembled bodies, and world-class performance. Not only that, but they’re doing it at a much less expensive price point than basically any of the competition. The current base model Corvette offers a 450-horsepower direct-injected V8 and a 7-speed manual gearbox for the same price as a base 718 Cayman. The recently launched top-spec Corvette ZR1 features 755-horsepower and a 210 MPH top speed, putting it squarely up against Porsche’s GT2 RS (at least from a top speed standpoint) for a little under half the price.
GM’s Corvette team has essentially reached the nexus of front-engine performance capability. In order to make the next generation of Corvette handle better than before, Chevy has resorted to plopping the engine behind the driver compartment. This opens up huge possibilities for the future of Chevy’s budget supercar in regards to proper suspension setup and weight balance. By shifting that weight rearward, the Corvette can, perhaps, provide an even more dynamic driving experience. So, you tell us, would a mid-engine Corvette with Carrera-matching performance at a Cayman-ish price point steer you away from the Porsche dealer and into a Chevy dealer? We know our answer, but drop yours in the comments below and we’ll discuss.
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The problem with Corvette is the culture. It can't match the aftermarket and specialists options that Porsche has. The machine itself is great, but it just has less meaning to drive. For short, I will still visit a Porsche dealer as long as I'm able to.
I just like cars that are good, regardless of what nameplate they bear. We have a C7 Stingray, a 997.2 Turbo S and a 958 Cayenne Turbo and we love all our children.
FWIW, I love what GM and Chevy are doing with the Corvette both on and off the track. I am also looking forward to trying out their mid-engine car. At under $100k it'll be a supercar killer. But you have to go into a Chevy dealer to get one. Their dealer network, service and reliability needs catch up with Porsche, BMW, Audi and Mercedes if they want to draw those customers away. Additionally they are a dime a dozen, the Corvette is the Civic of the sports car world. Lastly they are not as refined as their European counterparts. That begs the question, does GM and Chevy want to be, or is that a project for Cadillac?
No contest. I looked at the Corvette before buying the Cayman S. Fit, finish, and materials are all superior on the Porsche. I was so sure I was going to buy the 'vette that I bought a belt buckle in advance--the 'vette's road test specs were so good. At the showroom everything changed. No regrets.
The mid-engine Corvette would make a very tempting purchase. The thing holding me back is the Chevrolet dealer network. Friends of mine with Corvettes tell very sad stories about service, warranty work and repair. Too bad too. I'm a fan of mid-engined cars. I'm still a bit miffed that I was unable to get a GT4! That said, my 911 GTS will likely be with me for quite some time.
While I am excited about the potential of the upcoming mid-engine Corvette, as was suggested by another comment above, I think the market demographics (at least for now) are very different. For me, I'll always be a Porsche person. But that doesn't mean I can't admire, and respect, those who opt for a great Corvette, especially the one being proposed.
Nothing will change the fact that its still just a plastic Chevy..much the same as a Lexus is nothing more that a tarted up Camry. A Toyota by any other name is still a Toyota, and a Chevy is still a Chevy.
By your line of argument, a Porsche is a tarted up VW. I own 2 Porsche’s but am not a Brand snob.
Excellent point, I have been a Porsche specialist for 43 years and your rebut-comment is perfect. It is a souped up VW, no exceptions. I still own 3 911's and that will not change, though I would very much like Corvette to succeed whereas others have failed..
I'd buy one. I have two local dealers and neither would give me a GT3 allocation. On the other hand I was offered a new ZR1 at MSRP locally. Same dealer told me I could get a new mid-engine at MSRP.
Hard to enjoy a virtual car on a waitlist.
Incredibly valid point. I don't have the deep pockets to buy a GT3 ( I applaud those who can) but Porsche advertises the car, then makes it impossible to get. I get trying to boost exclusivity but it borders on extortion.
I'm quite sure GM could build and price a more luxurious Corvette, but lose their core market. If Corvette prices matched the 911's price levels they would also match Porsche's 911 sales numbers, at which point GM would pull the plug on the Corvette division, race victories or no race victories. Same with the dealerships - a Corvette (or Malibu) is just another oil change or set of tires in those volume operations, although the Corvette oil service is not $300.
I think I would buy the Corvette as it will be fifty percent of the cost of the 911 Porsche and 80% less to repair as a track day car. Will still keep my 993, 951 and 944S2