[supra93]

Love it? Hate it? It might be going away

Almost everything about the mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette is positively sublime, but one of its more polarizing features is a high, cockpit-style center console that splits the cabin. It's a distinctive element, and not everybody loves it, but if that's the price of admission for something as great to drive as the C8, we can live with it, but we may not have to for much longer.

Per a story in the April issue of Motor Trend (which comes from MidEngineCorvetteForum.com via The Drive), GM's new head designer, Michael Simcoe, is reportedly not a fan of this component of the C8's interior styling, and it may be going away as soon as the 2023 model year.

The criticism appears to be focused on the controls incorporated into the console, rather than the broader design of that cabin element. The layout of these switches is a bit awkward at first blush, and the sheer quantity of physical controls present is made all the more visually impactful by their linear placement. This execution de-clutters other elements of the interior, but apparently Simcoe isn't satisfied with the final product.

Here's the MT excerpt, as quoted by the forum:

The C8 Corvette’s somewhat fussy styling was already locked and loaded when Michael Simcoe took over at GM Design Chief.

But sources in Detroit say the mid-cycle re-design Simcoe had originally planned for 2025 has been put on the back burner as GM pours money in its electrical vehicle program. However, inside say an interior redesign aimed at among other things fixing the array of button and switches cascading down the buttress on the right side of the center console has survived the bean counters. The redesigned interior will reportedly appear on 2023 C8’s.

In our experience, the button layout hasn't been much of an issue, and some of us have actually liked it and appreciated the unique design. We do see how it's inconvenient for the passenger, with all the controls facing toward the driver and hidden by a tiny wall.

https://www.autoblog.com/2021/02/25/...rior-redesign/

[swanson]

I dont mind the design or the buttons. I hope to god they dont put every function on a screen like the trendy manufacturers.

[supra93]

https://www.carscoops.com/2021/02/th...ette-stingray/

[supra93]

https://www.motor1.com/news/491012/2...orvette-price/

It won't be available under $60,000 anymore.
We knew the C8 Corvette wouldn't stay a sub-$60,000 car forever. As it was, the mid-engine sports car debuted just $5 under the benchmark price point with destination charges included, and the vast majority of buyers didn't choose a no-option base-model 1LT anyway. Still, it was a boasting point for the automaker but that will be changing soon. Very soon.

We have word from the Corvette Action Center website that a $1,000 price increase across all Corvette trim levels will take effect on March 1. Motor1.com confirmed the report with a Chevrolet spokesperson, who told us the following:

"The MSRP of the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible at all trim levels will increase by $1,000 beginning March 1. Customers who have event code 1100 sold orders and beyond by March 2 will not be impacted by the price increase on the 2021 Corvette Stingray. We monitor and adjust pricing on all our products regularly, and we’re confident the Corvette remains a winning formula of performance and attainability."

$1,000 certainly isn't a big jump, but it does officially take the mid-engine machine beyond the $60,000 barrier. Realistically, it was always just marketing speak and that was backed up by 2020 sales statistics for the C8. 1LT coupes accounted for just 15.9 percent of 2020 Corvette sales, but that doesn't mean those cars were under $60,000 with no additional options. On the other end, the vast majority of buyers jumped straight to the top-tier 3LT model, which had an MSRP over $70,000.

In June 2020, Chevrolet said the Corvette's base price wouldn't increase for 2021, but that was before the full scope of COVID-19 was fully understood. Instead of producing 40,000-plus cars for the first year of production, only half that rolled off the Bowling Green assembly line. Numerous production shutdowns have further plagued the Corvette for 2021, and it's unclear when things might get back to normal. As it stands, another scheduled factory shutdown will run for five days starting March 1, just in time for the price increase.

[supra93]

https://www.motor1.com/news/492277/c...e-grand-sport/

1,000-horsepower Zora and an EV 'Vette SUV are also in the mix.

We know electrification is in Corvette's future. We've heard all kinds of rumors, found evidence in trademark and patent applications, and we've caught test vehicles that could be concealing electric powertrains. The latest insight comes from SAE.org, and if accurate, it paints a C8 future of gasoline and electric-fueled power.

A little over six months ago, we reported on Chevrolet renewing its trademark for the E-Ray moniker. This has long been the expected name of the first hybrid Corvette, and this new report cites inside sources as saying it will keep the 6.2-liter V8 while adding a pair of electric motors for the front wheels. Combined output will be in the neighborhood of 600 horsepower (447 kilowatts), but perhaps the bigger news is the E-Ray replacing the Grand Sport in Corvette's hierarchy of submodels. We could know as early as 2023, when the E-Ray is said to arrive with a price tag under $100,000.

Looking further ahead, the report validates other chatter we've heard. The Z06 should debut later this year with its high-revving 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 making 600 hp, dubbed LT6. In theory, the E-Ray would follow, with the Corvette ZR1 getting a twin-turbocharged version of the Z06 engine, dubbed LT7 and making 850 hp (634 kW). Then in 2025 comes the Corvette Zora, the one 'Vette to rule them all with the LT7 V8 and electric motors fused to deliver a 1,000-hp (746-kW) monster. But wait, there's more.

The report also backs up rumors that Chevrolet might expand the Corvette line with an all-electric SUV. The sporty people mover is allegedly being explored by the automaker with a codename of Project R, but it's apparently not a done deal just yet. We suspect outcry from Corvette purists would be quite similar to that of the Mustang crowd when the Mach-E was announced. That said, we suspect Chevrolet is watching Mach-E sales very closely to see if demand outweighs the controversy of building a four-door, five-seater Corvette.

Of course, Chevrolet can't confirm any of the rumors, but there is some credibility with this SAE report. One thing we can say for certain is this: the near-future for the Corvette is certainly packed with horsepower. And that's never a bad thing.

[supra93]

https://www.corvetteblogger.com/2021...zr-rear-tires/



New C8 Corvette Z06 Will Have Massive 345/25 ZR 21 Rear Tires

https://www.carscoops.com/2021/03/ne...21-rear-tires/

[SickGTR]

Can't wait for this to come out. It's holding me up from buying a new car!!!!! I know it's going to make my decision a bitch. LOL

[Germanauto]

I've seen some C8s around. It's a very awkward looking car and has this Walmart version of a supercar design.

Seems like a sweet car overall but they missed badly on integrating Corvette design cues onto a mid-engined body.

[rantarM3]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

I've seen some C8s around. It's a very awkward looking car and has this Walmart version of a supercar design.

Seems like a sweet car overall but they missed badly on integrating Corvette design cues onto a mid-engined body.

Wholeheartedly agree on this assessment. The front end looks fine but once you start moving back on the car, the proportions are unattractive and the rear end is quite unpleasing, IMO.

[damnitBobby]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

I've seen some C8s around. It's a very awkward looking car and has this Walmart version of a supercar design.

100% exactly what I thought when I saw the new vette in person lol

[NickyC]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

I've seen some C8s around. It's a very awkward looking car and has this Walmart version of a supercar design.

Seems like a sweet car overall but they missed badly on integrating Corvette design cues onto a mid-engined body.

It is not a pretty car, looks completely mashed up.

[SickGTR]

Originally Posted by rantarM3

Wholeheartedly agree on this assessment. The front end looks fine but once you start moving back on the car, the proportions are unattractive and the rear end is quite unpleasing, IMO.

Sorta like how the new M 3/4 back looks like a Toyota?

[Alfisti]

I said it right at the start of the thread, it looks all wrong.

[NickyC]

Originally Posted by SickGTR

Sorta like how the new M 3/4 back looks like a Toyota?

The G8X is indistinguishable from a Lexus in the rear, it's the reason the M4 has that massive roundel now so people won't get confused.

[rantarM3]

Originally Posted by SickGTR

Sorta like how the new M 3/4 back looks like a Toyota?

Don't even get me started on the new M3/4! Add to that the plethora of milk cartons on wheels (i.e., SUV's) and it's a certainty that we are entering the decade of ugly automobiles.

[OkieSnuffBox]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

I've seen some C8s around. It's a very awkward looking car and has this Walmart version of a supercar design.

Seems like a sweet car overall but they missed badly on integrating Corvette design cues onto a mid-engined body.

I thought the same thing the first time I saw a C7 in person.

[SickGTR]

Originally Posted by rantarM3

Wholeheartedly agree on this assessment. The front end looks fine but once you start moving back on the car, the proportions are unattractive and the rear end is quite unpleasing, IMO.

Well that's bad news for M3/4 owners. All they will be seeing is the back of it. LOL

[GeorgeA]

Originally Posted by SickGTR

Well that's bad news for M3/4 owners. All they will be seeing is the back of it. LOL

But that still beats being inside of it with that interior

[SickGTR]

Originally Posted by GeorgeA

But that still beats being inside of it with that interior

No Doubt, I couldn't agree more!! I just don't know many people who buy a Vette for the beautiful comfy interior My GTR interior is junk! I didn't give the interior 1 thought when buying it. I bought it for how raw it is and how bad ass they are.

[jmack]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

The corvette interior this generation is actually really nice. Had a chance to sit in a C8 vert and was very impressed with the materials and switchgear.

Agreed, coming from a C6, it was like sitting in a Rolls!

[RM7]

Originally Posted by GeorgeA

But that still beats being inside of it with that interior

Here's a C7.

What's the issue?

[GeorgeA]

Originally Posted by SickGTR

No Doubt, I couldn't agree more!! I just don't know many people who buy a Vette for the beautiful comfy interior My GTR interior is junk! I didn't give the interior 1 thought when buying it. I bought it for how raw it is and how bad ass they are.

The quality and materials are really lacking for a car in that price range. Things tend to fall apart and what’s worse is dealing with Chevrolet dealer service which is probably the worst in the industry.

Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes

Here's a C7.

What's the issue?

In a few years, those panels will be peeling and sagging.

Some people don’t care about that, but there is a reason they’re so cheap for the performance you’re getting. People who buy M cars are expecting a level of interior quality that the Chevy can’t reach. My point is, the corvette might be faster with the right driver, but it comes at a cost that most of us aren’t okay with. I try to love them since it’s American and a great bargain but every time I sit and drive them, it leaves a lot to be desired vs a Porsche or BMW in that price range.