GM's Corvette Concept Takes C9 into Bold New Avenues Without a V8 | Carscoops

      The first of three Corvette concepts set to debut this year is the creation of GM's new design center in the UK, led by Julian Thomson.

      GM has presented a concept for a future Corvette, marking the first of three concepts expected this year.

      This EV design is the initial public work from GM’s newly established design center in England. Julian Thomson, who previously worked at Lotus and JLR, is overseeing the center located in Royal Leamington Spa.

      Time flies when you're enjoying yourself, which is why the C8, the mid-engine Corvette that redefined the lineup, is now six years old, and GM is already working on its successor. Here’s a glimpse of how it might look, coming from GM’s new European design center in the UK.

      This strikingly hypercar-like Corvette design study diverges from concepts that merely refine the production model with a more attractive lighting arrangement. Instead, it serves as a more traditional concept that investigates potential design paths while potentially hinting at future directions.

      Related: Corvette Sales Decline 21% in Q1, While Colorado Rises 73%

      This design is one of three Corvette concepts expected this year from GM’s global design teams. The third iteration is anticipated to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, according to Autocar, and it will draw inspiration from this UK design, contributing to shaping the C9 production Corvette slated for 2028.

      The visuals portray a Corvette that takes inspiration from hypercars like the Aston Martin Valkyrie (designed just 11 miles / 18 km away) while also paying tribute to the Vette's heritage. The bold cutaway section at the front, large intakes on either side, and additional intakes in front of each rear wheel reflect the latest aerodynamic advancements, while the upper part of the design presents a more subdued and traditional Corvette aesthetic.

      The return of the split window

      The prominent fenders pay homage to the design of the 1965 Mako Shark Corvette concept, which previewed the 1968 C3 production model – similar fenders can also be found on the current C8. The visor-shaped windshield, reminiscent of the C3’s, also serves as a nod to the iconic split rear window of the 1963 C2 (the concept itself includes a split rear window design as well).

      Emphasizing aerodynamic features has alleviated the need for an oversized spoiler on the rear deck. Although the images do not provide a complete view of the interior from every angle, gullwing doors allow access to a cockpit where drivers hold a lozenge-shaped steering wheel, reminiscent of the one in Aston's Valkyrie.

      A Focus on Europe

      GM has established its new advanced design center in Royal Leamington Spa, located in the English Midlands, as part of its strategy to succeed in Europe with Cadillac and Corvette after selling its previous European divisions, Vauxhall and Opel, to Stellantis in 2017. The facility is directed by Julian Thomson, who previously served as design chief at Jaguar and has experience with VW and Lotus, where he designed the renowned S1 Elise.

      "As part of the Corvette creative study, we tasked several studios with developing hypercar concepts, which we will reveal more of later this year," stated Michael Simcoe, GM’s senior VP of global design.

      "It was essential that all concepts honor Corvette's historical DNA while each studio infused its own creative interpretation into the project. This is precisely what our advanced design studio network aims to achieve – to push boundaries, confront norms, and envision possibilities."

      What are your thoughts on this Corvette concept? Would you like the production C9 to take inspiration from this UK-designed study?