Corvette C10 Concept Runs Out of Fuel but Sparks Hypercar Aspirations | Carscoops

      Unfortunately for traditionalists, GM’s American designers are placing their bets on a fully electric future for the Corvette.

      GM has introduced a new Corvette concept that features a hypercar-inspired design and electric powertrain.

      This concept was developed by GM’s Advanced Design studio in Pasadena, California.

      It incorporates a T-shaped prismatic battery pack to enhance airflow and allow for lower seating positions.

      Even though the next-generation C9 Corvette is reportedly in development and set for a rumored debut in 2029, General Motors is already looking further ahead. The company has provided a glimpse of what a future C10 might look like if designed today.

      Their recently opened Advanced Design studio in Pasadena unveiled an eye-catching new Corvette concept that strongly aligns with hypercar aesthetics while reimagining the future of America’s iconic sports car.

      Purists may want to turn away, as this vision replaces the V8 engine with a completely electric powertrain. This decision seems to contradict recent statements from Corvette’s chief engineer, who indicated that the sports car wouldn’t transition to full electrification in the immediate future. However, he also described a fully electric Corvette as still firmly within the realm of “science fiction,” which is essentially what this concept represents, even though it could loosely inform the actual design of the forthcoming C10.

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      This is the second of three Corvette design studies planned for release in 2025, following an earlier concept from GM’s European design team in the UK. According to GM, this project is not connected to any production plans. Instead, the goal was to provide designers with complete creative freedom to "rethink what the Corvette could be."

      Although GM refrained from officially designating it as the C10 in their announcement, the “C10” badge on the front fender leaves little doubt about its intention.

      More than Just a Sports Car

      Rather than competing with the Porsche 911, the California Corvette seems more aligned with future hypercars from manufacturers like Koenigsegg or Rimac. It showcases aggressive mid-engine proportions, with bodywork designed to enhance the car’s aerodynamic performance—similar to the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

      The bumper intakes echo elements of the C8 Corvette, combined with an F1-style carbon fiber front wing and ultra-slim LED headlights. The overall profile is largely hollow, directing air towards the large rear diffuser. The back features an active aerodynamic spoiler and air brake, design characteristics typical of high-performance exotic cars like Bugatti.

      One notable feature is the removable, front-hinged single-piece canopy that, when lifted, reveals a track-oriented two-seat interior. Inside, the cockpit boasts a slim digital instrument cluster, augmented-reality head-up display, and an additional screen mounted on a yoke-style steering wheel.

      Sorry Folks, The Future's Electric

      At its core, the Corvette concept is built on a carbon fiber chassis and is conceptualized with a fully electric powertrain. GM highlights the use of a T-shaped prismatic battery pack, which facilitates low seating and enhances airflow around and through the chassis. These design choices indicate a focus on performance while prioritizing aerodynamic efficiency.

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      Regarding the one-off Corvette hypercar, it spans 182.5 inches (4,669mm) in length, 86 inches (2,184mm) in width, and stands just 41.4 inches (1,051 mm) tall, with a wheelbase of 109 inches (2,767mm). In comparison to the current C8, it is slightly longer and wider, with a significantly lower roofline. The dramatic stance is further enhanced by futuristic alloy wheels measuring 21 inches in the front and 22 inches in the rear.

      Global Vision Through a Southern California Lens

      Brian Smith, the design director of GM Advanced Design Pasadena, elaborated on the philosophy of the project:

      “Southern California has been at the core of automotive and design culture for a century, and GM has maintained a significant design presence here for nearly four decades. We aimed to develop this concept through a SoCal perspective while incorporating a global and futuristic vision. The duality of purpose forms the basis of this concept’s design approach. The defining design element is the single-piece, front-hinged canopy that allows for the removal of the entire upper shell, transforming the concept from a sleek, agile sports car into a lightweight, open-air track vehicle.”

      We anticipate the next Corvette concept, which will emerge from a different design team, providing another viewpoint on the brand’s future. In addition to the Pasadena studio, GM operates design centers in Detroit, Los Angeles, Leamington (UK), Shanghai, and Seoul, each bringing its own unique cultural influences to the design process.