Chevy Gets Serious About An Electric Corvette With New C10 Concept
General Motors has unveiled its second Corvette concept of the year. Designed by GM’s Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena, California, the California Corvette Concept is another radically styled, all-electric vision that pushes the boundaries of design, material use, and driver experience.
Key Points
- The California Corvette Concept, created by GM’s Pasadena design team, features a futuristic design with a carbon-fiber monocoque, single-piece canopy, and EV powertrain—hinting at what the future of Corvette could look like.
- The concept includes advanced features like a rear air brake, active spoiler, and a T-shaped battery for a low seating position—plus a bold, race-inspired interior with a yoke-style steering wheel and AR head-up display.
- While GM says there's no production intent, the concept is part of a three-part design series exploring the Corvette's electric future—offering cues that may influence future performance models.
Like the first concept, GM says there’s no production intent for this vehicle as is, but it clearly maps out a destination for the Corvette's long-term legacy—just look at the rocker sill, it's branded C10.
Chevy says the latest Corvette Concept was created with Southern California’s rich automotive and design culture in mind. “Duality of purpose is the basis of this concept’s design strategy,” said Brian Smith, Design Director at GM Advanced Design Pasadena. “We wanted to ensure that this concept was developed through that SoCal lens, but with a global and futuristic outlook.”
The first concept was developed at GM’s UK Advanced Design Studio and debuted earlier this year. While both concepts share electric propulsion, the Pasadena concept hits closer to the Corvette's aesthetic DNA.
Chevrolet California Corvette Concept: All The Details
Similar to the UK concept, the California Corvette Concept features a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, a mid-engine-inspired shape, and a highly sculptural body that fuses flowing curves with sharp, angular features.
Its pointy nose and aggressive front fascia give it a futuristic identity that still reads unmistakably Corvette. Its centerpiece is a one-piece front-hinged canopy that lifts up for entry or can be completely removed.
Inside, the theme is ultra-minimalist and yet totally driver-focused. The bright red interior includes a wall-like divider between the seats, a twin-handle yoke-style steering interface, and an augmented reality-style head-up display. It’s really an evolution of the C8’s cockpit and could hint at what's to come for the C9 and C10 Corvettes of the future.
The car's fully electric powertrain is powered by a T-shaped prismatic battery pack. This layout allows for a low seating position and a central underbody tunnel. There's also an active rear spoiler and deployable air brake.
GM maintains there is limited consumer appetite for a fully electric Corvette today, but that doesn't mean there aren't factions within the automaker pushing for a pure EV Corvette. With EV performance tech evolving rapidly and GM fully committed to an all-electric future, it’s going to happen sooner rather than later and the Corvette will ultimately be the company flag bearer.
While some Corvette purists might dismiss the idea of an all-electric variant, the gold-chain-wearing, New Balance-shod Corvette owners won't be around forever. GM will reveal a third and final concept from the yearlong design series in the coming months—the question is, which of the brand's remaining design studios will show off their work: Detroit, Seoul, or Shanghai?
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Many don't like the current square steering wheel so what to do? Double down on the idea wnd make it a yoke. Then triple down wnd put a screen in the middle of it. Of course it's a concept so no odd said it had to be practical.
Finally a Corvette that doesn’t look like a bad kit car.