GM's New Corvette Concept Previews A Performance Woke C9
It's been five years since Chevrolet revolutionized the Corvette with the mid-engine C8. While the mid-cyle refresh is definitely on the way later this year, General Motors is already working on ideas for the next-generation C9 Corvette.
This latest concept hails from GM's new design office in the United Kingdom and is part of a series of Corvette concepts the company plans to unveil this year.
Key Points
- The design incorporates futuristic elements with a nod to Corvette's historic styling, including gullwing doors and a "split window" reminiscent of the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray.
- The car is powered by an unspecified electric vehicle (EV) powertrain, signaling a possible electrified future for the Corvette.
- With a unique design language, the concept aims to push the envelope of mobility and automotive design, with GM hinting at potential future models that could define the next generation of Corvettes.
The concept is straight out of a video game, blending modern, futuristic elements with some classic Corvette styling cues. It features a split front and rear window, paying homage to the iconic "split window" of the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and the 2025 C8 Corvette ZR1. There are also distinctive gullwing doors and a focus on underbody aerodynamics.
The lower half of the car is highly technical, with the integrated aerodynamics designed to channel airflow efficiently without the need for wings, canards, strakes, or lips—but there is a deployable dorsal fin for track use. GM says the structure and body panels were produced by additive manufacturing for "light weight authenticity."
Controlling the dynamics is a pushrod suspension and what GM calls a "race car-inspired" chassis, which really just sounds like a monocoque.
This concept measures 40.7 inches tall, 85.8 inches wide, and 183.8 inches long, with 22-inch front and 23-inch rear wheels. For comparison, the current C8 Corvette stands 48.6 inches tall, 85.5 inches wide (including mirrors), and 182.3 inches long.
The concept is powered by an unspecified electric vehicle (EV) powertrain, indicating that GM sees the future of the Corvette as electrocuted. Apparently, the battery is integrated into the vehicle's structure—that's how GM designers got away with massive ground effect tunnels under the car where a traditional EV's battery would live.
GM says the air directed through the vehicle is channelled to fill its wake, increasing the car's efficiency and range.
Michael Simcoe, GM’s senior vice president of global design, explained that the company’s advanced design studios are tasked with creating concepts that push beyond the limitations of current production vehicles. These teams are focused on imagining what mobility could look like in five, 10, or even 20 years, with the goal of driving innovation for GM.
The timing of this concept is interesting, as five years from now could be the ideal moment for a potential C9 launch. While we may have to wait a little longer for the next-generation Corvette, GM's latest concept certainly gives us a glimpse into what the future might hold for America's iconic sports car—even though the company says there is zero production intent.
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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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The Chevy Curb Buster
As an old guy driving my first and only 20-year-old C6 (bought new as a daily driver), I shouldn't like this, but...with the exception of the split windshield, I really like this concept. Of course, I might not be driving by the time it comes out