2020 Mid-Engine Corvette Getting Ready To Attack Ferraris (Now, On Video Too)

Chevrolet introduced the 2019 Corvette ZR1 less than a year ago, but all eyes are focused on the next-generation model which will become the first production Vette with a mid-engine powertrain.

The highly-anticipated car was recently spotted by Carscoops’ intrepid reader Brett Borgard and it’s clear that the model will be a significant departure from its predecessor. Despite the radical changes, it appears the car will have an evolutionary front fascia which will ensure there’s no mistaking the model for anything but a Corvette.

Styling details are hidden beneath heavy camouflage, but the car features a wide grille which is located underneath a sloping hood. The model also appears to have angular headlights which could be an evolution of the ones used on the current model.

Bigger changes occur further back as the mid-engine Corvette adopts a more rakish windscreen which flows into a more dynamic roof. Further below, we can see aerodynamic side skirts and new side mirrors which are mounted near the base of the A-pillar.

One of the biggest changes is the modified proportions as the mid-engine layout means there’s a wide body panel separating the doors from the rear wheels. That isn’t the only change as the model appears to have flying buttresses and a relatively flat engine cover which is hidden beneath heavy camouflage.

Out back, the C7’s center-mounted four-tailpipe exhaust system has been dropped for a more conventional setup. It features two tips near the outside edges of the rear bumper. Speaking of the latter, we can see it will be ventilated and feature a flap to improve underbody aerodynamics.

While we have a pretty good idea of what the Corvette will look like, much less is known about its specifications. However, previous reports have suggested the model will have active aerodynamics as well as a lightweight design which features a mix of aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass and magnesium. Despite all these lightweight materials, the car is rumored to tip the scales at more than 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg).

Engine options remain a closely guarded secret, but rumors have suggested the base model will have an upgraded version of the 6.2-liter LT1 V8 that powers the current model. If the reports are correct, the new engine could produce around 500 hp (372 kW / 507 PS).

Rumors have also suggested the car could have a new 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 which is offered in naturally-aspirated and twin-turbo guise. The former could develop more than 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS), while the latter could bring that figure towards the 800 hp (596 kW / 811 PS) mark.

There have also been rumors about a hybrid variant which would use the twin-turbo V8 as well as a 200 hp (149 kW / 202 PS) electric motor. This could potentially give the all-wheel drive supercar a combined maximum output of around 1,000 hp (745 kW / 1014 PS).

*Update: We also received a video of the mid-engine Corvette