Mid-Engine Corvette Could Use Zora Name After Chevy Trademarks It

For as long as we’ve known of the upcoming C8-generation mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette, speculation has been rife about the model. This includes what it will look like, what kind of engines it will be offered with and whether or not it will receive a special name.

During a recent search of various patent databases around the world, a member of the Mid Engine Corvette Forum discovered that Chevrolet has been registering the name ‘Zora’ in various markets, perhaps suggesting that the car will indeed receive a rather special name.

Trademark filings for the name were found in the United States, European Union, UK, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and China, all markets which could receive the new vehicle if Chevrolet wants to ensure it’s a true rival to the European alternatives.

For those that don’t know, the name Zora holds a special meaning among Corvette enthusiasts and the vehicle’s history. Zora Arkus-Duntov was the first chief engineer of the original Corvette and helped bring the iconic American car to life.

Additionally, he was a strong believer that the Corvette should be mid-engine to fully rival the very best from Europe. Arkus-Duntov ultimately built the XP-819 mid-engine Corvette prototype in 1964 but the car never received the green light for production.

While it’s entirely possible Chevrolet has trademarked the Zora name simply to protect it, we’d be very pleased to see it affixed to the long-awaited supercar.

In all likelihood, the new Corvette C8 will be unveiled next year and sold in a selection of guises. According to reports, the base model will have a 6.2-liter LT1 V8 delivering 500 hp. A selection of other models will be available, including one with a flat-plane crank V8 and 600 hp, a twin-turbo version with 800 hp and a possible hybrid V8 delivering a mighty 1000 hp.