Even though the Ford Mustang Mach-E isn’t expected to arrive until late next year, you can bet that both GM and Fiat Chrysler are keeping an eye out for just how successful the Blue Oval’s Tesla Model Y rival is going to be.
The question is, do rival automakers look at the Mach-E as more of a curiosity, or are they already planning their own EV and/or higher-end crossovers with surprisingly iconic badges? We’re inclined to think the latter scenario is more likely.
In fact, here’s what Chevy marketing boss Steve Majoros told CNBC last week at the LA Auto Show with regards to a potential Corvette-based SUV: “We’re flattered by the attention. We’re very happy with the Corvette we’ve got to sell, here, right after we turn the calendar in 2020. What future plans are, we’ll see.” That sounds like a definitely maybe to us.
Also read: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Is A Modern Day Pony Car, For Better Or Worse
Meanwhile, GM CEO Mary Barra was asked a similar question by Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas, replying “We’ll, I appreciate that you think our Corvette franchise is very strong. I’m not going to talk about [the] future.”
Jonas actually thinks that the Corvette brand is “undervalued and underappreciated by the market,” and that it’s time for GM to acknowledge that times are changing. . “It’s time to look at the potential of GM’s supercar brand,” Jonas said, adding it would be “more than a needle-mover for GM” helping it increase Corvette volutes five-fold to 80,000 units by the mid 2020s.
Do we want a Corvette-based SUV?
Well, that depends. If we’re talking about something that’s fully electric, then the answer is definitely YES. Both GM as well as FCA know that Ford cannot be allowed free reign as the sole Model Y challenger. But why Corvette though? GM could just as easily use the Camaro branding.
Corvette SUV by Allcarnews
In fact, the above rendering of a Corvette SUV by Allcarnews is based on the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer, which in turn draws some inspiration from the Camaro. The designer did however, tighten up the bodywork, lowered the roof and added the Vette mug, plus the larger wheels and wider fenders to make more sense of the drawing.
Chevrolet Menlo EV pictured
Of course, if you don’t want to have a hypothetical talk about an all-electric Chevy EV, all you have to do is look at the new Menlo that was just unveiled in China earlier this month. According to preliminary specs, it can cover 255 miles (410 km) on a full charge under NEDC conditions. However, if it does indeed feature the same 148 HP electric motor as the Buick Velite 6 EV, then it’s definitely no match for the Mach-E.
Do you think it’s time for GM to unleash a Mustang Mach-E rival? And if so, should it be a Corvette, a Camaro or both, with the former targeting higher-end, luxury brands and the later, more mainstream models, just like their coupe siblings?
