It’s no secret that GM has (or at least had before the novel virus outbreak) big plans for the future of the newly launched Chevrolet Corvette C8 series with a multitude of derivatives. And now, a reportedly leaked document has shined some light on those (original) plans.
Hagerty says it got hold of an internal document issued by GM’s executive director in charge of program management, Michelle Braun, to suppliers ordering “a blanket order pausing all future car and truck development”, including the Corvette.
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Now, while there’s no way of knowing which of those plans will still go ahead and when, they provide us with valuable insights into the future envisioned by GM for the C8 Corvette.
By combining that data with official details, other leaked documents and their own speculation, Hagerty came up with a chart outlining the Corvette C8’s portfolio for the next few years. The only inaccurate thing is thought to be the timeframe for when these versions of the sports car will launch, as nothing has been said about when the R&D departments will be given the green light to start working on new projects, but in all likelihood, they’re probably delayed by at least a year.
The most interesting model by far to join the lineup will be the so-called Corvette Zora. Named after the father of ‘Vettes, it should arrive in the second half of the decade, with a hybridized twin-turbo 5.5-liter engine, boasting 1,000 HP and 975 lb-ft (1,322 Nm) of torque.
But before that, we will see several other models starting with the Z06, originally planned for 2022, which will bring 650 HP and 600 lb-ft (813 Nm) to the party, with a 5.5-liter V8. It will be followed by the first Corvette hybrid ever, the Grand Sport, expected in 2023, pairing a 6.2-liter V8 engine with an electric motor for a total output of 600 HP and 500 lb-ft (678 Nm) of torque. A year later, it will be the ZR1’s turn with a 5.5-liter V8 and no electrification, making 850 HP and 825 lb-ft (1,119 Nm) of torque.
Meanwhile, those who cannot wait for these new versions to launch will have to settle for the current ‘Vette that has an MSRP of $58,900 and enjoys up to 495 HP and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) from the 6.2-liter V8.