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I’m a C4 owner. I’m not complaining about the looks of the C8 Corvette but to me they look more like an Italian or Europeon sports car. As I was walking in a parking lot today I was approaching a sports car and thought, Hey there’s some foreign sports car. But then, wait, that’s a Corvette.
How did they come up with that design?
Saw an article on Yahoo back in 2016 or 2017 talking about the head guy of Chevy's Corvette department visiting Pininfarina in Italy, and knew instantaneously the next Vette would look like a Ferrari. The C8's a much better performer via the engine over the rear tires, having owned 5 Vettes from 1974 to 2016 prior to my 2023.
Last edited by bigmike32172; 10-09-2023 at 02:13 AM.
Combination of 2 things: 1) Mid-engine profile and 2) proportional dimensions.
1) The common theme among supercars you're familiar with are mid-engine proportions. They generally have a cabin pushed forward closer to the front axle. Whereas front engine cars tend to have a longer hood to house the engine, pushing the cabin toward the rear wheels:
2) But a cab forward mid-engine layout alone doesn't make it look like a supercar. Porsche Caymans are cab forward mid-engine designs as are MR2s and Fieros. Even the Toyota Previa minivan is mid-engine. But they don't have the right dimensional proportions. Specifically the height and width (low and wide stance). The C8's proportions are nearly identical to the Ferrari 458's and close to the 488's. Conversely, a C7 Z06 also has comparable height/width dimensions but not in mid-engine proportions for a cab forward design so it doesn't look as exotic.
That's why I said you need both elements, not either/or. Not only mid-engine proportions like a Cayman. And not only dimensional proportions like a C7 Z06. You need a mid-engine layout with the right general dimensions. The net effect of both is supercar presence.
Last edited by switchlanez; 10-09-2023 at 03:00 AM.
I’m a C4 owner. I’m not complaining about the looks of the C8 Corvette but to me they look more like an Italian or Europeon sports car. As I was walking in a parking lot today I was approaching a sports car and thought, Hey there’s some foreign sports car. But then, wait, that’s a Corvette. How did they come up with that design?
I think the real question here is where the he!! have you been for the last 4 years?
I’m a C4 owner. I’m not complaining about the looks of the C8 Corvette but to me they look more like an Italian or Europeon sports car. As I was walking in a parking lot today I was approaching a sports car and thought, Hey there’s some foreign sports car. But then, wait, that’s a Corvette.
How did they come up with that design?
GM's explanation for how they came up with the design is in a book entitled "Corvette Stingray - The Mid-Engine Revolution". It can be ordered from the Corvette Museum. And, if you search for that title, as I just did, you can find a free download.
I was with a group of Corvette enthusiasts. A couple was there in their new C8. The wife asked what my car was. I answered, its a 1960 Corvette. She said it did not look like a Corvette. Its all a matter of perspective I guess.
You don't think that was by accident do you??? I must say, the C8 is very eye catching. It almost gets a 2nd look from everyone as they watch it drive by!! Definitely has the 'wow' factor...and if you open / close the roof, most almost always stop and watch.....Very cool design!!!
Saw an article on Yahoo back in 2016 or 2017 talking about the head guy of Chevy's Corvette department visiting Pininfarina in Italy, and knew instantaneously the next Vette would look like a Ferrari. The C8's a much better performer via the engine over the rear tires, having owned 5 Vettes from 1974 to 2016 prior to my 2023.
Hmm, yeah putting the engine in the rear definitely changes the body style.
Originally Posted by Undy
I think the real question here is where the he!! have you been for the last 4 years?
I’ve known of them, just never thought of the style.
Originally Posted by mikebutson
You don't think that was by accident do you??? I must say, the C8 is very eye catching. It almost gets a 2nd look from everyone as they watch it drive by!! Definitely has the 'wow' factor...and if you open / close the roof, most almost always stop and watch.....Very cool design!!!
I really do like the style and they really do catch attention. It brought much more notice to Corvettes
I’m a C4 owner. I’m not complaining about the looks of the C8 Corvette but to me they look more like an Italian or Europeon sports car. As I was walking in a parking lot today I was approaching a sports car and thought, Hey there’s some foreign sports car. But then, wait, that’s a Corvette.
How did they come up with that design?
So, you’re underwhelmed. Got it.
Assuming that makes you a hard “no,” all I can say is “thank you.” That puts me one step closer in the cue for an allotment. Kinda like when you’re in line for a movie ticket and the couple ahead decides to leave, and I quietly do a Snoopy Dance.
Seriously though, I hope as the design evolves, you’ll be able to appreciate how far the Vette has come.
I’m a C4 owner. I’m not complaining about the looks of the C8 Corvette but to me they look more like an Italian or Europeon sports car. As I was walking in a parking lot today I was approaching a sports car and thought, Hey there’s some foreign sports car. But then, wait, that’s a Corvette.
How did they come up with that design?
Yep, early on folks were asking me if it was a Lamborghini or Ferrari! Only so many shapes you get when it's an ME. The only criticism is the rear view as GM said they added the storage space folks buying Lambo's and Ferrari's don't get or care about. Vette folks do!
So yep, for lots of storage space it has a different rear shape but is no longer as the DCT extends that far back!
Yep Trunk holds two soft sides golf bags but for a large Pizza have to use the deeper Frunk
It's not any longer as the DCT Transaxle extends that far back. Just Boxer!
10-09-2023, 12:57 AM
C8 Appearance
Well, like them or not, the C8 has been a huge success story.....they are selling them as fast as they can make them
I’ve known of them, just never thought of the style.
