The 2014 Corvette could already be in disguise, and may have been seen by millions years ago.
Observed at both the GM Performance Tent during July of 2010’s Car Craft Summer Nationals and again at the March 2011 Twin Cities Auto Show, this 2009 concept was besieged by media and enthusiasts alike. It was officially billed as the Sideswipe Corvette Stingray Concept (yes, it was an Autobot featured in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen).
But was this a glimpse of the C7? My guess is an emphatic yes! And why not?
Chevy has banked on the idea (literally) and reaped the rewards of millions of moviegoers seeing the Transformers franchise.The yellow Autobot Camaro Bumblebee has become a cultural phenomenon and a toy for a new generation of young (Chevy) cars fans. In a not so subtle way, then, Chevy could have already revealed the new C7 right in front of our eyes at theaters.
Those reports of the Corvette Stingray Concept (CSC) being nothing more than a designing exercise, don’t count on it. Yes, the CSC relies heavily on the C3, but much like the current Camaro, whose styling harkens back to the first-gen F-body (most notably the ’69 model), it still is and of itself a modern design. This is in distinct contrast to other retro models currently being offered (Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang), which are more-faithful renditions (at least outwardly), of their past respective models.
All concepts differ slightly from true production cars. Even the 2010 Camaro was treated to slight alternations before being publicly released. Odds are the deep styled rear taillights of the CSC will be flush-mounted and the sharp edges will be softened a tad.
Though the CSC is likely not a dead ringer for the C7, it’ll definitely influence the new design, one way or another. It’s hard to not want some type of nostalgic flair or tribute from the past generations; Corvettes of every era have always been popular.
It would be something, though, having art (film) imitating life. A Transformer, a good guy Autobot no less, being the face of the America’s sports car for the foreseeable future.Think of it: Bumblebee the Camaro and Sideswipe the Corvette teaming to take on the sales race, against the Decepticon (Ford, Dodge) competitors. Add the upcoming 2014 Silverado to that lineup (perhaps in the form of Optimus Prime) and you have a proven winner.
All kidding aside, the CSC contained numerous styling cues to the Shark era Stingrays. The curvaceous, swoopy lines of the C3 years (’68-’82) were a dominant feature. Still, it’s hard to ignore the appeal of the first Stingrays, as the C2 generation of ’63-’67 arguably represents the most popular of the breed. The ’63 coupe in particular, with its one-year-only rear split-window design has always proven timeless. As such, the CSC showcased this characteristic and it worked well in prototype form.
Corvette turns 60 this year, a testament to its legacy as a General Motors flagship vehicle. Chevrolet introduced the venerable sports car in 1953, and each successive generation has proven to be better than the last.
It’s a cinch the 2014 Vette will live up to its own reputation of innovation and sophistication, offering an irresistible combination of styling and power. Corvette has a history of leading the way, and for upping the ante. Throughout its production, Corvette has unequivocally represented the standard in the sports car market. More often than not, Corvette set the bar and surpassed the competition, even exotic cars that cost two to three times as much.
The highly anticipated C7 has its own website, one where the countdown to the unveiling is being watched closely (http://www.chevrolet.com/one13thirteen.html). On January 13th, 2013 (or as Chevy calls it, “One-13-Thirteen”) the C7 Corvette will be unleashed. Whether or not the Transformer Sideswipe becomes the current iteration will be finally revealed.
Chevrolet’s C7 website already proclaims: “Nothing will be the same.” That's likely true.
But, if the CSC is any indication of what Chevrolet has in mind for the next-gen Vette, another motto would be more fitting: Robots in Disguise.
For more in depth coverage on the all-new 6.2 liter LT1 V8 with Direct Injection, click this link (http://www.examiner.com/article/2014-chevrolet-lt1-v8-gets-direct-injection).
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