Just as the new ultra-high performance Corvette ZR-1 and its six figure price wow car buffs, there comes word that General Motors is already making decisions about the next generation Corvette with one that it may have a mid-engine.
It’s been said that Corvette enthusiasts have been hoping for such a thing for a long time. Thing is, such performance won't come cheaply. Cost projections say that a mid-engine Vette could cost more than $100,000, a price point execs see reason enough to kill the idea. They believe that the American legend sports car should continue with its “quasi affordability.”
So, what is affordable in Corvette standards? The 2008 Vette has a base price of $45,285 plus a destination fee of $825. It is said that 36,518 Corvettes were sold last year though it is expected that less will be sold in total for 2007. Sales through November were up to 30,771.
Our take? We doubt GM would be foolish enough to drastically change one of its iconic car. Especially the price: most people can't visualize a six-figured Chevy. Volkswagen tried to go upscale with its Phaeton and was burned badly.
No, GM should continue to keep the Corvette as All-American powerhouse at a (near) affordable price, and let the newly reborn Cadillac division take on the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.