The rumors from the past few years are true, as the Corvette brand will soon expand to include a whole family of models.
For years, rumors have swirled that General Motors intended to not only spin off the Corvette brand into its own entity, but also launch a four-door sedan and SUV/crossover version of the venerable sports car. These moves aren’t unprecedented in the automotive realm by any means, as we’ve seen the same thing happen to numerous brands, while even the likes of Porsche, Lamborghini, and Ferrari have gotten into or are in the process of getting into the red-hot crossover market. Now, it seems as if there is some fire behind that smoke, as Car & Driver is reporting that the Corvette brand will indeed be spun off, and that the iconic sports car will be joined by a sedan and SUV in the near future.
There’s no denying that the Corvette name has broad appeal and is instantly recognizable to everyone, not just automotive enthusiasts. But of course, the sports car market is dwindling as a whole, even though the C8 has been a big success, it still sells in small quantities compared to more mainstream models. Aside from launching variants of the C8 like the Z06, ZR1, E-Ray, Zora, and an all-electric version, it seems as if GM is eyeballing bigger things.
That includes a pair of unconventional Corvette models – a four-door sedan and SUV, both of which will be all-electric models that launch sometime after GM spins off the Corvette name into its own brand in 2025. As far as details go, both models will reportedly utilize GM’s Ultium platform – just like all of the automakers newer, existing EVs – though each will sport familiar Corvette styling cues and driving dynamics.
C&D reports that the new Corvette EV models will utilize the latest in technology, with features such as an 800-volt electrical system providing up to 350 kW of charging capability, high energy density battery packs, a newly patented cooling system, super efficient inverters, four-wheel steering, and a two-speed transmission, a la the Porsche Taycan. However, GM doesn’t see that particular model – or any other existing one – as a competitor of sorts. “The aim is not to beat Taycan and Cayenne at their own game but to create three American legends capable of breaking new ground by making the essence of Corvette scalable,” a source explained. “To do so, that essence must at all times be in a state of progressive flux.”
Of course, this news likely won’t go over well with many traditional Corvette fans, but it makes a lot of sense from a business perspective. GM has a powerful entity in the Corvette brand, one that could easily help it sell more volume-based products – just like the Mustang Mach-E has done for Ford – for those that can’t justify owning a two-door sports car. And in that sense, it makes perfect sense.
Photos: Chevrolet
Keyword: GM to Spin off Corvette Brand and Add Sedan, SUV to Lineup (NOT April Fools)