Since the debut of the new mid-engined C8 Corvette
is coming “right around the corner” July 18th, we can attest here at Chuck Hutton Chevy of
Memphis that every little last detail has been wondered about, and
kept appropriately under wraps. Spy shots that are passed around from blog to
blog are great and all: they are one of the only ways that auto dealers like us
can get any idea whatsoever about upcoming models and the way they look.
Situating the engine behind the driver was a change that will resonate through
the auto industry for quite some time, and Car and Driver just released on
their blog this week some photos of the steering wheel.
We're pretty sure that the squared-off shape will
make it more comfortable to hold, and greatly improve visibility. The top
sports a leather centering strip, and the proud Corvette logo is displayed on
the hub. There will be no manual transmission for the C8, and paddle shifters
are situated for the one-choice-only dual-clutch automatic. On the two spokes
and around the hub you can clearly count 17 different buttons and predicted
controls are cruise control, voice command, audio volume, and radio presets.
On the left spoke there appears to be a mystery
silver button with the letter “Z”, and we all wonder if it is for a type of
drive-mode selection. Z is actually the trailing letter of the alphabet that
held much special meaning in the 'Vette realm, being previously used in names
like the Z51 Performance package, and the high-performing and track ready ZR1
and Z06. Many out there in mainstream America do not yet thoroughly understand
that this is by no means a new concept. This ingenious idea has been kicking
around the desks and design tables of engineers for decades. We particularly
love the 1964 Mid-Engine XP 817 prototype shown here, with its intensely-curved front end and way in
which the pipes pop up behind the driver.
Directly below it, you see the 1976 mid-engined XP
882 AeroVette: even though some claimed it looked more like a paperweight then
a capable and commanding track car, the similar curve seen in both the front
and back was surely defining and very unique. After its star-studded reveal in
California, the C8 will also grace the Concours d'Elegance of America in
Michigan from July 26-28, along with the likes of other classic cars from
Cadillac, Bentley, and Ferrari. It won't be long before the inner and outer
details of the C8 are made public for all to see, and there will be some very
lucky car aficionados with their hands wrapped around said steering wheel for
good!
No comments:
Post a Comment