Engine Location Brings Out the Front Engine Corvette Devotees

Corvette Forum members debate whether it’s better to hold to tradition, or evolve into a new level of performance.

If tradition tells us anything, it’s that change is usually a good thing. Lest we forget the Corvette started out in life with a straight-six engine of only modest power output. Despite the Blue Flame engine being one of GM’s best, the Corvette was somewhat seen as an under-performer, till GM made a V8 suitable for respectable performance figures.

Change, it can be said, keeps things alive. The next real radical change the Corvette will see is the long rumored mid-engine Corvette. Even though a mid-engine Corvette has been rumored with every generation of Corvette that’s come before, the ‘Vette has reluctantly stayed front engine. That change has our forum members quite divided, however.

Maintenance and tinkering are understandably pointed out as being more difficult with a mid-engine car. With the amount of enthusiasts that do work on their own cars, that could very well be a concern. Some forum members have indicated they will keep their beloved front engine C7 “for the long haul,” for this very reason.

Aesthetically speaking, there’s also doubt if the proportions of a Corvette would even look good. We only have a test mule covered in camo and a few artists renderings to go off of for now. No details on performance, or price, are even available yet which may end up swaying some votes.

ALSO SEE: What Corvette Forum Members Are Saying About Engine Location

Those in favor of the mid-engine Corvette see the performance potential, however. As things evolve, and performance benchmarks move ever higher, a mid-engine car would, in theory, be more capable. But it could leave behind a core of enthusiasts who just don’t see a need for change.

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