Major Changes Coming to the 2023 Corvette?
Major Changes Coming to the 2023 Corvette?
Sources claim that the 2023 C8 Corvette is expected have a new interior design.
Recently word started to spread in the automotive community that Chevrolet was planning some major changes to the 2023 Corvette. Given how hot the Corvette is, there’s always a lot of chatter about what the next model year or generation will bring. However, as it was reported by MotorTrend magazine in their recent April 2021 issue; this seems to hold some weight.
In their MT Confidential section, they say that the Corvette will likely be changing one of their more controversial design choices: The long strip of buttons along the center console row.
When the 2020 C8 Corvette made its eagerly awaited debut, one thing that stood out among the “ooohs” and “aaahs” was a definite sense of ambivalence about the buttons. Apparently, this sentiment was shared by the top brass at Corvette.
According to MotorTrend, “the C8 Corvette’s somewhat fussy styling” had been already been finalized when GM Design Chief Michael Simcoe took over. Simcoe planned to address this in the mid-cycle redesign initially slated for 2025. But when GM started investing more energy and resources on their expanding electrification plans; it seemed the C8 Corvette interior was losing its priority status.
“However, insiders say an interior redesign aimed at among other things fixing the array of buttons and switches cascading down the buttress on the right side of the center console has survived the bean counters. The redesigned interior will reportedly appear on 2023 C8s,” they write.
Frankly, we like the C8 interior. Behind the wheel, this cockpit feels like a sports car designed for the driver. With its performance-driven style, it gives the driver control and accessibility of the instrument panel, infotainment screen, and the long row of controls. Once you get a sense of the layout, it all falls into place naturally.
The design was a risk, and a departure for Corvette. As it should be when you’re going as bold as Chevy did with the mid-engined spitfire. But was this driver-focused design a miss? Many remain divided. It will be interesting to see what changes Chevy will make and how it will work with the existing aesthetic.
What do you think? Does the C8 Corvette need a refreshed interior?
Photos: General Motors
