Corvette Redesign In Global Hands?

2010 Chevy Corvette

I love to use the word “iconic” when I describe the Ford Mustang, America’s enduring pony car. For nearly a half century, this particular steed has filled a need in the heart of many sport coupe enthusiasts.

Though the Mustang has certainly earned its place in the halls of American autodom, I would give the hot car nod to the Chevrolet Corvette, a true sportscar by every definition. Importantly, the Corvette has a longer product run with the first model rolling out in 1953 well before the muscle car era got its start.

Corvette Appeal

The Corvette’s appeal in America is well known, but less so in markets around the world. Sure, the Corvette is available overseas including in Europe, but it has a miniscule following as it must go up against some of the finest sports cars in the world. Like Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati and Lotus to name just a few. That has put the Corvette at a distinct disadvantage, one that GM management hopes to erase by inviting global designers to participate in the Corvette redesign process.

Yes, the next generation of America’s sports car may still be built in Bowling Green, Kentucky but its design may be hatched in a design studio in Germany, Japan or elsewhere. Sounds almost sacrilegious doesn’t it?

New Design

Well, yes and no. GM knows that the key to the Corvette’s enduring success is to attract younger buyers. Unfortunately, the Corvette comes across more like your granddaddy’s sports car, one that today’s up and coming buyers are not identifying with. That’s not good news for any car line as you must keep that attraction strong from generation to generation. Today’s Corvette, though fast and stylish, is not as refined as a Porsche. GM isn’t giving buyers any reason to consider Corvette at least in its current iteration.

In the Mar. 8, 2010 issue of “Autoweek,” GM’s VP of global design Ed Welburn noted that the Corvette’s redesign was opened up to ten design studios around the world in 2009. With those designs now in hand, GM appears pleased with what they have received although a final design has yet to be chosen.

The current Corvette is criticized for looking too big and for having a cheap interior. Just under 14,000 Corvettes were sold in 2009, a drop of 48 percent from the year before. A new model is about two to three years out, but expect that the new design will be settled this year in order to stay on target.

Real Corvette

Changing the Corvette will be a delicate act, one that can take the model into a different direction completely which raises an important point—will the next generation Corvette no longer be a Corvette? Let’s hope so because this “iconic” model deserves to be given the chance to not only survive, but thrive.

Photo Credit: GM Corp.

Camaro Now Green With Synergy

A heritage look requires the use of a heritage color. The 2010 Chevy Camaro is now available in rallye (synergy) green.

When you build a heritage model, you borrow the styling cues from the original and hope that these characteristics successfully translate into an all new car.

In the Chevrolet Camaro, GM has managed to do just that, building a car that offers a nice tribute to the original, while redefining the sport coupe market for the 21st century.

Green With Synergy

But Chevrolet hasn’t forgotten one of the important attributes of the earlier model such as memorable body colors like rallye green. To that end, Chevrolet has decided to bring back that earlier color midway through the 2010 model year: an attention getting Camaro Synergy Special Edition model with pricing starting at $26,790.

This model, which will be produced for a limited time (February through May) is based on the Camaro 1LT with its 3.6L V6 engine paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Dramatic Camaro Colors

“Synergy Green continues a long tradition of dramatic Camaro colors,” says Camaro historian Scott Settlemire. “Some of the most sought-after Camaros are first generation cars – those from 1967 to 1969 – in Hugger Orange, Daytona Yellow, and Rallye Green.”

Rallye green was one of the special colors offered with the original Chevy Camaro including this 1969 model.

The color scheme was first introduced at the 2009 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers) show where it was received with critical acclaim. GM says that the model will be “accented by Cyber Grey Rally Stripes running the length of the Camaro hood and rear deck. Other exterior features include a standard rear spoiler, and standard 19 inch, Sterling Silver painted wheels wrapped with P245/50R19 tires.”

Interior Touches Too

Inside, the special edition Camaro will feature a Synergy Green instrument panel and door inserts. Synergy Green stitching also accents the Jet Black cloth seats, steering wheel, shift knob and center console.

“The Synergy Special Edition package is designed for customers who want a unique performance car at an attainable price,” says Camaro marketing manager John Fitzpatrick. “For under $27,000, Camaro Synergy Special Edition offers standout styling, modern technologies like Bluetooth, and 304 horsepower under the hood.”

Synergy Green joins Inferno Orange and the Rallye Yellow Transformers Edition which have helped propel the Camaro. Since being reintroduced last Spring, the Camaro has met and even exceeded most expectations, outselling its Ford Mustang rival in most months.

Source: GM Corp.