The Corvette concept model.

General Motors is revealing a futuristic new electric-powered Corvette concept imagined by a new UK-based design team in Birmingham, England. The team developed a hypercar design inspired by the aviation industry, with a highly sculptured, aerodynamic design; powered gullwing doors; and an augmented windshield display for the driver.

This Corvette concept comes from a “creative study” that had participation from multiple GM studios, GM’s VP of global design Michael Simcoe said in a press release. The vehicle’s upper half takes inspiration from previous designs, including the split window windshield that Simcoe says comes from the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray. “This feature emphasizes a singular vertical central spine that is also a structural element, also providing a panoramic view of the road and surroundings,” said Simcoe. GM calls this structure “Apex Vision.”

GM says that the lower half is more about function. The concept Corvette has EV battery technology embedded in the structure, and air channels incorporated into the sides that make airflow efficient, which, according to GM, would make wings and spoilers not necessary. However, on a track, the Corvette can deploy dorsal fins, and there’s spoiler venting to create aero vectoring for better cornering performance.

The UK team is also helping designers in Detroit with a new concept GMC vehicle that, from the looks of some teaser images, seems like a spacious, futuristic van that could be used for camping. The new GMC concept will be revealed later this year.

From The Verge via this RSS feed