Now in the sixth year of its storied existence, it is breathtaking to think of everything that has transpired from inception to date about the C8 Chevrolet Corvette concept. Most certainly having at least a few years left before the advent of the ninth-generation Corvette, it is a great time to ponder the design of the new one. General Motors is undoubtedly working on it, as the three Chevrolet Corvette concepts that it is unveiling this year likely serve as a teaser for what will become the C9 Corvette-the second-ever mid-engine Corvette from the factories.
This particular concept-baptized the California Corvette Concept has been realized by GM’s Advanced Design studio located in Pasadena, with inspiration coming from the sunny and vibrant Southern California atmosphere. Whereas the design from GM’s U.K. design center features gullwing doors and a split windshield, the Pasadena studio has taken the precincts from the usually clearer skies there. Essentially, a novel approach has been afforded to design this vehicle for complete roof removal. The entire front-hinged canopy over the cockpit can be pulled away.
This Chevrolet Corvette concept was inspired by the attempt to achieve the duality of purpose described by Brian Smith, GM Advanced Design Pasadena director of design. With the roof on, the California Corvette Concept looks the part of a modern sports car; with the roof off, it offers an exciting open-air experience for both driver and passenger, much like that of a track car. This feature is becoming a rarity on account of safety regulations in recent times.
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Inside this vehicle, the two-seat setup of the C8 is given a futuristic twist, maintaining a fairly minimal number of buttons. Despite seeing the sky, rollover protection is provided in the form of a structure located behind the seat headrests, somewhat akin to crash structures as seen in Formula One or IndyCar. Although those have moved toward canopy and halo designs for their cockpit protection.
