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Looking around, it could easily be argued that we are living in the embodiment of what the fabled Chinese proverb states, “May you live in interesting times.” While many may consider that phrase a blessing, many others consider it a curse.
One way to keep things interesting is to mix it up a little bit from time to time and to say the mid-engine C8 Corvette shook things up when GM introduced such a transitional product design would be an understatement. While Corvette still holds the title of America’s Sportscar, many things have changed with the latest generation ‘Vette, starting with where GM placed the engine. Further changes included dual-overhead cams in the Z06 and we’re even seriously chatting about the electrification of the famed sportscar within this current generation!
It’s clear that GM intended for the car to reach a newer, younger market and experience has shown that many have heeded that call and embraced the latest generation sportscar. Everything about the latest Corvette illustrates how different this car’s marketing has been. The way news about it moves around in social circles differs greatly from years and generations past.
Designing has gone from a handful of GM employees deciding what the next generation of the car will look like to skilled digital artists, showing the world what modifications they think looks best. Some of the wildest real-life creations have come from another artist’s Photoshop skills.
Rather than relying on soaped-up windows and secret squirrel reveals designed to funnel the faithful into dealer showrooms, the latest Corvette has embraced the digital realm, allowing mortal men to create and adapt modifications to the car’s styling. Many digital-savvy enthusiasts have embraced the C8 Corvette (and its Z06 variant) as the subject for wielding their artistic brush and pen. The latest example is brought to you by Instagram user, Shashank Das (@sdesyn). His work not only highlights his talent but also speaks volumes about the shifting market surrounding the new Corvette.
His latest work utilizes the widened haunches of the Z-car, but also includes several touches to give the car a track-ready attitude that would surely appeal to the younger enthusiast. Of course, the judicious use of carbon fiber is always a treat and nothing reinforces the “racer Corvette” aura like hash marks. Both of these touches have been used with great effect in previous generations of Corvettes by both GM and the aftermarket and this latest rendering continues using both treatments effectively.
In a different post, wheel designer Vossen Wheels posted a photo of its LC2-C1 wheel on Instagram and asked, “What would these look good on?” This rendering is a perfect response by including those super-large Vossen wheels to help fill those widened wheelhouses found on the Z06 ‘Vette. Adding to the modern flavor, “Mr. Das” gave the wheels a shiny bronze hue rather than the typical dipped chrome finish we’re used to seeing on previous generations of Corvettes.
Arguably, the headlights in this Photochop have a Ford GT appearance and while we like it, we’re not sure Corvette guys would want to be misidentified as a Ford product in the rearview mirror, even if it does cost several times more coin to get one. All the additional touches, such as the red accents around the air openings, down the car’s centerline, and on the rear wing give interesting visual cues without being overpowering.
All in all, this design is closer to obtainable than many prototypical renderings, and looking at Chevrolet’s configurator shows that you can add some similar carbon and color touches to your production Z06. GM is definitely taking notice! Looking at the first comment from “ballpoint_dude” in the Instagram post clearly shows how outdated the soapy window marketing is in today’s digital realm. “When is this coming to Gran Turismo?!!”, he asks. Clearly, we’ve come a long way from hanging posters of our dream cars on a wall!
What are your thoughts on this digital rendering of the Z06? Is it going too far or not far enough? Are there things you would change or pass on this car entirely? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear your thoughts!
