![[PIC] This GM Design Sketch on Instagram Has Us Dreaming of the C9 Corvette](https://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/2023/052023_7.jpg)
GM Design Center is sharing a wild idea from one of their exterior designers, Dylan Schmidt, on social media.
And already some on the internet are wondering if this “stunning split-cockpit” exterior proposal might serve as an inspiration for the forthcoming C9 Corvette.
Too far away, you say. Well, since we’re already almost five years into the eighth-generation Corvette, it’s likely that GM is secretly well on its way toward designing the C9.
The folks at autoevolution.com believe Schmidt’s sketch isn’t too far out there to become a reality, saying: “… do not think the split-cockpit design is too quirky to be made in the real world. After all, BMW and others are splitting the bejesus out of the headlights in various (ugly) configurations, and they are still getting away with them.”
Likewise, Corvette fans can point to the one-year-only split-window design in 1963 as more proof that GM sometimes is willing to take a wild leap of faith. In fact, some people have complained that the “Great Wall of Buttons” in the current C8 serves as too much of a divider and makes the passenger feel left out.
Searching the internet, we did find a cool 2006 Lamborghini Concept S that featured a split cockpit with a beam between the driver and passenger seats, along with the complete lack of a roof. A wild concept for sure, but not very practical in the real world.
We haven’t really been able to find much other information about what a split-cockpit design means exactly, but Schmidt’s sketch seems to indicate to us the lack of traditional doors and instead some type of airplane-inspired cockpit that would extend into the hood over the front wheels and maybe even into the engine area over the rear wheels. Take a look at the center of the hood, and see if you think that area resembles the shape of a Stingray, too.
We’re eager to hear what you think this sketch says to you. In the final analysis, it might be too radical of an idea to become a reality, but you never know.
Source:
GeneralMotorsDesign / Instagram
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![[POLL] Which New Corvette Will Earn Your Business When the V8 is Phased Out?](https://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/uploads/2024/04/041924_7-218x150.jpg "[POLL] Which New Corvette Will Earn Your Business When the V8 is Phased Out?")
Encouraging to see a smooth design coming from GM, especially from Corvette. The present C8 is way too gratuitously over-styled. Why can’t cars be beautiful and timeless?
As with all futuristic designs, it looks great until you consider that you probably couldn’t get in or out of it and also couldn’t see where you are going. And, as usual, there is no allowance for any suspension travel.
I think “split cockpit” is a misnomer since cockpit strictly refers to the interior.
I AGREE
…an even more expensive windshield to replace.
Just like many of these futuristic drawings, it will most likely not become a reality. If so, what do you think the price tag would be? Would it start at $120,000 and then go up once you add the options of your choice?
I’ll just continue to drive my C8 Red Mist 2023 Convertible and turn heads as I cruise down the road.
I love it! It has the futuristic radical styling that the next gen Corvette should have and it still looks like a Corvette. IMO it looks a helluva lot better than the C8. Unfortunately a C9 that looks like that will probably never happen.
Has anyone considered that this will also likely be an all-electric powertrain since GM is going that way for all vehicles by 2035? I for one am not sold on that idea.
Yes, get rid of the C8 switch panel!!! Put in a decent automotive interior and quit trying to be a fighter jet!!
Looks great, but no matter what they do it will make no sound or some kind of simulated sounds. Nothing like a normally aspirated flat crank at 8600 rpms. Sorry my C8 is my last Corvette.
So a couple things. First it looks like a front engine concept based on the hood length to rear. Not that that is a bad thing…But I do think a C9 and future iterations will continue the Rear engine until such time as a full electric drivetrain. Could just be the sketch’s perspective…
The split cockpit is interesting but a little “hot wheels”. It is incredibly impractical and is obviously a design study. And in that frame of mind….as a study…that is fantastic. And I love the sketch. It is forward thinking while keeping the corvette dna. I mean you don’t look at this and think…Camaro.
But what I actually like most is the front clip design. That front end has some beautiful aero lines. I can definitely see different aspects of this drawing being pulled and developed towards the next or even the next next Corvette…
One of the things I like best is that when you see the drawing…it is a vette…
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