The idea of a mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette is not a new one. Renowned engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov, commonly referred to as the “father of the Corvette,” crafted a number of mid-engine prototypes in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and every handful of years since there’s been published claims of a mid-engine Corvette’s arrival. So far, all empty promises. 

The latest claims, however, go into remarkable detail about one such clandestine Corvette, and if true, they say it’s bound to arrive and replace the current-generation car in 2018. Traditionalists, shed a tear.

The report, released by Car and Driver, claims that the next-generation of Chevrolet Corvette (C8) will be showcased at the 2018 Detroit auto show (as a new 2019 model) with production set to commence later that year, at which point the much loved C7 ‘Vette will be phased out in favor of the new mid-engine variant.