The next-generation Chevrolet Corvette may have been teased in footage from a tour of the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, where the iconic sports car is designed.
The tour shown on NBC included an interview with GM CEO Mary Barra and, in the background, computer screens appeared to show coupes featuring the Corvette’s distinctive forward-leaning nose.
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It may be the first glimpse of the ninth-generation ‘C9’ Corvette, which GM Authority recently reported will enter production in 2029. A full-size clay model of a two-door sports car was also shown in the footage.
Ms Barra is shown walking among concept cars, including the Corvette CX electric vehicle (EV) and the track-focused V8 hybrid-powered CX.R, which were shown at the 2025 Monterey Car Week ahead of their debut in the Gran Turismo 7 Sony PlayStation game.
The two Corvette concepts can be seen on computer screens during the interview with Ms Barra, as well as among clay models at the technical centre, suggesting they have played a significant role in shaping the C9’s design.
“The CX and CX.R Vision Gran Turismo demonstrate our design teams stepping away from the constraints of production vehicles and unleashing their creativity,” Chevrolet executive design director Phil Zak said after the two concepts were unveiled.
“Through this exercise, we’ve added to Corvette and defined the design direction for Corvette moving forward.”
That influence appears to extend to the cabin, with the striking Inferno Red interior of the CX concept shown largely unchanged from the vehicle revealed last year, accessed via a lift-up canopy.
The CX concept is an all-wheel drive electric supercar featuring four in-wheel electric motors and a 90kWh lithium-ion battery, producing more than 2000hp (1491kW).
The CX.R also produces 2000hp (1491kW), but uses a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine capable of revving to 15,000rpm, paired with three electric motors: two driving the front wheels and one integrated into the eight-speed transmission.
While neither powertrain has been officially locked in for the C9 Corvette, GM is introducing a new entry-level V8 engine in the current C8, which debuted in 2020. This engine may also be carried over to the C9.
The new 6.7-litre ‘LS6’ V8 petrol engine will replace the 6.2-litre ‘LT2’ V8 in the entry-level C8 Stingray.
With production due to begin in mid-2026, the LS6 will first be offered in the C8 Corvette Grand Sport. It will become the largest-capacity V8 offered in the current Corvette range, producing 393kW and 705Nm, compared to the Stingray’s 369kW and 637Nm.
The C8 Grand Sport has not been confirmed for Australian showrooms, nor has the new LS6 engine been announced for the local lineup, despite confirmation in the US that it will be the primary engine for the Corvette Stingray.
The Grand Sport was unveiled alongside the Grand Sport X, which replaces the Corvette E-Ray sold in Australia, though it too has yet to be confirmed for local showrooms.
The C9 will be the first Corvette launched following the departure of legendary engineer Tadge Juechter, who served as chief engineer for 18 years until 2024. Former Cadillac Celestiq chief engineer Tony Roma has since taken over the role.
GM also made further changes to the Corvette team following the apparent dismissal of Harlan Charles, who served as the sports car’s product marketing manager for 24 years, early last year.
