The Detroit Free Press ran a story last week focusing on company morale at General Motors post-recall crisis. Mark Reuss said morale within the company is up from 2012 despite the onslaught of controversy they have dealt with in recent months, but in the very last paragraph of the story was another interesting piece of information.
Reuss told the Free Press the company has already begun work on the next-generation Chevrolet Corvette. The most recent variation of the sportscar, which has seen tremendous success since its launch last year, is more efficient than iterations before it, able to achieve up to 30 MPG on the highway. However the company may be searching for even greater efficiency with the next car, possibly by using electric or hybrid technology.
The idea of an electronically-assisted ‘Vette may seem farfetched to some, but Reuss didn’t rule it out when asked. Hybrid supercars like the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 have shown automakers what kind of performance and fuel efficiency can be achieved with alternative energy powertrains. The two can even travel around on electricity only, an idea some Corvette customers might find appealing. Electronic motors can also “fill” the gap in torque left by gasoline engines, providing a consistent surge of torque throughout the entire rev range.
Of course there may be Corvette purists who wouldn’t warm up to the idea of an electric version of their favorite car. But if it will offer additional performance, reduce fuel consumption and help keep the Corvette relevant in a market with rapidly advancing technology, they may change their minds.
