This week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit gave us a taste of the year to come in cars. But what exactly should we expect for 2012? Here are our 10 prognostications for automotive trends and news for the next 12 months.
1. New C7 Corvette Won’t Be Revolutionary
The next generation Corvette, the 2014 C7, won’t debut until early next year. But as 2013 creeps closer, we probably will learn much about the all-new ’Vette—and what we learn probably won’t shock or awe anyone.
Every new generation of Corvette spawns wild rumors of incredible technology and revolutionary powertrains. Since the 1970s, we’ve heard that the next “new Corvette” will be midengined and perhaps it will use a turbocharged V-6 or a rotary engine. It might also have wild bodywork. And yet, as far back as the 1950s, Corvettes have used a rear-wheel-drive chassis with a V-8 upfront. And for the past 40 years, Corvette styling has evolved consistently, like the Porsche 911’s. There have been no great leaps in styling since 1968.
The new C7 probably won’t be any different. There most likely won’t be any radical split-rear-window as a nod to the ’60s. A V-8 with around 450 hp will probably live under the car’s hood. We expect the new interior to be much upgraded over the current car, perhaps offering GM’s new Cue infotainment system. That might just be the most revolutionary part of the new car: a truly modern Corvette interior.
Every new generation of Corvette spawns wild rumors of incredible technology and revolutionary powertrains. Since the 1970s, we’ve heard that the next “new Corvette” will be midengined and perhaps it will use a turbocharged V-6 or a rotary engine. It might also have wild bodywork. And yet, as far back as the 1950s, Corvettes have used a rear-wheel-drive chassis with a V-8 upfront. And for the past 40 years, Corvette styling has evolved consistently, like the Porsche 911’s. There have been no great leaps in styling since 1968.
The new C7 probably won’t be any different. There most likely won’t be any radical split-rear-window as a nod to the ’60s. A V-8 with around 450 hp will probably live under the car’s hood. We expect the new interior to be much upgraded over the current car, perhaps offering GM’s new Cue infotainment system. That might just be the most revolutionary part of the new car: a truly modern Corvette interior.
