Fighter-jet-style canopy and 2,000 hp: Chevrolet shows Corvette CX concepts

Chevrolet chose The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering in Monterey, California, to unveil two new Corvette concepts — the road-focused Corvette CX and the track-only Corvette CX.R Vision Gran Turismo (VGT) — positioning them as design beacons rather than production vehicles. According to Chevrolet executive design director Phil Zak, the pair allowed design teams to step away from “the constraints of production vehicles and unleash their creativity,” setting the design direction for future Corvettes.

At first glance, the Corvette CX concept is every bit a Corvette — long, low, and aggressive, with classic cues such as a forward-lunging nose, signature dual-element taillights, and a roofline under 41 inches. One look at the forward-opening, fighter-jet-style canopy makes it clear this is no retro exercise.

The cockpit is finished in Inferno Red ballistic textile, premium silicone leather, and forged carbon fiber, setting the tone for an interior focused on both drama and driver engagement. The digital windscreen transforms the windshield into an immersive surround display with real-time performance data, and major controls are integrated into the steering wheel to minimize distraction.

Beneath the sculpted bodywork, the CX debuts a Vacuum Fan System that draws air through open-channel body sections to generate significant downforce and fine-tune aerodynamic balance in real time. Both the front diffuser and rear wing are active, responding to driver inputs, while visible structural elements and wing-profile suspension A-arms are shaped to reduce lift.

Propulsion is fully electric: four motors (one per wheel) deliver more than 2,000 hp with all-wheel drive and four-wheel torque vectoring. A 90-kWh lithium-ion battery sits within the chassis to lower the center of gravity and optimize weight distribution.

If the CX is Corvette’s road car of tomorrow, the Corvette CX.R Vision Gran Turismo is its alter ego for the racetrack — and for Gran Turismo 7 gamers. Wearing the iconic yellow and black livery of Corvette Racing, the CX.R VGT dials up the aggression with extra aero, a lower ride height, and even less weight. The cockpit trades touring finishes for lightweight raw carbon fiber and suede-wrapped foam inserts, while enlarged shoulder and headrest pads provide added support for the extreme loads the car is designed to generate.

The powertrain blends electric and combustion power. A mid-mounted 2.0-liter DOHC twin-turbo V8, capable of revving to 15,000 rpm and producing up to 900 hp, is paired with three electric motors for a combined total of 2,000 hp. The V8 drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and renewable e-fuel, while three electric motors — one at each front wheel and a third integrated into the gearbox — add instant torque for all-wheel-drive performance and explosive acceleration.

These concepts aren't merely showpieces. Working alongside Chevrolet performance engineers, the design team produced detailed blueprints for the chassis, drivetrains, and aerodynamic systems of both vehicles. In partnership with Polyphony Digital, the Corvette CX and CX.R VGT will become playable in Gran Turismo 7 later this month, offering enthusiasts a hands-on preview of Chevrolet's future-facing Corvette design language.