Is GM Planning Another Manta Ray Corvette?

[Camo]

Source: Corvette Forum http://www.corvetteforum.com

Alright everyone, start your daydreaming, because GM just accidentally dropped a fairly juicy tidbit of information. According to a leak inside the patent and trademark office, GM recently filed for a trademark for the names "Manta Ray" and "Corvette Manta Ray".

While many of you will undoubtedly remember the original Corvette Manta Ray concept, for those that don't, it was essentially an upgraded aero package for the C3 Corvette. It was definitely... interesting, to say the least. But as for the news above, we sincerely doubt that GM will go the same aesthetic direction as the original concept.



According to our insiders, the new Corvette Manta Ray will most likely denote a trim level between the regular C7 Corvette and the Z06 Corvette, essentially slotting the void that the last generation Grand Sport filled. We will likely see a slight appearance change, and a possible bump in horsepower for the Corvette's standard LT1 V8.

But I'm curious, what do you all think of GM bringing back these old nameplates? We're most likely getting the Zora, we've got the Stingray, and now we're getting the Manta Ray. Is GM living too far in the past?

[gtc]

Is GM living too far in the past?

I'll answer that when details of the C8 are announced. If it has a push rod engine, my answer will be: Yes.

[Scott]

I'll answer that when details of the C8 are announced. If it has a push rod engine, my answer will be: Yes.

That's because pushrod engines are cheaper and more compact, as well as much simpler to build and maintain.  Strangely enough, pushrod engines are newer technology than the old overhead cam design...