Chevrolet Looking Into Expanding Corvette Line With New SUV

author: Vineeth Joel Patel   

When one automaker does something, chances are that others are looking to do the same exact thing. Last year, Ford announced the Mustang Mach-E. While the all-electric crossover has a controversial name, the vehicle helped Ford expand the Mustang family and introduce a much-needed all-electric vehicle to the lineup. Now, it looks like Chevrolet is looking to follow in Ford's footsteps by doing something similar. Just like Ford, Chevrolet is looking to do something similar with its iconic nameplate – the Corvette.

All-Electric Corvette SUV Coming

According to Bloomberg, General Motors is looking for a way to expand the Corvette family by coming out with an electric vehicle that's inspired by the iconic sports car. The outlet spoke with unnamed sources familiar with the automaker's plans. If approved, the upcoming electric vehicle would be a crossover with Corvette styling.

"Project R" or "Brand R," which is what the program is called internally, is being used as a way to attract more buyers. Chevrolet is looking to leverage the Corvette name's reputation for having high performance and aggressive design in a vehicle with "more interior room and storage," claims the report. A vehicle with a large amount of interior space and storage definitely points toward a crossover or some kind of SUV. And if this sounds familiar, it's because it's exactly what Ford did with the Mustang Mach-E.

What's Stopping Chevrolet?

Apparently, GM has been sitting on the idea of making different vehicles that will share the Corvette's same design, but hasn't pursued any of them because of fear of upsetting purists. Additionally, Chevrolet is concerned about ruining the Corvette's stellar image. This may sound like an absurd thing to be concerned about, but it's exactly what happened with the Mustang Mach-E. Purists and the majority of journalists believe that the Mustang Mach-E isn't a true Mustang. While Ford drew a bunch of new consumers in with the electric crossover, it certainly lost the respect of a few die-hard fans.

If Chevrolet were to expand the Corvette lineup with new all-electric offerings, the vehicles would certainly use GM's new Ultium batteries. Those will be used in nearly all of GM's EVs from Cadillac, GMC, Buick, and Chevrolet. If Chevrolet is really looking into coming out with an electric SUV based on the Corvette, the vehicle could go on sale as early as 2025.

GM has a massive electrification plan for the future. The American automaker will invest $27 billion into new tech over the next five years and has plans to introduce roughly 24 new electric vehicles by 2025. Other upcoming electric vehicles from GM include the Cadillac Lyric, GMC Hummer EV, Cadillac Celestiq, and Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

Vineeth Joel Patel

Joel Patel has been covering all aspects of the automotive industry for four years as an editor and freelance writer for various websites. When it comes to cars, he enjoys covering the merger between technology and cars. In his spare time, Joel likes to watch baseball, work on his car, and try new foods