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1986 Chevrolet Corvette Indy Concept

Chevrolet constructed the Indy Concept in 1985 and showed it at the 1986 Detroit Auto Show. The inoperative show car was powered by a mid-engined twin-turbo 2.6-liter V8 engine designed by Lotus Engineering. Two additional fully roadworthy prototypes followed. The Corvette Indy concept was created to showcase Chevrolet's advanced automotive technology and featured 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering, a rearview camera with an in-dash view screen, anti-lock brakes, and drive by wire system. The cockpit contained three CRT displays that substituted for mirrors and delivered vehicle dynamics as well as navigational and operational information.

The Corvette Indy was conceived by Tom Peters under the guidance of studio head Jerry Palmer and executive champion Chuck Jordan. The sleek body design flowed into a transparent roof and featured large side scoops that provided engine cooling.

The concept was expected to reach a top speed of 180 mph. The Corvette Indy debuted at NAIAS in 1986 and was updated with an LT-5 ZR-1 engine in 1988

Coupe

Two versions of this Indy Concept Car exist, including this fully functional model and a fiberglass full-size model. Power is from a 5.7-liter 32-valve dual overhead cam V8 placed midship. This example has 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering, electronic/hydraulic active suspension, anti-lock brakes, computer traction control, electronic accelerator control, and CRT displays.

The world got a first glimpse at what was to come in 1986 when the Corvette Indy Concept was launched. At the time it was considered to serve principally as a showcase for the newly developed Ilmor/ Chevrolet Indy racing engine. In fact it was the first result of a partnership between Chevrolet engineers and the British F1 team and sportscar manufacturer Lotus. Even though the mid-engine Indy Concept shown to the public was nothing more than a full-scale mock-up, work was underway to build the first fully functioning car back in England.

The mid-engine Indy Corvette was created to examine and develop advanced technology for systems and components for future Chevrolet vehicles.