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1987 Corvette Indy -
"The Running Prototype" Here's the story...
After seeing the full-size Corvette Indy clay model, GM brass approved the construction of a running prototype of the bold new design. Clay models are always a little over the top and need to be pulled back, but the running Corvette Indy still sizzled.
The second-stage Corvette Indy was a three part project. The overall design shape and hardware specifications came from the Corvette design team. Since GM had recently purchased Lotus, it was decided to use Lotus' suspension engineering skills to develop a prototype active suspension system. And finally, Cecomp of Italy was contracted to assemble the finished running vehicle. This was to be an interim car while the CERV III engineering study was being built.
Dream cars can be very exciting, but are often not road worthy as production cars. So the original design had to be more realistic. The front end was shortened and the A- and B-pillars were a little more realistic. Also, extra ground clearance and wheel travel in the wheel openings was added. But the shape, flavor, style, and attitude remained.
Running gear was as cutting edge as could be. An early version of the 5.7 LT5 (ZR-1) engine was used. Placement was not only mid-engine (something that Duntov wanted for decades), but was also transverse mounted. The backbone chassis was made of carbon fiber rather than the Kevlar tub of the first version. The Lotus team got to show off their latest active suspension hardware that had just about everything you could imagine. Micro processors and hydraulics replaced the entire standard suspension. The car had full-time four- wheel-drive, four-wheel steering, ABS brakes and traction control. The active suspension allowed for smaller wheel houses, fewer parts, and more interior room.
Weighing only 3,300 pounds and packing 380 hp, the Corvette Indy had enough grunt to carry the Corvette flame. The next stage would be the production-like CERV III. As a prototype, the running Corvette Indy was a success!
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