C8 Corvette Unlikely to Debut at Detroit Auto Show

According to GM employees, it looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer to see the C8 Corvette in the flesh.

For quite some time now, we’ve been operating under the assumption that the all-new C8 Corvette would make its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show this upcoming January. That fact has been repeated by a number of notable automotive publications, which seems to give it further credence.

But now that we’re merely weeks away from the 2019 North American International Auto Show, we’ve yet to hear a peep about the C8 Corvette. Even worse, Corvette Forum member RonnieC6Z appears to have gathered evidence that we, in fact, won’t be seeing the new ‘Vette any time soon.

“I was at the L.A. Auto Show yesterday. While visiting the Chevy display, I spoke to two men with GM. I did my best to try to get any small piece of info out of them regarding the C8 Corvette. But they were completely tight-lipped. However, one of them did tell me that the C8 definitely would not be introduced in Detroit next month.”

Disappointing, for sure. But as the OP points out, it does make sense when you think about it.

And that totally makes sense since the factory was originally scheduled to reopen for tours next month. Then, not too long ago, it was announced that the factory would continue to be closed for tours until a date to be announced sometime in 2019. Logically, tours cannot begin again until after the C8 is announced and shown to the world. It could be April in NYC, next November in L.A., or possibly not at an auto show.”

Theories as to when the C8 Corvette abound. But fellow member 69 has an interesting one to share.

“The 2019 Caravan, NCM 25th Anniversary Celebration, and Hall of Fame Induction. Often referred to as the world’s largest moving automotive event, the National Corvette Caravan is a celebration of America’s Sports Car, culminating in Bowling Green, Kentucky for the anniversary celebration of the National Corvette Museum. Hosted only once every five years, the next event is slated for Labor Day Weekend 2019 and will mark the museum’s 25th Anniversary.”

Still, quite a few members, including Foosh believe that the C8 Corvette will, in fact, bow in New York.

“An NYC choice for the reveal has nothing to do with how much interest the local populace has in cars, or how many people attend. It’s all about press coverage and how many journalists attend. Interest in the NYC show has been growing exponentially. There are now big segments on most all of the TV broadcast and cable news networks every year. All based in NYC. And everyone who’s anyone in the automotive journalist community is in attendance.”

Thus, we may have to wait only until the spring to finally see the C8 Corvette. But we still want to know what you think. So head over here and tell us when you believe the C8 will make its debut, and why!