For a while, the internet was ignited by rumours of a mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette C7, then the fire was stirred with talk of a force-fed V6, before the latest blaze swept across online forums thanks to a supposed seven-speed transmission.

The truth is, there is no truth, yet. What we have here instead are the first spied photos of the next generation ‘Vette tested in both convertible and hard-top guises in the form of mules.

So while the body looks familiar, everything underneath is new, which is why the C6 body awkwardly shrouds the narrow wheel track of the chassis below.

This tells us that the C7 will likely be shorter and narrower (and hopefully even lighter
thanks to a fibreglass body), also featuring a completely revised exhaust system reminding us of the Corvette Stingray concept.

As for the engine, it’s safe to say the long bonnet will hide a pushrod V8 with direct injection and variable valve timing making around 440bhp.