It's been less than a year since the redesigned C7 Corvette reached its first customers, and the latest iteration of the sports car is already available in a couple of special-edition trims. The extremely cool, 650-horsepower Z06 is already on its way and the new-generation Corvette->ke1280 is shaping up pretty nicely for the 2015 model year.

But expect more to follow, even if Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter hinted that a new-generation ZR1 is not very likely. With that out of the way, we might be looking at new special-edition models as early as 2016, maybe even a Grand Sport revival. It's a long shot right now, but we have reason to believe Chevy is pondering a back-to-the-roots "Zora" Edition to celebrate famed engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov.

What makes us think about a tribute car to the man known as the "Father of the Corvette" is a trademark request for the "Zora" name General Motors filed with the United States Patent Trademark Office. The application is currently filed under the category of "Vehicles and Products for locomotion by land, air of water" and strongly suggests its automotive-related purpose. And since Arkus-Duntov's career is strongly related to dropping Chevy's legendary small-block V-8 into the second-generation Corvette, we can't think of anything else but a special edition C7 Vette with a "Zora" badge on its fenders.

Click past the jump to learn more about what this trademark could mean.

Why It Matters

Chevrolet is obviously mum on the details, but, if this special edition comes to life, we expect to see a lightweight, track-focused Corvette to slot above the regular Stingray and beneath the Z06. It would also make sense for this vehicle to carry the Grand Sport name, a moniker that came to life in 1963 when Zora himself launched the Grand Sport racing program. Here's to hoping!

The previous Corvette Grand Sport was introduced in 2010 to replace the Z51 and it was offered until 2013. In its last year on the market, the Grand Sport carried a 6.2-liter, V-8 engine that delivered 430 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Unveiled at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, the 2014 Corvette Stingray is the seventh iteration of the iconic sports car and features a brand-new exterior design and a completely reworked interior. The C7 Corvette benefits from a brand-new engine as well, a 6.2-liter, naturally-aspirated V-8. The unit cranks out 455 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque with a standard exhaust and 460 horsepower and 465 pound-feet with the optional performance exhaust.