If you're one of those gearheads who has his fingers crossed for a mid-engined Corvette->ke1280, then this report will likely keep your hopes up. According to Motor Trend, quoting "multiple sources" around General Motors->ke1024, the next-generation Corvette will have its V-8 engine mounted behind the seats. What's more, the report suggests a mid-engine Corvette could come as soon as the C7->ke4579-based ZR1 hits the market.

Just as we pointed out back in June 2014, when Chevy->ke199 trademarked the "Zora" name, Motor Trend also hints that the said moniker will be used on a mid-engined Corvette. A move that would make sense, given that Zora Duntov himself created a mid-engined Corvette prototype in the early 1960s. Dubbed CERV II, the concept also featured a unique AWD system which, at the time, would've helped GM develop one of the most advanced supercars for the road.

Unfortunately, the CERV II never became more than just a concept and Chevrolet never offered supercar. But that could change in a few years if Motor Trend's report proves to be accurate.

Now we know what some of you might be thinking; shifting the Corvette's engine from the front to the middle would be a huge departure from the 'Vette's 60-year-old legacy. Well, not quite. Motor Trend speculates that Chevy is considering a "Corvette family" for the next-generation, C8 model. Specifically, the lineup could include both a familiar, front-engine sports car->ke506 and a mid-engine supercar->ke177.

Click past the jump to read about the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Why It Matters

There's no guarantee that the Zora name will spawn a mid-engine Corvette, but the scenario is exciting to say the least. It's been a while since Detroit offered a proper supercar. With the Ford GT->ke411 axed for eight years now, the Viper->ke1404 and the upcoming Corvette Z06 are the only near-supercar vehicles the Big Three have to offer. What's more, the number of American-built supercars U.S. enthusiasts can buy are quite limited. Hennessey only assembles a few of them each year, while SSC and Saleen are still working on their next 200-mph cars. Chevrolet, on the other hand, would have the means and the resources to produce a volume supercar. A mid-engine Corvette would be cheaper than its competitors and sales would definitely add more profits to GM's coffers. Yes, the mid-engine C8 Corvette makes a lot of sense, but will General Motors approve the idea? Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Redesigned from the ground up, the seventh-generation Corvette was unveiled at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show->ke506. The first modern Corvette to carry the Stingray name, the seventh iteration of the iconic sports car->ke506 features a brand-new exterior design and a completely reworked interior. The C7 Corvette benefits from a brand-new engine as well, in the form of 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.

The C7 Corvette is priced from $51,995 in standard guise and starts from $54,795 with the Z51 Package, before any options are added.