GM Showcases Corvette-Inspired Electric Concept Car
On April 7, 2025, General Motors (GM) announced officially opening a new advanced design studio in Royal Leamington Spa, situated about 20 miles from Birmingham. The opening event was highlighted by the unveiling of an exciting Chevrolet Corvette electric concept car, developed by the UK team as part of a larger global design collaboration. This concept car will be followed by additional Corvette design studies throughout 2025, as GM’s creative network pushes the boundaries of automotive design.
This new UK-based design hub is set to play a crucial role in GM’s ongoing commitment to innovation. The studio is an integral part of the company’s global design strategy, helping GM better understand European customer trends and infuse fresh perspectives into its creative process. The design studio spans an impressive 24,584 square feet and employs over 30 talented designers. It’s equipped with cutting-edge facilities to handle both digital and physical clay model development, ensuring that GM’s design teams have the tools they need to push the envelope.
Corvette Concept – A Vision for the Future
The star of the show was undoubtedly the new electric Chevrolet Corvette concept car. While no production plans are attached to this study, the concept car was developed as part of GM’s broader design exploration into the future of mobility. The Corvette nameplate has a storied history of breaking new ground in automotive design, and this latest concept continues that legacy.
One of the standout features of this design is the integration of a central spine running down the vehicle’s length, known as the “Apex Vision.” This design element nods to the iconic 1963 Chevrolet Corvette StingRay’s “split window” and offers an innovative, panoramic view of the road, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
Innovative Design and Engineering
The concept car introduces a sleek and futuristic aesthetic, blending classic Corvette design with cutting-edge technology. The upper half of the vehicle pays homage to Corvette’s heritage with clean, muscular shapes, while the lower half focuses on functional elements such as embedded EV battery technology and aerodynamics designed to improve efficiency.
One of the most innovative features of the vehicle is its aerodynamic “Duality.” This system enables the car to seamlessly adapt for both on-road efficiency and high-performance on-track driving. Active aero elements, such as retractable dorsal fins and adjustable spoilers, automatically adjust depending on the driving conditions, enhancing both efficiency and cornering capabilities.
GM’s Global Design Network
The opening of the Royal Leamington Spa studio demonstrates GM’s commitment to Europe and its ambition to further develop its electric vehicle portfolio, particularly in the Cadillac and Corvette lines. With design studios already in Detroit, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Seoul, the UK team will be another critical piece in GM’s global design puzzle, enriching the company’s design portfolio with European influences and innovation.
“This studio will enable us to better understand the needs and aspirations of European consumers while fostering a collaborative environment where creative design ideas can flourish,” said Julian Thomson, the head of GM’s UK Advanced Design Studio.
