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1986 Corvette Indy: What started as a removable-roof clay-model concept designed around Chevy's 265-cubic-inch Indy engine was eventually rolled out as a runner powered by the ZR-1's 380-horse LT-5 engine in a T-top body filled with enough electronics to intimidate Buck Rogers. After introducing the 4th generation Corvette, there was a concept car introduced in 1985 to show a possible 5th generation Corvette. Called the Corvette Indy, the first example was a silver "pushmobile," a non-working mockup showing the mid-engine configuration preferred by Duntov (The "father" of the Corvette). The silver car was followed by two functional examples (white, red) used to develop the CERV III, the road-going blue car seen here introduced in 1989.
The Chevrolet Corvette Indy Concept was constructed in 1985 and first shown at the Detroit Auto Show in 1986. It was powered by a mid-mounted twin-turbo intercooled 32 valve 2.6-liter V8 engine designed by Lotus Engineering. The engine was nicknamed for its cousin, the Chevy Indy V8 racing engine. Horsepower has never been published but is estimated at approximately 600. The Corvette Indy concept was created to showcase Chevrolet's advanced automotive technology. As such, the car featured 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering, active suspension, and a rearview camera with an in-dash view screen. Indy incorporated many "advanced" technologies that are now standard on the 1997 Corvette, including ABS braking, electronic traction control, and electronic throttle control.
Chevy built three versions of the 1986 Corvette Indy concept car, one static example strictly for show, and two running prototypes. The concept was presented at the 1986 Detroit Auto Show.
Source: Frank Markus, MotorTrend Magazine; Mario van Ginneken - www.corvettes.nl
Images: GM Media Archives; www.shorey.net, www.conceptcars.it
