General Motors re-filed a trademark application for the “Zora” name.
As we inch closer to the mid-engine Corvette’s arrival, fresh news is swirling about what it may actually be called. Thanks to sites like The Drive and GM Authority, we now know GM once again filed the “Zora” name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. I say again because GM actually filed another applciation back in 2014. Speculation surrounding the mid-engine Corvette — of which there’s a ton — suggests the Zora name will accompany the car’s arrival.
The “Zora” name is likely a nod to the father of the Corvette, Zora Arkus-Dontov. He’s the one who insisted the C1 Corvette packed a V8 engine, kicking off the model’s performance aspiration for generations to come. He also wanted a mid-engine Corvette. However, that dream went unfulfilled during his lifetime, as he passed away in 1996. Now, more than two decades later, his ambition will finally come to fruition.
More coming this year
The trademark application doesn’t say much, beyond the December 12 filing date. General Motors is listed as the applicant, while the name is identified to be used for “motor land vehicles, namely, automobiles” — naturally. Whether GM will actually use it for a mid-engined Corvette is pure speculation at this point. However, given the car’s development cycle, it’s entirely plausible. The new “C8” Corvette will likely show itself sometime later this year.
We may have been much closer to seeing a mid-engine Corvette unveiling. However, multiple reports cited electrical issues with the car’s electrical system during development. We’ll definitely know more soon, and now, it seems we may have a lead on a name for the new mid-engine Corvette to replace its outgoing, front-engined ancestors.
Rumors are still circulating as to what exactly is powering the new mid-engine Corvette as well. Could it be a new iteration of GM’s 6.2-liter V8 engine? In the ZR1, it does already produce 755 horsepower. Some have suggested it may use the 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 making its way into the Cadillac CT6-V. Cadillac recently announced its “Blackwing” V8 as a brand-exclusive engine, but with the CT6 meeting its maker this year, it may well end up in a new Corvette. That engine makes 550 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque in the Cadillac.
Check out the trademark application below:
