If a “Split-Window” option was available on the C7 Corvette, would you order your C7 with one?

This is the photo from the Car and Driver story.

I Photoshopped the split-window out of the rear window on this photo.

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Last week I talked about the Car and Driver C7 update from their April 2011 issue. Among all the rehashed jib-jab, there was one tantalizing paragraph. The seventh paragraph says…

“More startling, it seems certain that the coupe’s going-away view will feature a split rear window – ‘a la the one-year Sting Ray coupe of 1963 – though in this case it will be an optional feature. Chevrolet first signaled its interest in reviving the split-window by outfitting the Stingray concept vehicle with one. Yes, that’s the one that appeared in the second Transformers movie.”

In my initial hunt for some technical/technical red meat in the story, I kind of skipped by the above detail. The rearview image from the Car and Driver story (quite possibly a styling study) shows a split-window, although due to the low angle of the image, it’s easy to not notice.

It’s also odd that the story reports that GM’s latest CEO, Dan Akerson told design chief Ed Welburn that the C6’s posterior was way too wide – a criticism that we’ve all heard. Yet the back end of the latest styling study exhibits those big,, tall rear fender haunches. Besides the tail light assembly, there’s probably not much else inside those fenders but air.

But, back to the split-window option. Unlike the ‘63 split-window coupe, the entire rear window / hatch assembly is a separate piece. Making a “with,” and “without” window-hatch assembly wouldn’t be a stretch at all. It would be more of a costing issue than anything else. If this goes into production it’ll be interesting to see how the sales work out.

Here’s a studio shot of the Centennial Concept Corvette

Much has been said about the notion of the return of the split-window. Everything from, “No! Please! Don’t!” to “Cool! Why not?!” If the design team can get everything together for a Fall ‘12 launch as a ‘13 model, the timing would be PERFECT!

I Photoshopped the split-window out.

Imagine. The new 2013 C7 Corvette could have a 60th Anniversary Special Edition, as well as a 50th Anniversary Sting Ray Edition! Having the split-window as an option would definitely create some interesting visual combinations. A split-window option would avail buyers that little extra touch of personalization to make their Corvette unique. A split-window Grand Sport, Z06, or ZR1 with over the roof stripes would be sweet!

And while we’re at it, I’d like to propose that the “Sting Ray” moniker be brought back. Come on Chevrolet! Let’s see a C7 Corvette Sting Ray. or better yet, a 50th Anniversary C7 Corvette Sting Ray. I can see it now…

“New for 2013… The Return of the Corvette Sting Ray!”

Stay tuned! – Scott

PS – Speaking of ‘63 Split-Window Coupe Corvettes, I’ve got quite a few on my website. To visit the 1963 page, CLICK HERE.

1963 Corvette Sting Ray Split-Window Coupe

We have lots of Laser-Etched Corvette art similar to this one.