Could there be a Split Window Detail ?

[Skank]

There is a button above the leather covered infotainment controller that appears to have a icon that represents the rear hatch opened up. It has the shape of the rear ventilator frame with a center rib down the middle. There's a real possibility of a split window detail as there's really no reason to have full vision out the back of that heavily sloped and distorted rear window when they now have a wide angle Digital Rear View Streaming Mirror/Camera. The shape of that rear hatch ventilator frame could easily allow a glass overlay detail that could create a split window look or leave it off for people that don't want it. With that rear view camera a rear window is actually unnecessary.

In fact, it kind of makes all sorts of sense to do this as the 63 split window coupe is a Icon for Corvette. They could treat the rear window frame as a design element that could be Matte black, Carbon Flash, Dark Grey, body colored, or even centerline bookmatched Carbon Fiber like the ZR1 and many other high end exotics.

Here is a article on the rear view mirror tech that would allow a split window detail.

http://gmauthority.com/blog/2018/11/...camera-mirror/

This new tech also works much better in a extreme cold environment where windows can frost up and have no vision until you either scrape all the windows or wait for the defrosters to work. With the canopy over that lens the vision would always be clear.

Didn't Ed Welburn say before that we will see a split window sometimes in the future? Wonder what did he mean?

The Bugatti Divo is also a Split rear window.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...��

[CorvetteBlogger]

Great post Skank! I did a search on Ed Welburn regarding those comments and here is what he said back in 2009 in regards to the Corvette Stingray Concept and the C7 Corvette:

https://www.corvetteblogger.com/2009...n-C7-Corvette/



GM’s VP of Global Design Ed Welburn told Inside Line that the design of the new C7 Corvette will go retro much like the new Camaro and a prominent design feature will be the return of the split rear window. The next generation Corvette is expected to be launched in 2012 as a 2013 model.

The original split window appeared on the 1963 Corvette Coupe, but Chief Engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov hated the feature due to its limited visibility and in 1964 it was removed. Welburn addresses the visibility issue by saying “With the back-up cameras and blind-spot detection systems that we have these days, the visibility issue is much less of a problem.”

The Corvette Stingray Concept that appeared in the latest Transformers movie also has a split rear window. “That car is not the next Corvette.” says Welburn, “But the split-window is something that I expect for the next Corvette.”

[Bikerjulio]

Obviously, a lot of things are possible, but I don't really see a split window fitting with what we have seen so far. I like the look we have seen.

[John]

While I stylistically agree with your analysis from the above, what if???
1) The window we are seeing is not the actual window we will see; might the glass be recessed below what we see above;
2) The window surround trim is not what we will see, or we see it as is, but additionally something like this (and thanks for cutting me slack on this for I did get, and deserved, a “D” in my 4th grade art class).
3) Lastly, what if the roof and halo bars we have been seeing are not the production one, and that they continue the split window Stingray “spline” over the roof of the car?

With CorvetteBlogger’s quoted Ed Wellburn comment above, in which Ed said about ten years ago, “But the split window is something I expect for the next Corvette,” and with at that time the ME being expected next, but being pushed aside with the financial issues and the consequent last minute substitution of the C7, and with C8 mid engine being completed on Ed Welburn’s watch before he retired, I sure am not ruling a split window option out.

What if there is a loaded special edition, 1,000 unit initial C8 run, just like the Premiere Editon was at the beginnng of the C7 gen, with a SW Special Edition. That would start, my guess, again it would full loaded, at $99,999 and be sold out the first week (including my order).

[Bikerjulio]

I found a few other quotes from Mr Welburn as well, he sounds like a thoughtful guy:

“Every car designer dreams of designing a Corvette,” Welburn said. “They dream of it, but only a few of them have an opportunity to do it. And I got to tell you – You don’t want to be the designer who screws up the Corvette either.”

and

“If you are going to appeal to younger customer, you cannot do what you have always done.”

Although he retired in 2016, the Wiki article said he was asked by Ms Barra to stay on to help with a few ongoing projects. Wonder what they were?

[John]

Thank you Bikerjulio. Here’s the official GM press release of Ed’s upcoming retirement (was written in April, 2016).

I have separately confirmed that the exterior design of the first year of the mid engine was completed before Ed departed (however we wish to define that). I have also confirmed that Michael Simcoe’s design stamp will be first seen on the Z06 version of the ME, and that we will be similarly wowed by it, and not surprisingly, that there are some design changes to it.

If only we had time machines and could fast forward, and least visually see both in our minds right now...

https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/...7-welburn.html

[Racer86]

Please let the split window Rest In Peace, it died in the 60s. Let it go.

[Skank]

Please let the split window Rest In Peace, it died in the 60s. Let it go.

How about just a centerlined carbon fiber lay up like the current ZR1 has. I think that would still look incredible.

[fvs]

What exactly would the button for the split window do? I can't see the glass opening for any reason. Are you suggesting an electrochromic window with a divide?

I don't see the advantage. From inside you would see two openings but from outside it would barley be visible and then would only be a white line. Sun reflection would wipe it out visibly IMO.

Also, I don't think a dual window would go with the styling we see so far. This may look odd having a flat dual opening.

Can't make out the symbol on the button but continue looking. ; )

[JB]

I think that button is to retract the convertible hardtop.

[Skank]

FVS, it would be easier to catch up on the conversation of this potential centerlined bookmatched carbon fiber lay up on the CF thread. That has taken off with a fair amount of discussion. Starting at the front fascia of the C8 ME to the center section of the hood, to the centered recess on the roof then down through the symetric window system via a overlay at the center, then down to the rear. All trying to replicate the Pagani centerline look but with a flat center seam and not a ridge like the original 63 SWC. Knowing that Corvette has already done centerline bookmatched carbon fiber on the current ZR1, it only makes sense the ME will expand upon the concept.

https://www.motor1.com/news/147384/p...-carbon-fiber/

[John]

I agree, as does everyone who has stood close and stared at the incredible quality of the ZR’s centerline-matched visible CF. I can see why it is limiting manufacturing constant on the ZR1, maxing its monthly production to just 192 ZR1’s month.

I can not remember which automedia said it, but compared its workmanship to that you would find on an expensive exotic.

[Racer86]

How about just a centerlined carbon fiber lay up like the current ZR1 has. I think that would still look incredible.

Why add parts to a high performance car that do nothing and add weight? I understand it a design consideration, but people also want a light weight car, and ounce by ounce, it all adds up.

[fvs]

FVS, it would be easier to catch up on the conversation of this potential centerlined bookmatched carbon fiber lay up on the CF thread. That has taken off with a fair amount of discussion. Starting at the front fascia of the C8 ME to the center section of the hood, to the centered recess on the roof then down through the symetric window system via a overlay at the center, then down to the rear. All trying to replicate the Pagani centerline look but with a flat center seam and not a ridge like the original 63 SWC. Knowing that Corvette has already done centerline bookmatched carbon fiber on the current ZR1, it only makes sense the ME will expand upon the concept.

https://www.motor1.com/news/147384/p...-carbon-fiber/

Thanks for the reply and info. Still not sure what the button would do if there was Carbon fiber over the rear glass.


... and what is this CF you speak of? Never heard of it.

; )

[John]

Finally found a picture that shows how the visible carbon fiber on the ZR1 is, we get to which term we like, E.g., centerline matched, bookend matched, complimentary matched etc.

It is even more stunning in person! The massive rear wing also displays a massive amount of this centerline matched CF too.