When you think of rare Corvettes, the ZR1, Z06, or Grand Sport probably come to mind. But there’s one ultra-rare Corvette that most fans have never heard of—a car that blended ZR-1 performance with Dodge Viper looks and barely made it past the concept stage.
This is the story of the 1990 Corvette Indy, a wild, mid-engine prototype that could have changed Corvette history forever. Why did it fail? What made it special? And could we ever see something like it again?
Let’s dive into one of the rarest and most radical Corvettes ever built.
What Was the Corvette Indy?
Before we get into why it’s so special, let’s break down what the Corvette Indy actually was.
- A Concept Car: Built in 1990, it was never meant for production—just to test new ideas.
- Mid-Engine Layout: Unlike every other Corvette (until the C8), the Indy had its engine behind the driver, like a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
- ZR-1 Power: It used the same LT5 V8 as the legendary Corvette ZR-1—a 375-horsepower beast at the time.
- Viper-Like Styling: Its sharp, aggressive body looked more like a Dodge Viper than a traditional Corvette.
Why “Indy”?
The name was a nod to Chevrolet’s IndyCar racing program in the early ’90s. GM wanted to show off cutting-edge tech, and this car was the result.
The Radical Design: A Corvette That Didn’t Look Like a Corvette
The Corvette Indy was a massive departure from the classic front-engine, long-hood design. Here’s what made it stand out:
1. Mid-Engine Layout (Like the C8—But 30 Years Early!)
- The engine sat behind the seats, improving weight balance and handling.
- This was revolutionary for Corvette in 1990—the C8 wouldn’t go mid-engine until 2020.
2. Dodge Viper Vibes
- The Indy had a low, wide stance with sharp angles.
- The side vents and rounded nose looked more like a Viper than a C4 Corvette.
- Even the open-top roadster design was rare for Corvette at the time.
3. High-Tech Features (Ahead of Its Time)
- Active Suspension: Adjusted stiffness on the fly for better handling.
- Digital Dash: A futuristic display (very advanced for 1990).
- All-Wheel Steering: The rear wheels turned slightly to improve cornering.
The Heart of the Beast: ZR-1’s LT5 V8
The Corvette Indy wasn’t just about looks—it had serious muscle.
The LT5 Engine (Same as the ZR-1)
- 375 horsepower (huge for 1990)
- Dual overhead cams (DOHC)—unusual for American V8s at the time
- Top speed around 180 mph (faster than most supercars back then)
This engine was co-developed with Lotus and was one of the most advanced American V8s ever made.
How Did It Drive?
Since only a few prototypes existed, most people never got to drive one. But experts say:
✔ Brutal acceleration (0-60 in under 5 seconds)
✔ Super sharp handling (thanks to the mid-engine setup)
✔ A completely different feel from a normal Corvette
Why Did the Corvette Indy Fail?
With such incredible specs, why didn’t Chevy build it?
1. Too Expensive to Produce
- The LT5 engine alone was costly (the ZR-1 was already a 60,000carin1990—over∗∗120k today**).
- Adding mid-engine tech and exotic materials would’ve made it even pricier.
2. The Viper Stole Its Thunder
- Dodge launched the Viper in 1992—a raw, mid-engine American sports car.
- GM may have felt the market was too small for two high-end, mid-engine V8 roadsters.
3. Chevy Wasn’t Ready for a Mid-Engine Corvette
- The Corvette had always been front-engine—changing that was a huge risk.
- It took another 30 years before the C8 finally went mid-engine.
Where Is the Corvette Indy Today?
Only a handful were ever built, and most were destroyed.
- One Surviving Prototype: Rumors say GM kept at least one in their private collection.
- Never Sold to the Public: Unlike some concept cars, the Indy never reached production.
If one ever popped up at auction, it could be worth millions—one of the rarest Corvettes in history.
Could Chevy Ever Revive the Indy Name?
With the C8 Corvette now mid-engine, could we see a modern Corvette Indy?
Arguments FOR a Comeback
- Nostalgia Appeal: Fans love rare Corvette history.
- Special Edition Potential: Chevy could use it as a limited-run track car.
- Hybrid or Electric Version: An “Indy EV” could be a futuristic tribute.
Arguments AGAINST It
- The Name “Indy” is Tied to Racing: Chevy might save it for a race car, not a street model.
- Too Similar to the C8: The modern Corvette is already mid-engine—what would make an “Indy” special?
The Verdict?
Probably not—but never say never.
Final Thoughts: The Corvette That Could Have Changed Everything
The Corvette Indy was a bold, ahead-of-its-time machine that never got its chance. If Chevy had greenlit it, the entire Corvette lineup might have gone mid-engine decades earlier.
Instead, it remains a forgotten legend—a car that proves even GM’s wildest ideas sometimes fade away.
Key Takeaways
✔ The 1990 Corvette Indy was a mid-engine prototype with ZR-1 power and Viper styling.
✔ Only a few were made—none sold to the public.
✔ It failed because of high costs, the Viper’s launch, and GM’s hesitation.
✔ Today, it’s one of the rarest and most mysterious Corvettes ever.
Would you have bought a mid-engine Corvette in 1990? Or was Chevy right to wait for the C8? Let us know in the comments!
