# The Next Corvette Is Coming

> Corvette's new engineer reveals what the next-gen car can't be.
- Title: The Next Corvette Is Coming · The Drive | Shortify
- Summary: Corvette's new engineer reveals what the next-gen car can't be. The next Corvette must be faster, better, and more affordable than current models but cannot…
- Keywords: chevy corvette, tony roma, corvette c9, electric corvette, manual transmission, nürburgring, camaro, blackwing, cars, technology, Next, Corvette
- Source: The Drive — https://thedrive.com/podcast/the-next-corvette-is-coming-its-top-engineer-told-us-what-it-cant-be
- Author: Joel Feder
- Published: 2026-10-14T13:51:54+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: chevy corvette, tony roma, corvette c9, electric corvette, manual transmission, nürburgring, camaro, blackwing, cars, technology
## Corvette's Iconic Status
General Motors considers the Corvette its most iconic and important model despite not being the highest volume vehicle.
## Tony Roma Takes Over
Tony Roma, now Executive Chief Engineer for Chevy Corvette and Performance Cars at GM, leads the next-gen Corvette program.
## Team Continuity
Roma emphasizes the Corvette team remains the same, with hundreds of A-players from across GM working on the project.
## Replacing Veteran Engineers
Roma notes that replacing long-time team members like Harlan Charles and Kirk Bennion has been handled with momentum and fresh perspectives.
## C8 Grand Sport X
The Grand Sport X model, an electrified version of the Corvette, is quicker than the Z06 but costs more and targets different drivers.
## Zora Trademark Confusion
The internet believed the ZR1X would be called Zora, but GM has renewed the trademark multiple times without officially naming it.
## Nürburgring Performance
GM's team set a record lap time at the Nürburgring, showcasing their capability without directly responding to Ford's performance.
## Camaro Hiatus
The Camaro has taken multiple hiatuses but is currently active, with GM planning to bring it back when it makes business sense.
## Electric Corvette Timeline
GM plans to fully electrify the Corvette in the future but has not announced an electric model for the current generation.
## Manual Transmission Debate
Roma expresses interest in a manual transmission but acknowledges the high cost and technical challenges of implementing it in the next Corvette.
## C9 Requirements
The next Corvette must be faster, better, and more affordable than current models but cannot be more expensive just for technology.
## Analog vs Digital
Roma prefers a balance of analog tactile engagement and digital functionality for the next Corvette, avoiding a full return to analog.
## C9's Core Identity
The next Corvette must maintain its core identity as a high-performance vehicle with a focus on driver engagement and value.
## C9's Limitations
The next Corvette cannot be more expensive just for technology, as it must remain accessible and focused on driver experience.
## C9's Future
The next Corvette will be faster, better, and more affordable than current models but will not prioritize technology over driver experience.
## Key takeaway

The next Corvette must be faster, better, and more affordable than current models but cannot be more expensive just for technology.