For many moons there’s been lots of talk about a mid-engined ‘Vette. Maximum Bob Lutz hinted at the idea because moving the engine behind the driver would allow the General to fit one of their cylinder deactivation LS3 engines in the Corvette’s engine bay (something about an additional clutch to deactivate the driveshaft to the transaxle) and this would help the already pretty thrifty sports car get close to the Federally mandated 35 mpg CAFE average. Motor Trend is saying that a mid engine platform would weigh more, thereby offsetting any fuel saving gains. However, I’m betting that’s not the reason. I’ve met Lutz a couple of times and he has the gift of reactionary hyperbolization. Like on the launch of the Chevy HHR SS he declared that if the Feds pass higher CAFE standards, the HHR SS was what all muscle cars will look like going forward. Moreover, he even seemed to mean it. Of course since the higher standards got passed and GM has introduced the not exactly earth-friendly CTS-V, Corvette ZR1 and is many moons months away from selling us 400 hp Camaros. Remember, CAFE is an average. Anyhow, we’re saying the reason the C7 Corvette will keeps it’s pushrod V8 up front is because that’s where it goes. Even if that’s what Zora Arkus-Duntov really wanted. [Source: Motor Trend]