General Motors’ new design studio in Leamington Spa has announced its arrival in striking fashion. Led by the designer of the original Lotus Elise, Julian Thomson, the UK-based team has created its vision for a Corvette of the future, inspired by the prototype and production cars that carried the famous name. The unnamed concept is minimalist in its design, but nods to the past and present of GM’s supercar are clear to see.

The famous split-window of the 1962 Stingray returns to the rear glass, but the windscreen is also split. The tower is not just a hark to the C2 model, but a key part of the car’s structure. If the gently sculpted top half of the car makes reference to past models, then the dark grey lower section is right up to date.

The protruding air guides are reminiscent of the current C8.R GT3 racer, while concave channels feed air towards large fighter jet-style trapezoid intakes ahead of the rear wheels. The two halves of the car blend together at the rear, with the almost crease-free upper bodywork meeting an enormous diffuser, joining it with a Corvette staple: four-piece tail lights. Like the Lotus Theory 1, there’s a lot of empty space framed by bodywork used sparingly, but a close look at the intakes reveals 3D ribbing to catch the light, and add a sense of depth.

Shrink-wrapped arches envelop 22” front and 23” rear wheels, with pushrod suspension connected to each corner. Fan-assisted ground effect, and active aerodynamic elements within the car’s ducting builds on the mechanical grip. Elsewhere, powered gullwing doors allow access to the cabin, and two seats are mounted directly to the tub. The central upright spar is home to an augmented drivers’ display.

The concept links classic design features with the modern mid-engined proportions of the Corvette, however, there’s no V8 powering this model. Instead, electric motors draw power from batteries mounted within the car’s structure, but that’s all the details provided on the powertrain.

This concept is the first in a series that will point towards the future of the Corvette, and GM’s global design studios will each present their visions throughout the year. With teams already based in the USA, China, and Korea, the Leamington Spa designers will be key in shaping new Europe-bound products as Cadillac re-sets its sights on our side of the Atlantic, and as Chevrolet looks to grow sales of the Corvette.