Mid-Engined C8 Corvette "Manta Ray" Still Testing at the Nurburgring

After the C7 Stingray, the next Corvette is likely to be the C8 Manta Ray. GM previously filed the trademark in the United States, and it's not the first time the coke bottle sports car wore the name.

The rumor mill is still pushing crazy configurations for this car. Some talk about DOHC V8 designs, others about a 5.5-liter twin-turbo which is going to power a luxury GT version. At the same time, the manual gearbox is supposed to be a shift-by-wire version of the twin-clutch auto where there's no direct connection between the driver's hand and what goes on in the oily bits.

But one thing is for sure. After years of speculation, the Corvette is going to be mid-engined. This will undoubtedly make it more exotic, but probably expensive too.

Besides the C8 'Vette, this video is filled with other prototypes, some of which are probably coming to Detroit. One good example of this is the Toyota Supra, the new one that shares underpinnings and engines with the BMW Z4.

Also, there's the Aventador SVJ. The colorfully camouflaged Italian V12, not only the fastest Lamborghini but also the quickest car around the Nurburgring track. We wouldn't be surprised if owners start asking $1 million for that thing, even though it's not as rare as the Veneno.

Also present in this video are a few super-Corvettes from the current generation. Their supercharged V8 sounds are too much to handle, so Nurburgring authorities are forcing them to use special mufflers bolted on the ends of the exhaust. We have no idea what the new Vantage is doing here, but eventually, it will get the Mercedes AMG 3-liter engine.