Chevrolet Trademarks Corvette ‘Manta Ray’ and Fuels Speculation

BOLD RIDE

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Posted by Zach Doell

 

 

If you’re in the market for a hotter-than-hot American sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette – in both Stingray and Z06 guise – has you covered. But wait a bit longer and there might be another ‘Vette to choose from. Just maybe. 

 

On June 18, General Motors filled trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for both the “Manta Ray” and “Corvette Manta Ray” monikers. At current, nothing further is known regarding a future Corvette Manta Ray, or if such a car is even in development. Though if history suggests anything, it’s that the Manta Ray has potential to be quite the looker.

Chevrolet famously created a Corvette Manta Ray concept car in 1969, which was actually a refreshed version of the legendary Mako Shark II concept of 1965 that formed the styling of the C3 Corvettes. The Manta Ray sported a removable hardtop roof, aluminum 427ci ZL-1 V8, a pointy front splitter, manta ray shaped emblems, and newly redesigned side exhaust pipes.

 

Fast forward 46 years and perhaps a current day Corvette Manta Ray would employ some of those features, namely a revised front splitter unique to the car or even the side exhaust. More than likely, the Manta Ray could become an additional trim level with vintage badging, a different engine tune and limited color options.

There is of course the long-rumored mid-engine Corvette, speculated for a 2017 debut, but given that the manta rays tend to be more tame than their stingray cousins in the animal kingdom… this name seems unlikely for that application.

Any other guesses? Feel free to churn the rumor mill and write them below.

Via: AutoGuide
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