GM developing new mid-engine Corvette

The Corvette C8's proportions in this artist's rendering are dramatically different than the current, front-engine C7 model.

The front end gets the familiar, menacing Corvette headlights in this artist's rendering.

In this artist's rendering of a future mid-engined Corvette C8, the V-8 engine can be viewed through rear deck glass.

The mid-engined Corvette C8 would get Corvette's traditional round taillights.

The V-8 engine sits directly behind the driver.

In this spy shot taken in June 2016 at GM's Milford Proving Grounds, the mid-engined Corvette C8 test car shows off its low profile and short front hood.

The mid-engined Corvette C8 test "mule," left, runs with a Cadilllac sedan and a current Corvette C7.

The eighth-generation Corvette C8 – codenamed “Emperor” – is targeted for an unveiling in early 2018, sources said.

The small, mid-engined Corvette C8 test "mule," left, runs with bigger siblings like the Cadillac sedan, Corvette C7 and Chevy pickup.

The mid-engine Astro II concept was introduced at the 1968 New York Auto Show. Lead engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov and GM styling chief Bill Mitchell hoped the Astro would become the next-generation Corvette, but GM management decided the public was not ready for a mid-engine car.

In 1973, Chevrolet developed this Aerovette experimental car to test concepts not planned for production. It was a mid-engine coupe with bi-fold, gull-wing doors.