Spy pics of the next-generation Chevrolet Corvette C8 have emerged on Autocar. And even though the car is draped in camouflage, you’ll notice that this the most drastic change to the Corvette formula since the car was first introduced in the 1950s.

You see, Corvettes have always been front-engine, rear-drive cars. But that’s about to change with the C8. In a bid to create better handling dynamics, and a ‘proper’ supercar experience, the Corvette C8 is going mid-engined as Chevrolet hopes to muscle in on Ferrari’s territory.

So, as you’ll see from the pics, the Corvette C8 features a much shorter bonnet that its predecessors, and a longer rear-half, complete with buttresses that should enable at least a Targa-style convertible roof.

Though details are still pretty light, it’s rumoured that the Corvette C8 will be powered by a 700 bhp V8 engine – likely a new version of the one found in the excellent C7. Power will naturally be fed to the rear wheels.

If it’s all sounding a bit Ferrari, don’t be surprised – that’s the idea. But Corvettes have always been much less expensive than European rivals, and the same should be true for the Corvette C8. There’s little evidence that carbon fibre will be used for the body work, with aluminium expected to account for most of the panels. That’ll keep costs down.

And talking of costs, it’s rumoured that there’ll eventually be an entry-level V6 model – perhaps featuring the twin-turbo 3.6-litre V6 from the Cadillac CTS V-Sport. That’s still good for 420 bhp in the Cadillac, and should be more than plenty in a lightweight, mid-engined supercar.

Anyway, the Corvette C8 is expected to be revealed properly later this year, with deliveries starting from mid-2019.

What do you reckon? Is this mid-engine layout an improvement on the Corvette formula?