SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 5, 2025 – Car enthusiasts across the globe have a fresh reason to get excited: General Motors has officially opened its new advanced design studio in Royal Leamington Spa, England — and it's already turning heads with the debut of a futuristic Chevrolet Corvette concept car that redefines innovation, performance, and design.
A Bold Step into the Future of Automotive Design
This isn’t just another design studio — it’s a European design powerhouse poised to influence how cars look and feel for years to come. Located just 20 miles from Birmingham, GM’s new UK studio is part of a global design initiative that brings together the creative forces of studios in Detroit, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Seoul.
With more than 30 elite designers and engineers under the leadership of seasoned automotive visionary Julian Thomson, the 24,584-square-foot space is equipped for cutting-edge digital and physical model development.
And what better way to celebrate the grand opening than with a jaw-dropping reveal?
Meet the Corvette Like You've Never Seen It Before
The Corvette concept car showcased by the UK team is no ordinary vehicle. It’s a dramatic, forward-looking reimagination that stays true to the Corvette’s DNA while offering a glimpse into what high-performance mobility could look like in the coming decades.
Michael Simcoe, GM’s Senior VP of Global Design, explained, "Our advanced design team’s mandate extends well beyond creating production vehicles. These teams are primarily tasked with imagining what mobility could look like five, 10, and even 20 years into the future and driving innovation for GM."
Some highlights of the new concept include:
- Apex Vision panoramic view: Inspired by the legendary split-window design of the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray, this central vertical spine offers an unobstructed, futuristic road view.
- Sculpted, aviation-inspired design: Clean, muscular forms blended with functional aerodynamics create an aggressive yet elegant profile.
- Additive manufacturing structure: Lightweight, efficient, and visually striking body panels reduce parts and enhance performance.
- Revolutionary powered wing doors: Delivering both style and accessibility.
Julian Thomson added, “One of the most unusual and significant aspects of our concept’s design is a feature known as Apex Vision...inspired by the iconic ‘split window’ 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray.”
Performance Meets Purpose
Behind its stunning looks, this concept packs serious performance engineering. From its racecar-inspired pushrod suspension to advanced aerodynamic features that reconfigure dynamically for road or track, the design delivers more than just eye candy. With fan-assisted airflow, a sculpted underbody, and active venting, this concept promises both efficiency and exhilarating cornering performance.
Key design specs include:
- 22-inch front wheels, 23-inch rear wheels
- Only 1033mm tall with a race-inspired 127mm seat height
- Fully integrated EV battery tech within the vehicle’s structural design
A Vision That Goes Beyond the UK
Though the concept isn’t intended for production, it’s part of a larger global Corvette creative study. GM has confirmed that more Corvette concepts from its other design studios will be revealed throughout 2025.
Simcoe emphasized, “It was important that they all pay homage to Corvette’s historic DNA, but each studio brought their own unique creative interpretation to the project.”
Beyond exciting concept cars, this new studio also signals GM’s deeper commitment to the European market. The company is actively scaling its Cadillac EV business and preparing for Corvette sales to launch across the UK and mainland Europe — great news for fans of American muscle on European roads.
Driving Toward an Electrified, Exciting Tomorrow
As automakers around the world compete to shape the next generation of vehicles, GM’s UK design studio stands out as a symbol of creative freedom, technological progress, and global collaboration.
And for consumers? That means sleeker, smarter, and more thrilling vehicles on the horizon.
To learn more about GM’s design innovations and future vehicle concepts, visit https://www.gm.com.