GM says nope, I say why not? An entry-level twin-turbo V6 is an option people might consider instead of the V8. Most of the people I see driving Corvettes probably wouldn't even notice the difference (same goes for a hybrid). That's not to say that the Vette would ever lose what made it great, but performance and function could be had with a high-output whistling-sixer while also helping with that pesky CAFE rules.
Before anyone screams bloody murder, can we look back to 1953 for a moment and marvel at the Blue Flame inline-6 under the hood? That's right, 6 cylinders. So it is possible to incorporate less than a V8 under-hood without raining on the fanboys' parade.
The Hybrid and the Future:
A hybrid system would certainly be a fascinating option to have on an order sheet. GM has the tech in place already, so why not go mild-hybrid and have all the clutchless wonders out there save some dough while puttering quietly around town?
Shouldn't more be done to bring the Corvette in line with its competition and the modern era? As epic as it is, it's a wee bit outdated. The Vette is supposed to be the big-daddy for General Motors, not just Chevrolet; that means it should not only eviscerate Porsches and Ferraris, but look just as amazing. A nip and tuck here, some new tech there, and presto: a halo car, but also so much more. It could finally appeal to global consumers.
With no mid-engine, a possible hybrid, and that V6 just begging for a chance, the Corvette will continue to live on for now as it always has: heart beating up front, legs kicking out back.
Maybe one day, hopefully, the Corvette will finally evolve into something more...I sense a digital smack coming...modern. There, I said it. Now if you'll put down your pitchforks, let's bring GM's bad boy into the 21st century.