Even when the talk of the mid-engine Corvette had its first chance of being true, some enthusiasts were almost instantly tossing the “too Ferrari” mantle over the car’s midsection. With such a change at the core of the vehicle, all-encompassing changes were inevitable throughout the rest of the vehicle. And again, each item that didn’t beckon back to the previous-gen Corvette was assumed to be shipped directly to GM’s Design Center from someplace where folks spoke a different language.

Those wheels, the wing, the stance! And let’s not forget the Testarossa slots on the doors!

Now that the car has been out (if not produced) for several months, folks have had a chance to get up-close with the new design, and we’ve been able to see who is actually buying, or trying to buy the new car. It appears that GM has finally found the reset button connected to Corvette’s “aging buyer demographic” and the younger generation is clearly enamored with the car’s new platform and design.

If you recall, it was that very design that caused many Corvette enthusiasts so much consternation. Not looking like the past clearly meant the car was trying to be “European” in flavor. Too European to remain a halo car from an American manufacturer. But, the voice of popular decision can override even the most vocal of arguments. Actions speaking louder than words, if you will.

Not Enough By FAR-rari!

Case in point is these two examples taking the already swooping lines of the C8 and infusing more of the same in feel and function. The first example comes directly from the hands of talented photographer and designer, Mikołaj M. on his Instagram account. These examples highlight his talent, but also the hunger for more flamboyant styling to the new Corvette’s design. Mikolaj even allows that he also prefers the earlier generations of Corvettes. Even that couldn’t restrain himself from wondering with ink and paper what could have been, had there been enough thread leftover from the American flag to include some traditionally, non-American weave.

Both vintage and cutting-edge styling cues used by the artist would be right at home on various Lamborghini models. The unmistakably Countach wheels bring a vintage-euro feel while we’d like to think that no Aventadors were harmed in the substitution of this concept’s rear wing. The go-Euro theme even carries down the sides of Mik’s work thanks to the unmistakable Testarossa grating that flows from behind the front wheels and into the C8’s side vents. At the very least, those lines make Ferrari an after-thought, even if they are adorned on a Fiero!

Iscrizione, E Uscita!

Even getting in and out of the C8 Corvette has taken on a European flair. But, this hasn’t been reserved only for the latest-gen Corvette. Previous generations of Corvettes going all the way back through the C3 generation have been treated to what the urban dictionary calls, “Lambo Doors.” Of course, this styling cue has been found on many cars throughout history, some early concept versions manufactured by GM, but no other vehicle has cemented itself as the founder of the flip-up door as the Lamborghini Countach. Perhaps the exposure of so many adolescents to the styling cue thanks to the car’s many posters throughout the ’80s has created this reality and tainted the Corvette’s home-grown heritage?

More than just a conceptual drawing or vapor-ware, if Lambo-door supplier Eikon Motorsports has any say about it, many C8 Corvettes could tighten up their Italian a little more. The Scottsdale, Arizona company offers flip-up doors for many makes and models and is currently building a prototype set for their C8. According to their Facebook page, they are about three weeks away from having a kit available for the C8 Corvette.

The kit will allow for the doors to swing out and up, but also customers can exit their Corvettes in the customary, “American way” by simply swinging the door outward. Folks at Eikon allow the door’s outward movement will be reduced slightly, due to the additional hinge mechanism, but exiting should still be easily possible by all without acrobatic maneuvers.

We’ve always held that if you hear arguments from both sides of the fence, then you must be riding the fence pretty well. It appears that with the number of folks who wish to infuse a little more “C’est la vie” into their mid-engine Corvette, Chevrolet didn’t falter too far on either side to dissuade buyers from getting the ultimate American sports car, even if it does appear on foreign soil. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!