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The first photos showing a production-spec mid-engine Chevy Corvette prototype have surfaced.

This is one of the first production-spec prototypes for the new mid-engined car, evidenced by its revised stance and large opening over the mid-mounted engine. Eventually, a glass engine cover will fill up this space, giving this car the exotic feel of a Ferrari, the Italian brand that Chevy has been using to benchmark its new performance machine.

According to the spy photographer, these photos were taken from a mile away using a long lens setup and a 50.3 megapixel DSLR. So far, GM has been careful to keep the car top secret by running it only at night, making this sighting all the more rare.

SEE ALSO: Mid-Engine Corvette Rumored for Debut This Year

Powertrain details are only rumors at this point, with one suggesting that a turbocharged, direct-injection V6 engine with over 700 horsepower could be in the car. Chevy wants to take the fight to the Ford GT, not to mention exotics like the Ferrari 488 and Lamborghini Huracan, and is trying to build exactly the right car to do it.

Pricing for the car will mirror Ford’s lineup for the GT, which means that the mid-engine Corvette will cost around $400,000.

While we can’t wait to see a mid-engine Corvette battling with the Ford GT at Le Mans, we have a while to wait. The car is said to be debuting at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show as a 2019 model.

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