The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 is probably the most anticipated model in the nameplate’s 55-year history.

That’s because the C8 marks the first time in more than half a century that the Vette switches from a front-engine to a mid-ship layout.

So it will be a very different beast compared to the previous generations and the price will certainly reflect that. How expensive will the Corvette C8 be, then? Well, former Corvette engineers estimated a starting price between $70,000 and $100,000.

Think that’s too much? Well, how does $170,000 sound to you? Before you run to your medicine cabinet and reach for your heart pills, be aware that this is just a rumor that surfaced on the Corvette Forum.

It all started from a user called Zerv02. It’s the same member who claims to have seen the C8 Corvette’s interior with his own eyes. Here’s what he posted with regard to the price.

“$169,900 is a go. If you’re in the under 100k camp, you will be disappointed. Let the madness ensue.”

Truth be told, mid-engine layout or not, 170,000 dollars for a Corvette definitely sounds like a lot. Understandably, most forum members believe that can’t be true, given Corvette’s traditional status as a value-oriented sports car.

However, there are others that don’t necessarily see a problem with the price as long as it’s the range-topping version that will cost that much. You might recall that some reports claimed the Corvette C8 would offer an 800hp twin-turbo V8 assisted by a 200hp electric motor.

Now, $170k for a 1,000-hp Corvette certainly makes more sense — the 647-hp Ford GT costs almost half a million dollars and there’s a line to buy one. Can GM pull the same trick with the brand-new ‘Vette? We can’t wait to find out.

Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes