This is the 1990 Chevrolet CERV-III, a Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle (CERV) and the third installment to a mid-engined research project put together by Chevrolet and Belgian-born American engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov in 1959. The CERV-I was first displayed at the Riverside International Raceway in November 1960, and was mainly built to be used as a research tool for studying both ride and handling under amplified conditions. The CERV-I was powered by a 350hp Chevrolet 283-cubic-inch V8 engine and boasted a streamlined, abbreviated body design. The CERV-II, which arrived in 1964, and was also developed by Zora Arkus-Duntov featured a body design created by Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapine, and a 500hp V8 engine. This prototype was mainly used for high-speed tests, as well as testing different tires with a ZL-1 engine. Subsequently, a discussion held between Chevrolet chief engineer Don Runkle and British engineer Tony Rudd would result in the creation of the car shown here, the CERV-III. The CERV-III is highly advanced, & featured loads of innovative (for the time) equipment such as such as 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering, and CRT cockpit screens, and even scissor-doors. The CERV-III was styled by Chief of Chevy III Studio, Jerry Palmer, and the car is a further development of the Corvette Indy concept car that was shown in January of 1986 at the Detroit Automobile Show. With Dick Balsey as the head engineer on the project, the completed CERV-III prototype eventually made its first official debut at the Detroit Auto Show in 1990. The CERV-III was constructed by British automotive company Lotus Cars Limited, and as a result, carbon fiber was utilized in every place possible. The final iteration of the series, CERV-IV was introduced by automotive engineer Dave Hill at the GM Tech Center in 1992, a test bed for the upcoming Corvette C5.
How many made? 4 total built in the series, each being unique in design, technology, performance and mechanics.
Engine: mid-mounted twin turbo 5.7L V8 - 650 hp.
Debut: 1990 Detroit Auto Show
Top speed: approximately 225mph
0-60mph: approximately 3.9 seconds
Photo credit: @lambolog, @dtrockstar1
Research: @rarecarsonly