C8 Chevrolet Corvette Might Have Power-Opening Doors, Patent Filing Shows
Is the average Corvette buyer getting too old to close or open its own door? It appears so.

The upcoming C8 Corvette is already one of the most heavily rumored cars in recent automotive history, and now we can add another rumor to the list. According to enthusiast site MidEngine Corvette Forum, a recent patent filing by General Motors shows technical drawings of a power swinging-door mechanism installed on a 'Vette.
To be clear, these won't be vertical swinging doors like in a Lamborghini Aventador, they'll most likely be normal car doors that open the old-fashioned way—but electronically—much like those in a Rolls-Royce Wraith. While this solution is great for comfort, it would most likely add weight, which is generally something designers try to avoid in a performance car like the Corvette, and it obviously takes a very simple concept like opening a door and makes it needlessly complicated. Are average Corvette buyers just getting too old to open or close their own doors?
According to the application filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the system works via “a rotary actuator, position sensor, and controller” to automatically open the door. It sounds like it’s not that different from a power-opening hatch, just applied to a door. It does use sensors to determine wind grade and other external forces acting on the door while it’s opening and it compensates accordingly. As to whether it will hit the car next to you at the Walmart parking lot, we can’t say for sure.
Let's keep in mind that this is just a patent filing and automakers file these all the time without ever actually bringing those ideas to production. After all, we’re not anticipating Ford SUVs to have conveyor belts any time soon and we’re not holding our breath for power-opening doors on the Corvette, but the truth is that we never know.
MORE TO READ
Related
Mid-Engined C8 Chevrolet Corvette Delayed 6 Months Over Electrical Issue: Report
The C8’s electrical system will reportedly have to be completely re-engineered.
Related
Chevrolet Won’t Reveal Mid-Engined C8 Corvette at Detroit Auto Show in January: Report
It appears that the long-awaited ‘Vette still wants to play hard to get in 2019.
Related
Chevrolet Corvette C8 to Boast Twin-Turbo V8 in Top Trim, Drop Manual Completely: Report
Alleged info leaked on an online forum also claims the C8 will retain its LT1 engine in base form, though a dual-clutch transaxle will be standard.
Related
2020 Corvette C8 Key Fob and Other Details Leaked Via FCC Filing
More info leaks ahead of the mid-engined Corvette’s long-awaited reveal.
Related