Corvette Stingray taillamps defended by GM design director Tom Peters

Tue, 19 Mar 2013

There has been no shortage of controversy surrounding the exterior design of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray since its debut back in January at the Detroit Auto Show. To quell – or possibly stir up – detractors, Autoweek talked to Tom Peters, GM's director of exterior design for performance cars, fullsize trucks and large crossovers, so that he might have a chance to explain/defend the styling of the C7 'Vette, especially when it comes to the car's rump.

In attempting to "create as much newness as possible," Peters says that the squared-off taillights fit the new design better and helped give the new Corvette its own signature styling. In regards to the similarities with the taillights of the Camaro, Peters points out that earlier generations of the two cars shared similarly shaped rear lights in the '60s and early '70s. Around the Autoblog water cooler, some of us think the problem lies not with the taillights but rather with the round exhaust outlets and the tacked-on rear spoiler. Feel free to share your own thoughts in the Comments.

Scroll down to watch Peters talk about just some of what went into redesigning this American icon.

By Jeffrey N. Ross