Chevrolet XP-897GT

Vehicle Overview

The Chevrolet XP-897GT is a fascinating and often overlooked concept car that highlights the experimental spirit of General Motors (GM) during the early 1970s. Designed by GM’s Experimental Studio, the XP-897GT was built in a remarkably short span of just six months. It was based on a modified Porsche 914 chassis, with the bodywork crafted by the renowned Italian design house Pininfarina. The car made its debut at the 1973 Frankfurt show, where it captured attention for its distinctive design and cutting-edge technology. One of the most innovative features of the XP-897GT was its use of a 180-horsepower Wankel rotary engine, mounted transversely. This unique powertrain, which was still relatively unconventional in mainstream production cars, powered the vehicle through a new automatic transaxle that was being developed for GM’s forthcoming X-body Citation. The rotary engine, with its smooth power delivery and compact size, was seen as a potential future engine choice for more compact, performance-oriented cars. Despite its unconventional engine and chassis, the XP-897GT was widely believed to be a precursor to the next-generation Chevrolet Corvette. The sleek, aerodynamic body and low, wide stance hinted at the direction GM might take with the future Vette, particularly in terms of styling and performance. However, while the XP-897GT showcased futuristic ideas, including the use of the Wankel engine, it was not destined for production. Instead, it remained an experimental design, offering a glimpse into GM’s design and engineering ambitions during the early 1970s. The XP-897GT is a fascinating piece of automotive history, representing a moment when GM was exploring bold new ideas for the future of performance cars. Although it was never produced, the car’s debut at the Frankfurt Show and its role in the development of the X-body Citation and potential Corvette design left an indelible mark on the automotive world. Today, the XP-897GT remains an iconic concept, symbolizing a period of automotive experimentation and the search for new performance technologies.