Cheaper Corvette Coming?

General Motors Co. is developing a lower-priced version of the Corvette Stingray sports car introduced at the Detroit auto show in January, according to Edmunds.com.

The online auto data provider cites unidentified industry sources, who opine that the car isn't likely to appear for several years. They suggest the entry-level edition will be called simply "Corvette" to distinguish it from the faster and more powerful Stingray that goes on sale this autumn.

GM insists it has no plans for such a model. Edmunds' sources acknowledge that few details about the project have been finalized. They say the two-seater might use GM's less powerful 5.3-liter V-8 instead of the Stingray's 6.2-liter, 450-hp V-8 and is likely to lack some features and trim levels.

The sources also tell Edmunds that the company is contemplating exterior styling changes for the lower-priced edition, including a new front end.

They say GM is debating whether to give the model a restyled roof and perhaps a split rear window reminiscent of the original 1963 Stingray. There will be no convertible version of the lower-price model, according to Edmunds.