General Motors (GM) has just opened the doors to its brand-new Advanced Design Studio in Royal Leamington Spa, England—an important move that expands its global design presence. Spanning 24,584 square feet, this new facility, located roughly 20 miles from Birmingham, is set to be a creative powerhouse, employing a team of over 30 designers and specialists.
To mark the occasion, GM debuted a futuristic Chevrolet Corvette concept car, developed right in the UK studio. This concept is part of a broader international initiative involving several GM design centers, with more Corvette concepts expected to roll out over the course of 2025.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, the UK team’s take reimagines the classic “split window” design. At the heart of this reinterpretation is a central spine feature, dubbed “Apex Vision,” which not only boosts structural strength but also offers sweeping panoramic visibility.
On the engineering side, the concept blends electric vehicle battery integration within its frame, while aerodynamic air channels streamline airflow without the need for bulky wings or spoilers. For added grip and handling on the track, the car also includes deployable dorsal fins and spoiler venting systems to sharpen cornering.
The UK studio is headed by Julian Thomson, a respected figure in the automotive design world, known for his work with several top-tier brands. The facility supports both digital rendering and traditional clay model creation, giving the team the tools to push boundaries in concept design and redefine future mobility.
Beyond the Corvette, the UK team is also teaming up with GM’s Detroit designers on an upcoming GMC concept that takes on the form of a futuristic camper van—set to make its debut later this year.
By launching this cutting-edge studio, GM is reinforcing its investment in Europe, expanding Cadillac’s EV presence, and getting ready to bring Corvette models to customers across the UK and mainland Europe.
More details can be found in the official press release on GM’s website.
