At this point, the mid-engined C8 Corvette is one of the auto industry's worst-kept secrets. We've seen a countless number of camouflaged prototypes, leaks and rumors over the years, and yet the mid-engined Corvette still hasn't officially broken cover. Meanwhile, Chevrolet continues to pretend the model doesn't exist. However, according to Corvette Blogger, the world's largest Chevrolet dealer in the US, Kerbeck Corvette, is now accepting deposits for the C8 Corvette.

A dealer accepting deposits for an upcoming model is nothing new, so why is this significant, you may ask? Because the dealer traditionally only starts accepting deposits for a new model a few weeks before it debuts, suggesting the C8 could break cover sooner than expected. The timing could mean the mid-engined Corvette will debut at the New York Auto Show in April, but nothing is official yet. Previous reports have also suggested it will be revealed at a standalone event in the summer.

To secure an order for the C8 Corvette with Kerbeck Corvette, customers will need to provide a $1,000 refundable deposit. However, customers won't be able to configure their vehicle until Chevrolet releases pricing, color, and option details. The $1,000 deposit will go towards five percent of the final purchase price.

While the covers could finally come off the mid-engined Corvette in a few weeks, don't expect it to launch until later this year or early 2020, as electrical issues have reportedly delayed production until December. As for specifications, reports have suggested the C8 Corvette will be available with three configurations including an entry-level 6.2-liter V8 model with 500 hp, a 5.5-liter V8 version with 600 hp, and a range-topping 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 800 hp.