Bradan Donaldson
The first retail-based right-hand drive C8 Corvettes are hitting the shores of Australia and New Zealand.
Pre-production models built for validation testing started hitting their shores as well as Japan in early August with full retail models expected to reach customer hands over the next few months.
This is the first time a Corvette has been manufactured for sale in right-hand configuration without the need for major modifications to the car.
“After so much build-up and anticipation, it’s incredibly exciting to see the C8 in the flesh – it’s even more breath-taking than I could have ever imagined,” said General Manager of GMSV New Zealand, Matthew Taylor.
It is absolutely stunning and truly is a sight to behold, made all the more impressive that the C8 2LT Coupe is available from $154,990.
Below is the official press release from Chevrolet Europe:
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray ready for Europe
2021-10-01
- Coupe and Convertible at European showrooms as of October
- Available with left- or right-hand drive for the first time in Corvette’s history
- Fully homologated to meet and exceed Euro 6d standards
- Launch editions distributed to first customers
- Individually configurable versions now available
- Starting price for the coupe in Germany at € 86’900 (in UK at £ 74’200) and for the convertible at € 93’400 (in UK at £ 79’200)
The wait for the European versions of the new mid-engine Corvette Stingray is now coming to an end. In these days the very first customers will be receiving their launch edition coupes and convertibles while sportscar enthusiasts who have not yet placed their order can as of now specify their individual Corvette version tailored to their preferences. They can choose between two trim levels and more exterior and interior options than ever before on any previous Corvette generation. And for the first time in Corvette’s history, customers in the UK can get their factory-built coupe or convertible with the steering wheel on the right side.
Supercar-level build quality, premium materials, new standards of performance and technology and exceptional attention to detail – these are the qualities that set the eighth-generation Corvette apart. It is the first ever mid-engined production version of the American sports car, starting a new and exciting chapter in Corvette’s 67-year history.
From front- to mid-engine, a milestone in Corvette history
“Moving the engine from front to center and redesigning America’s most iconic sportscar from the ground up is a historic opportunity, something Chevrolet engineers and designers have desired for over 60 years,” emphasizes Caspar Winkelmann, Head of Product and Marketing of Chevrolet Europe. “In terms of comfort and fun, the new mid-engine Stingray still looks and feels like a true Corvette while at the same time offering driving dynamics on a new level. Customers are going to be thrilled with the performance of this mid-engine sportscar offered at highly attractive prices and for the very first time also in factory built right-hand-drive configuration.”
Z51 Performance Package and 2LT trim as standard
European sportscar enthusiasts are very discerning when it comes to driving dynamics and equipment levels of their car. And Corvette buyers are certainly no exception. Unlike in the US, every new Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible model sold in Europe will thus come with the Z51 Performance Package as standard. This package includes manually adjustable threaded spring seats for the suspension, Brembo® brakes with larger rotors and front air inlets for cooling, an electronic limited slip differential, a shorter axle ratio, a performance exhaust system, an aerodynamics package for reduced lift and improved stability and Michelin® Pilot® Sport 4S tires.
What’s more, European Corvettes come as standard in 2LT trim, which offers among others the following additional features over the entry-level US model: performance data recorder, head-up display, navigation system, 14-speaker Bose sound system, rear camera mirror and heated and ventilated seats. This trim will become available for deliveries early next year.
Unmatched variety of trim and option combinations
The choice between 2LT and 3LT trim is just the beginning. European customers can choose between an array of exterior and interior options to configurate their own car exactly to their personal preferences. Among these options are additional carbon flash exterior details – spoiler, exterior mirrors, wheels and convertible roof – that further emphasize the new-generation Corvette’s dynamic design.
Corvette buyers can opt for one of three different seats, ranging from GT1 to GT2 and Competition Sport seats, the latter featuring Nappa leather.They have a choice of four different wheel designs and can upgrade their car with the magnetic ride control 4.0 suspension system that reads the road even more accurately than on previous models.
A total of 12 exterior colors and 6 interior color themes are available.
In addition, an optional front suspension lift system can be specified for all Corvette models. This allows the front of the car to be raised by 50 mm (2 inches), giving greater ground clearance at low speeds (up to 38 km/h or 24 mph).
American heartbeat
Core and center of the new Corvette Stingray is Chevrolet’s latest-generation 6.2l LT2 Small Block V-8, the only naturally aspirated V8 in its class. Allied to the Z51 package’s performance exhaust system and a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, it delivers in the fully homologated European version featuring a gasoline particulate filter 482 PS/354 kW @ 6,450 and 613 Nm/452 lb-ft @ 4,500 of peak torque. This powertrain makes the new mid-engined Corvette the most powerful Stingray of all time. The standard sprint from 0-100 km/ is done in 3.5 seconds and top speed is 296 km/h.*
Pricing
Recommended retail prices for the individually configurable models start at € 86’900 in Germany and in the UK at £ 74’200 and at € 93’400 in Germany respectively £ 79’200 in the UK.
The new Corvette Stingray will be at European dealerships from October 2021.
*) Performance data measured according to European standard procedures.
Additional Resources:
2022 Corvette Stingray Pricing – UK
2022 Corvette Stingray Pricing – Sweden
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