More than a year since Holden announced it was coming to Australia, pricing and an arrival date for the hotly-anticipated Chevrolet Corvette has been confirmed.
Three variants of the new mid-engine sports car will be offered to local customers, with the first shipment of the ‘Vette due in the fourth quarter of the year, General Motors Special Vehicles (GMSV) announced today. Full specifications aren’t available because the Australian-bound models will be the 2022 model year (MY22), which hasn’t been revealed in the US yet, but the preliminary details are still good news for performance car fans.
The range will begin at $144,990 for the 2LT and step up to $160,500 for the better appointed 3LT variant of the C8 Stingray; both those prices exclude on-road costs. There will be convertible versions of both, which will cost an additional $15,000.
Both models will be powered by the same 6.2-litre V8 and in an Australian exclusive, GMSV has confirmed all locally-bound models will be fitted with the Z51 Performance Package. That kit includes a dual mode exhaust, magnetic ride control suspension, larger-than-standard Brembo brakes, an electronic limited-slip differential and unique front splitter and rear spoiler.
“Overwhelming feedback is that our intended customers are performance enthusiasts, they want to have the ability to experience the C8 Corvette to its fullest potential,” explained GMSV director, Joanne Stogiannis.
The third variant will be the Carbon Edition, designed to celebrate the arrival of the Corvette down under, which will be based on the 3LT Coupe and feature unique interior trims and wheel and brake package.
All Australian Corvettes will be built in right-hand drive at the famous Bowling Green, Kentucky plant in the US. Holden first announced plans to introduce the Corvette as part of its line-up way back in July 2019 but the closure of the brand and the subsequent establishment of GMSV delayed its arrival.
Despite the setbacks, Stogiannis is confident that it will find a welcoming home when it arrives here later this year.
“The Corvette is an iconic car and there is a massive groundswell of interest and anticipation building ahead of its local launch,” she said.
“We have every expectation it will more than live up to its legendary status.”
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