The first factory built right-hand drive Chevrolet Corvette Z06 to hit Australia is doing the promotional rounds, ahead of the start of customer deliveries.
The Z06 will be the flagship of GMSV’s wider 2024 Corvette range, to be updated during the year with more personalisation options than the first batch offered.
Unlike the Silverado pickup, GM makes the Corvette in right-hand drive at the Bowling Green factory in the USA.
The ‘Vette Z06 is a more focused version of the company’s mid-engined hero, slotting in above the Stingray. It comes with a naturally-aspirated, double-overhead cam 5.5-litre V8 with flat plane crank and sky high 8600rpm redline, unlike the Stingray’s 6.2-litre LT2 V8.
The bespoke naturally aspirated bent-eight produces a mammoth 500kW of power and 624Nm, mated to an eight-speed DCT. A version of this engine has been used in Corvette C8.R race cars since 2019.
Aussie versions of the Corvette Z06 will all be equipped in flagship 3LZ equipment guise, says GM Specialty Vehicles Australia. With the optional Z07 package – also to be standard in Australia – fitted, the Z06 is capable of a 0-60mp/h (0-96km/h) sprint time of just 2.6 seconds.
The standard Z07 Performance Package means carbon ceramic rotors, carbon-fibre aerodynamic elements, unique suspension tuning, ultra performance tyres, and optional carbon fibre wheels (made in Australia by Carbon Revolution).
“This new Z06 is indicative of what customers in Australia and New Zealand can expect from a MY24 Z06, as we will be offering 3LZ trim as standard,” said GM Specialty Vehicles director Greg Rowe.
This brings a carbon-fibre steering wheel and shift paddles, microfibre for the upper interior trim, leather-wrapped interior door panels, and GT2 bucket seats with Nappa leather upholstery and carbon fibre garnishes.
The Australian Z06 pictured in white is missing the centre-mounted quad exhaust system pictured on US models however.
“The Z06 will be on the road around Melbourne and surrounds over coming weeks and Corvette fans and performance car enthusiasts alike are welcome to stop and grab a photo when they see this amazing new model,” Mr Rowe added.
As far as specific Z06 arrival times go, GMSV isn’t offering dates, other than to say “arrival times are yet to be confirmed and supply will be very restricted. We’ll be able to share more details at a later date”. That generally means it’s a fair way away, likely the back end of 2023.
In terms of price, we have the USA as a guide. Over there the Corvette Z06 coupe in 3LT spec costs 55 per cent more than the Corvette Stingray 3LT.
Last year’s Corvette Stingray 3LT cost $180,000 in Australia, suggesting you won’t get much change from $300k for a Z06 considering the 2024 models will be pricier.
Beyond the Corvette Stingray and Z06, there’s the recently released Corvette E-Ray Hybrid V8 which has been confirmed for Australian sales, though likely not until 2024.
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