The C8 Corvette’s new mid-engine platform and impressive performance give it the right stuff to take the fight to Europe’s best sports cars. Now, Chevrolet has announced that the new C8 is slated to arrive in the old country in the second half of 2021.
Both the C8 Corvette Coupe and Convertible models are set to arrive in showrooms simultaneously. Notably, the new Vette will be offered in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive, a first in the nameplate’s history.
The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 is headed to Europe
European-spec C8 Corvette models come standard with both the Z51 Performance Package and 2LT trim level equipment. As a reminder, the Z51 Performance Package includes the following content:
- Performance exhaust system
- Upgraded Brembo brakes
- Manually adjustable threaded spring seats
- New aero pieces
- Electronic limited slip differential
- Shorter gearing
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
Additionally, the 2LT trim includes the following content:
- Head-Up Display
- 14-speaker Bose stereo
- Performance Data Recorder
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Rear Camera Mirror
For C8 Corvette buyers looking for even more good stuff, Chevy is also offering a new launch edition model, which is loaded with the top-dog 3LT trim level equipment and Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 suspension, as well as “a number of exterior details that further emphasize the new-generation Corvette’s dynamic design,” according to the automaker.
In the U.K., pricing for the new C8 Corvette launch edition starts at 81,700 pounds ($102,873 at current exchange rates, 06/03/2020) for Coupe models, and 87,110 pounds ($109,685 at current exchange rates) for Convertible models.
Back on U.S. shores, production of the C8 Corvette at GM’s facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky, resumed late last month following a shutdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Production of the 2020 Corvette Convertible is set to begin in July, while the following 2021 Chevrolet Corvette is set to begin production in November.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news, and 24/7 GM news coverage.
Comments
That’s HUGE – – the first factory RHD Corvette ever!! Europe never really warmed to the Corvette (despite an oft acknowledged respect for its capabilities) but I suspect RHD combined with its newfound mid-engine design and eye-popping affordability could finally thaw many European’s cold hearts towards America’s sports car.
Most Europeans have read about the 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette and know that this is a different animal from yesteryear, they know of how the C8 Corvette is competitive with Europe’s best and at a fraction of the price, most Europeans know that some brands may disappear in the next couple of years because no one is loyal though to pay more for less as Europe will be faced with a Corvette that is simply better.
A huge thumbs up. Corvettes in Europe is what the world needs. Finally Europe can experience first hand, just what American ingenuity can achieve.
Speaking of a strange phenomenon, connecting the C8 to Europe, a dual clutch transmission fluid, (possibly disseminated for GM via Mobil1) was developed in Holland or by the Dutch, apparently. In the Corporate world, Tremec with the Mexican Plant, and also with an Oklahoma location and a Minnesota location and possibly a Canadian location, this outstanding transmission company has produced the best transmissions for decades. While inquiries to Tremec in Minnesota were rebuffed with no comment other than, “proprietary information,” the Internet search revealed that the Dutch developed Pensosin FFL-4 fluid is used in Porsche, Audi, BMW and possibly Suburu. Ordering thorugh GM means a GM part number. However, if the research is correct (and thus far, no one will confirm it) this two quart fluid for the Transmission, which must be topped off by two quarts or at least checked, costs $104.00 nominal. However, under the brand name of Pentofrost++, it appears one can independently acquire 5 liters, for a time, on sale for $33.95 through, “Autoplicity.” A public posted phone number for ordering: 1-800-299-1028. This sale price may be pulled at any time. I have nothing to do with the company at all and receive nothing. The idea is to try to help C8 owners get this difficult to obtain cheaply, fluid, while it still may be on sale. Quarts of the fluid can be obtained from Advance Auto Parts. Make sure you verify that the fluid is the same used by GM under a different name and part number, likely that of Mobil1. AF
The C7 was already sold in Europe too, including the Grand Sport and Z06. They just never build a RHD version for UK. But don’t expect any big sales in UK, since Chevrolet has only one (1!!!) official dealer that can sell Chevrolet models there. Who is ready to drive their car through the whole country for every inspection or fix?
Germany is a much bigger market for Chevrolet and was always doing well in selling Camaros and Corvettes with the few dealers we got here (about 10 officiall dealers).
Yeah, the RHD Euro-spec version, for the UK, won’t be likely be a big seller for Chevy, probably totaling about 2-3 percent of the total output. with production about 200 to 300 cars. But the Euro-spec LHD model will likely sell about 3500 to 5000 units for the Common Market countries, especially, as you say, in Germany, with the no-speed-limit Autobahn. It will likely give Porsche a good run for the money.
As a proud American, I can’t wait for the C8 to make its way across the oceans to show just what can be done with American ingenuity and hard work. As a lifetime fan of Porsche, I always loved the Corvette but it just wasn’t a car that I aspired towards. Then the C8 hit. While I still drive my 2012 Racing Yellow Porsche Carrera with pride, now that it is 8 years old, the C8 is a whole different animal. An affordable Super car upon which General Motors went all in. It has already been shown that they made the right decision. Now if world and U.S. affairs will allow it to happen this car and its popularity will prove all of the leaders at GM, just how right they were to pursue this direction. And in my opinion, they were right. AF