mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

2021 Corvette Production Start Pushed Back To December

Production of the 2021 Corvette has been pushed back from mid-November to early December.

According to GM Authority sources familiar with the situation at the GM Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky, the automaker has decided to push the production start date for the 2021 Corvette from November 16th to early December. It’s not entirely clear why this decision was made, however the revised production timeline will give GM more time to fulfill any remaining orders for the 2020 Corvette and 2020 Corvette Convertible.

Production of the 2020 Corvette was originally scheduled to begin in December of last year, but the start date was pushed back to February due to setbacks related to the 40-day UAW strike. GM was then forced to temporarily idle its plants in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic shortly after production began in February, causing a major backlog for the 2020 model year Corvette and leading to delays for the 2021 model year vehicle.

These delays also forced GM to cancel some 2020 Corvette and 2020 Corvette Convertible customer orders.  Customers affected by this decision will receive a 2021 model year Corvette instead of the 2020 model year car, it is understood.

GM applied minor changes to the C8 Corvette for the 2021 model year. These include the addition of two new exterior colors to its palette, Red Mist Tintcoat and Silver Flare Metallic, along with new exterior racing stripe options and a new interior color combo. Like many 2021 model year GM vehicles, the C8 Corvette has also received standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

What hasn’t changed is the car’s powertrain. Just like before, the 2021 Corvette will come with a 6.2L LT2 V8 engine producing 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, or 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet when equipped with the optional Performance Exhaust. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to the rear wheels, enabling a 0-60 mph time of three seconds flat.

Subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news, and 24/7 GM news coverage.

[nggallery id=1065]

Sam loves to write and has a passion for auto racing, karting and performance driving of all types.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. It just keeps getting worse and worse for my 2020 Convertible in 3000 mode.
    I keep seeing GM advertising huge multi-thousand dollar discounts on all their 2020 models, some up to $6000. but not Corvette.
    Where does that leave us 2020 C8 Convertible waiting owners?
    I think it’s time GM came to the post with some offers/incentives for us loyal ‘waiters’.
    The aspect of receiving a 2020 in December 2020 or maybe even in January 2021 requires some kind of perk.
    Just spitballin’ here, but how ’bout something like this–
    — $5000. year end discount for deliveries after September 30.
    — Option of changing to 2021 at 2020 prices including options and guaranteed early build.
    — One year extention of 2020 warranty provisions. (i.e., 4 year b2b)
    — Voucher for $2000. worth of OEM GM accessories and/or dealer-installed options.
    Do you think GM should step up to the plate in some way?

    Reply
    1. Why is it you think you deserve a huge discount? You’re wanting a high demand car. Live with it or cancel your order.

      First the strike. Then huge Covid-19 delays. These are outside implications that are out of GM’s control. Stop expecting entitlement and wait your turn. You accepted the price that was quoted, now wait your turn and then appreciate what you have when you do finally get it.

      Reply
      1. It would be nice if that were true! I put down a deposit in December. I am now told I have to wait on a 2021 and the price is $1500 higher! I ask the dealer if he would hold the 2020 price and I was told if I didn’t buy it somebody else will.

        Reply
        1. I think your dealer is ripping you off for $1500.00. My saleman cancelled my 2020 order and ordered a 2021 at the same price the day 2021 orders opened up.

          Reply
    2. Discounts like $5K off at the end of the year are for vehicles sitting on dealer lots to make room for the next years models. Seen any C8’s sitting on dealer lots? I just checked @ Chevrolet dot com and it only list 2020 model. For those who 2020 model was reset for 2021 and if there is a good price increase on the MSRP without additional cost for the existing order, that is a bit of an compensation.

      Reply
  2. When will dealers find out what their 2021 allocations will be?

    Reply
    1. The dealers know now what their 2021 allocation are now.
      BUT a few are not honest on what their allocation actually is to real you in, this has already been confirmed with 2 local dealers.
      One, my order was suppose to have been sent in at the start of the 2021 production Nov-Dec 2020, guaranteed buy the salesman.
      I was asked to give a $3k deposit to start the order on Oct 3, 2020 I originally started the process 4/2020.
      Now it looks closer to late summer before my order might get sent in.
      Both claim they have a 55 allocation when it’s closer to 23-25, this is the reason for the delays the dealers allocation is not available yet.

      Reply
      1. 2021 orders were available for dealer to submit in July. I picked up my 2021HTC Z51 on December 26. The vin number is 750 so it must have been produced the first week. I put down a deposit in December of 2019 for 2020. $95k after taxes and extended warranty. Good luck. Worth the wait!!

        Reply
        1. Same price as my 2020 + $500 . any first year car requires extended warranty and after all of the stories about wheels cracking on Z06 models I got the wheel and tire warranty.

          Reply
  3. I put a $5000 down payment on a C8 Corvette on September 7, 2019 and still haven’t received it. The car will be a year older and , if delivered, it will be the mid of winter. Chevrolet has done a lousy job, and I’m being kind in my words, of communicating to the people waiting. Why did many people who ordered these cars much later, and I mean months, receive their cars and are enjoying them. Yes, I believe that Chevrolet should reimburse the many still waiting some compensation. IF I had know that certain colors weren’t available I would have ordered another color (but why advertise a color when you know it’s not available. Same for other features. Very upset with the way Chevrolet has handled the entire situation.

    Reply
    1. How will the car be a year older? If you haven’t received it, then it hasn’t been built so it won’t be old when you get it.

      Reply
      1. By model year, it’s considered a one-year old car, even though it it brand new and has not been previously titled or owned. Once the 2021 production starts and models are released to the public, all 2020 versions are then one year old., as they have been superseded by a “newer” version. According to U.S. law, once a car in production is given a particular year designation, the manufacturer cannot use a previous model year designation for cars or trucks after the official changeover date. The legally binding model year is encoded as one of the characters in the VIN, located at the base of the windshield, ahead of the steering wheel. It is a U.S. federal crime to alter, or attempt to alter a vehicle’s VIN.

        Reply
  4. Chevrolet has done such a poor job of getting this car out that you wonder if there is anyone who knows what they are doing. The transition from the C7 to C8 after the strike, which shouldn’t have happened or gone on for two months, was botched. I understand the Covid issues, but the indecisiveness around production scheduling of 2020 verses 2021 is uncalled for. First dealers were jerking people around, now Chevy. I moved my order to a different dealer which didn’t change a projected date for receiving a car. This process has become so distasteful I’m becoming indifferent about the C8 on order instead of excited. Considering just cancelling the the order not that Chevrolet would care. My 50th Anniversary Edition C5 is still the prettiest Corvette produced so maybe having that is sufficient. Also started looking a Cayman GT 4s

    Reply
  5. I am with you guys sitting at status 3000. I think their biggest problem was they have so many parts coming from so many suppliers. If they push too hard, they may drain some of their suppliers ability to keep up. That would stop the line and that would not be a good thing. That was mentioned in the piece they put out about how the factory works. The only plus is that hopefully we will be getting a vehicle that is free of all the problems they had previous. I too have been waiting so long that I am not as excited as I once was. Maybe when the truck pulls into the dealer finally I might get some of that back.

    Reply
    1. Richard, I think that GM’s contention that suppliers are part of the problem for current production because of GM not knowing what options etc. were required is a lot of BS— GM has known exactly what vehicles were ordered and exactly what options were ordered on them at least since February 2020 when my order hit 3000 status. That’s 8 months. What’s the surprise?

      Reply
      1. There is this thing called COVID lockdown going on. It does disrupt supply chains, and the support company’s have to deal with sick employees too. COVID is still effecting manufacturing. And GM is still focused on keeping the three big truck shops running hard, so they are parts priority number one.

        Reply
  6. I wonder if GMC Fan has one on order? Because if he doesn’t he has no Idea the frustration people are dealing with who do.

    It’s a highly desirable car that has been poorly presented.

    Reply
  7. I ordered mine on 7/20/19, 36 hours after the internet unveiling. I got mine 1 week ago. Well with the wait and I smiled all the way home. Keep emailing the Corbett Concierge. I only got past the 3000 stage 4 weeks ago. The final stages go fast and whoop; There it is! As far as discounts go your car will be worth far more than you payed for it. My dealer had a 400 certified 1LT C8 and sold it to an acquaintance of my ne for $99.5 k. So paying full sticker is a discount at this time.

    Reply
  8. The 2020 C8 production will likely be the lowest since the C1 era, so the 2020 Vettes will scarce compared to recent C7 production, and command higher resale prices, since many buyers want to have the first edition.

    Reply
  9. It wouldn’t surprise me if they push production to after the 1st of the year for the 2021, because they’re shutting down October 11 to 19 due to supply issues. Then they close 1week at Thanksgiving, then 2 weeks for Christmas and New Years. I’ve got mine ordered all I can do is wait.

    Reply
  10. My deposit was put down in December for a convertible. I was at the museum for the first 2020 corvette delivery. Just happened to stop on the way back to Indiana. I want that experience! Now I had to order a 2021. My dealer knows nothing. I learn more here and tell him what is happening! Price went up $1500. My retirement present. Hope to get it some day.

    Reply
  11. I knew that my car had been built when my dealer called me a week later. The Corvette Concierge is great. I got same day responses or first thing the next morning if I emailed during the evening.

    Reply
  12. I paid my deposit in September 2018 my down payment in march 12 2020 I understand the strike and then the pandemic Had delayed every thing but I think that GM should have reached out to us the ones already commited to the car and at least tell you what is going on and what to expect, instead GM just ignore the whole thing
    I am purchasing a brand new 2020 car that is going to be one year old by the time I receive it, is GM going to pay for the depreciation of a car that is one year old even if it is 0 miles the whole thing just sucks

    Reply
  13. Beyond Frustrated
    Oct 1st 2019 convertible came out. Ordered mine, Oct. 15, 2019. GM had me wait 5 months until they accepted my order. (3000) I just reached 3300 Oct 7,2020 7 months later. Got a built week of Oct. 19th. Which was canceled due to lack of parts inventory. Purchased 8 new corvettes since 1966 and this is the worst I’ve been treated by General Motors. No communications from GM at all. No communications from the dealer at all. I feel that loyalty to GM means nothing to them. And yes I agree with others here that GM should do something for the torment that they put there buyers through.

    Reply
  14. Such piss and moan.

    Get a grip here as this is the major issue here. Many parts suppliers are behind or shut down and as much as GM would love to be up to speed on the C8 it’s not happening due to the Virus.

    Amazon has spoiled people from what was the norm in the past of getting something when they got it to you. Even today there are things that will come along and slow or stop delivery of items.

    Things made in China are 3-6 months or more behind. Thing in states like CA and MI where things are shut down to dictator governors has slowed production of many items even built else where.

    I have seen delays in product since March from many MFGs. Customers scream but if it is not being made screaming is not going to get it too you sooner. You may not have the part but I am not making any money on it either.

    So no you do not deserve a discount. If unhappy with the delay with no discount then cancel and buy a 3021 and expect more delays.

    We have all faced issues due to the virus and you not having your Vette yet is not high on our priority list yet so sorry if we don’t show any sympathy. I get it I would want mine too but get over it.

    Just be grateful you are not waiting for a heart transplant.

    Reply
  15. Every one knows of the causes for the delay what every one is complaining is the fact that GM has not even try to address the problem with the paying customers it will go a long ways toward people what is going on
    Instead neither the concierge or the salesman knows any thing you are left on limbo

    Reply
    1. Sorry but the car is ordered and 5gey will ship it when it is done.

      I deal with back orders all the time generally you get little info and what info you get is most times not accurate.

      GM is not going to give updates as they can’t. This whole deal is fluid and could change weekly. Then people get more upset if it keeps changing. I see it all the time.

      GM is not going to be specific as to the details as MFGs do not give that info out.

      GM is not going to discount cars just because you are disappointed.

      Let’s face it no matter what GM does people will complain.

      The harsh reality is if you want a C8 wait if not cancel your order and someone else will take the slot.

      GM is not happy about this either as if 5heybare not building they are not making money.

      Life is full of disappointments and you just need to deal with it.

      I hope to add a C8 but I have a kid with a couple years of collage to pay for first. I wish I could order now but family first and deal with it.

      Just be glad you have an order and you will get one.

      It is prima-donna behavior like this that has at times hurt the Corvette image.

      Reply
      1. OK, C8R, easy for you to say, you’re not waiting for one!

        Reply
  16. It’s a shame that the dealers are not understanding the true mission of a “halo car” like the Vette — it’s supposed to be a way for dealers to attract customers and build relationships . . . and then sell that family many other vehicles. That’s how you build relationships, through service and respect. That’s why the dealers and corporate are dropping the ball. It’s not just about Corvette sales. GM is not going to succeed or fail based on how many Corvettes they sell. Corvettes are easy to sell. If I were a car salesman, I would kill for a group of leads like this waiting list group — it’s an opportunity to get a customer for life. Instead they are acting like the stuck up girl in high school who is popular and doesn’t have to give anyone the time of day. So shortsighted. See how that works out once the Vettes are delivered.

    Reply
  17. I understand the frustration that we are all feeling. I order my car in July 2019 and have been waiting 453 days for my car. I am not happy about getting a car and loosing a years depreciation on it the day I get it. Chevrolet has a backlog of about 20,000 cars that will now be produced as 2021. Honestly, I wish at this point, I was one of them getting a 2021 because of the wireless Apple CarPlay. It is also frustrating that when you contact the dealer, they know nothing and when you contact the Corvette Concierge they tell you to try back In 3-4 weeks and to check with you no nothing dealer. Hopefully one advantage of waiting is that some of the problems they have had with the frunk, engine, and brakes will not be a problem. Since I live in NY, I will be getting a car that I will be putting away for the winter. I called them today, and they have no idea when I will get my car.

    It would have been nice if they gave the customer waiting the longest the option for the 2021 with priority in production.

    Reply
  18. It is a shame that the big dealers get priority over the small dealers. I understand the allotment that they receive. When I see on FaceBook that some people who ordered cars after I did already have them. Orders are not always processed in order they are received.

    Reply
  19. Neil:
    I agree and feel exactly the way you feel. I’m 79 years old, ordered the 2020 Corvette on September 7, 2019, and still don’t have a clue as to when I’ll see it (if I don’t die first). You are correct, I get more information from watching YOU TUBE than from Chevy dealer and the Concierge. In all of my years, I have never seen such “a cluster-f—k” by a auto manufacturer. Makes no difference who orders first, always excuses, colors, out of parts, constraints, you name it. What gets me is that I thought I was helping a small town dealer, but in reality it’s the Kerbecks, Coughlin, and a few others that rate first. The next one, if there is another, will be with someone that tells it straight. Keep up the hope, we still may see them before Christmas, just in time to store for 3 months more.

    Reply
  20. Put my deposit down July 2019.car ordered in Oct. 2019, still at 3000. Not excited anymore! Plus dealer is now playing games with my price.

    Reply
  21. which is better cbd from marijuana plant or hemp?

    Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel