The Corvette C8 offers world-beating, mid-engine performance, but not everyone has access to all that eighth-gen goodness. Now, we’re getting an exclusive look at the upcoming right-hand-drive Corvette C8, which promises to expand the latest Vette’s availability to certain export markets.
The photos, which were provided by a GM Authority reader, depict a yellow Corvette C8 Coupe without any camouflage. Looking inside, we find the steering wheel placed on the right side of the cabin, indicating that this particular model is a fully integrated, right-hand-drive Corvette C8 prototype.
Moving the steering wheel to other side of the cabin opens up the Corvette C8 to previously restricted markets. As GM Authority covered previously, General Motors has indicated that it was testing the Corvette C8 in the right-hand-drive configuration, with the first right-hand-drive units slated for export to Japan.
GM Japan reportedly received 300 orders for the Corvette C8 in just 60 hours. Pricing is set at 11.18 million yen ($106,730 at current exchange rates, 02/11/2021) for the 2LT trim, and 14 million yen ($133,652 at current exchange rates) for the top 3LT trim. A single trim of the Corvette C8 Convertible will be sold in Japan for 15.5 million yen ($147,971 at current exchange rates).
The right-hand-drive Corvette C8 will also be sold in Australia, with GMSV (the new GM brand in the market following the departure of Holden) importing 200 units annually. Pricing in Australia is set at $149,990 AUD ($116,362 at current exchange rates).
Finally, the U.K. is also expected to receive limited units of the right-hand-drive Corvette C8.
Production will take place alongside left-hand-drive units at the GM Bowling Green facility in Kentucky. Just behind the cabin is the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine, producing 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque when paired with the factory performance exhaust system.
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Comments
Welcome development! Much better than taking a finished left-hand-drive car and convert it into a RHD. GM learns!
So stubborn tough headed GM does a RHD Corvette, I am surprised at this development. Now they should do the same for some of their other makes, the Cadillac CT4 and CT5 comes to mind for UK Japanese and Australian markets.
I wish GM would quit making cars for export when they can not take care of their US customers. My Corvette has been on order since May 2020.