The 2021 Corvette still can’t be equipped with the optional black Rocker Panel Extensions (RPO STI) pieces, GM Authority can confirm.
The optional black Rocker Panel Extensions have been unavailable since February of last year and have not returned to the vehicle’s order book in the 16 months since they were removed. The Rocker Panel Extensions cost $550 on the configurator tool on Chevrolet.com and were also offered as a separate Chevrolet Accessory for $495.
Chevy says the Rocker Panel Extensions can help prevent scratches and stone chips from road debris on the side skirt area of the C8 Corvette. For most C8 Corvette owners, though, these will mainly be a cosmetic upgrade to enhance the exterior appearance of their vehicle.
GM experienced a number of parts shortages for the C8 Corvette last year as the COVID-19 pandemic that forced it to remove certain optional extras from the sports car’s order book. For example, the optional Visible Carbon Fiber Ground Effects Package (RPO 5VM) was cancelled last year due to a supplier issue, although it returned on the Chevrolet Accessories website at the beginning of this year.
Additionally, Chevy removed the optional High Wing Rear Spoiler from the C8 Corvette order books last year due to increased demand before bringing it back once again for 2021.
GM stopped taking new sold orders for the 2021 Corvette back in March after it sold out of its production allocation. The automaker will begin taking orders for the mildly updated 2022 Corvette in July, with production set to commence at the GM Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky later this summer.
C8 Corvette with High Wing Rear Spoiler
The 2022 Corvette continues with the same naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2, which produces 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the factory performance exhaust system. Output is routed to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
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Comments
I placed my order for a 2020, was bumped into 2021, and changed the configuration to make it easier to build , I ordered less cosmetic stuff. Got my car in March.
Red Mist, Z51 Convertible, LT2
Owned several Corvette’s and my 2021 is by far the best ever. Had ordered a 2020, but we know how that went. It was well worth the wait. The convertible for me is incredible looking. Car is rock solid. Quite AND loud. Smooth AND stiff. Hits all my buttons. Love this car! I am blessed.
Fred NC congrats, I’m still waiting for mine, I ordered Red Mist, Z51 coupe, LT2 , front lift, magnet ride and museum delivery. It’s been at a 3000 status since mid April, can’t wait to enjoy this incredible car as it’s my first corvette. Again congrats on getting yours and enjoy.
I ordered mine in march and it has been in 3,000 status ever since. Called corvette concierge today and they said trying to get 2021 production done by July. Fingers crossed!
Hell we’ll froze over before I get my 2 cars it only going on 2 years now
Picked up my 21 at the museum April 30th and they had put the rocker extensions on it. So did two other cars there.
I had my rocker panel extensions in carbon flash installed last week on my new 2021 ,must say ,they look Fantastic.
“The optional black Rocker Panel Extensions have been unavailable since February of last year and have not returned to the vehicle’s order book in the 16 months since they were removed.”
The above information is incorrect. They were unavailable for a time in 2020, but have always been available for 2021 models. Placed my order in December 2020, and were delivered & installed by the dealer prior to my delivery in April 2021.
I ordered a 2020 in Dec 2019 and was told in March I would have to reorder a 2021. I had my dealer submit my order the first day for 2021. I picked up my Z51 HTC on 12-26-21. The next day the top crashed when I was closing it. The locking latches deployed before the top was closed. This knocked it out of alignment. You can only drive 58 MPH if the top is not secure! It was back at the dealer the next day. They had my car 22 days replacing parts. I had the car 1 day and the top would not close back to the dealer an hour away. 3 days later they said maybe too cold?? It was 46 degrees. couple of weeks later I put the top down crashed again. In the shop 32 days. GM sent an engineer up and he was at the dealer 1 day. The top worked 5-6 times and crashed again. Back in the shop. GM said they were going to have an engineer come from Germany where it was manufactured. I picked the car up and went on vacation but could not put the top down. Back in the shop and still there! Dealer was told to try one more thing before they bring in the guy from Germany! They still have my car. 72 days in the shop so far!!!! Anyone else having an issue like this? $97,570 out the door not including the extra set of tires and wheels I bought!
You need to get a lawyer and also check the states lemon laws. That’s terrible, if I was that dealer I would at least try and get you another vehicle or return your money. Terrible customer service on both the dealer and Chevrolet. Good luck
The dealer offered to give me back my money! Indiana does have a lemon law that my car definitely fits all the qualifications. I don’t want money. I want a corvette! I am on my 4th GM customer service representative. The first offered a whole $100 towards an oil change. They finally brought in a new top and all new motors. Maybe tomorrow? I am not getting my hopes up.
Sorry to hear that I just wish I can get my car before I pass I order it on 7/19 and still no car and now I have cancer now and at this rate I may never see my order it been in at 3000 status every sense April 1 2021 and with no luck as you see I have still at 3000 status still so I wish you all the luck in the world with you new corvette and I hope they well care of you car good luck my friend
I ordered mine in December 2019. Reordered a 2021 in July. I retired in September 2020 and was diagnosed with cancer in November. The best advice I can give is do as much research as you can. I went to Northwestern north of Chicago and had my treatment. I had my first follow up appointment and blood work is looking good! Best wishes to you! GM sent engineer and tech from Bowling Green to replace the top and all motors today.
GM had 2 engineers come from Germany and another tech from Bowling Green come and replace the convertible top and motors. The closing mechanism was designed and built by these engineers. They tried to fix the original top and gave up. Interesting thing was someone contacted a supplier to get the motors and they were told they didn’t have any. The engineers knew someone somewhere and had the parts delivered the next day! The top is much smoother than the day I picked it up! After 6 months I hope this headache is over!
Sorry it was 7/28/2019 when I started this order