The C8 Corvette Stingray is a special vehicle for Chevrolet, introducing the first-ever production mid-engine platform in the history of Chevy Corvette nameplate. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the way in which General Motors handles C8 Corvette Stingray structural repairs and parts distribution is also somewhat special.
As GM Authority reported previously, only authorized collision repair centers can performance structural repairs on the new C8 Corvette Stingray, per a post made to GM TechLink.
“Structural repairs must be made by certified GM Collision Repair Network (CRN) or Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network (CARN) shops,” reads the TechLink article. “Non-certified shops will not be permitted to receive the restricted structural part numbers from a GM dealership. The majority of the structural frame components for the C8 Corvette will be put on parts restriction.”
By restricting the sale of key structural components, General Motors is essentially limiting where C8 Corvette Stingray customers can have their sports car serviced when it comes to major structural repairs. While some may consider this restrictive, the C8 Corvette Stingray’s aluminum frame makes it difficult to perform certain structural repairs. As it stands, this restrictive repair practice is somewhat common among mid-engine aluminum-frame sports cars.
What’s more, GM dealers with body shops that are seeking to become a part of the GM Collision Repair Network can apply to do so. Repairs require a fixture bench to complete.
Additionally, repairs require handing over the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which suggests that General Motors is keeping tabs on which C8 Corvette Stingrays have been in severe collisions.
As a reminder, the C8 Corvette Stingray is equipped with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine, which is rated at 495 horsepower at 6,450 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 5,150 rpm when equipped with the factory performance exhaust system. Output is routed to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
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