The base C8-generation Chevy Corvette Stingray offers impressive performance for very little outlay, but for those customers willing to pay a bit extra for even more go-fast goodness, upgrades like the Z51 Performance Package fit the bill nicely. As it just so happens, two out of every three C8 Corvette Stingray buyers choose to equip the optional Z51 package.
With the announcement of pricing for the new 2023 Chevy Corvette Z06, GM also provided some insight with regard to Corvette Stingray customers and their willingness to spend a bit more on their vehicle.
“Customers are purchasing more than 50 percent of Stingrays with Z51 Performance Package and skewing toward well-equipped 2LT and 3LT vehicles, so we’re confident buyers are ready for more performance and bespoke features,” GM states.
Although the language is a bit vague, recent statistics released by the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky confirm that the take rate for the Z51 Performance Package for 2022 Chevy Corvette Stingray buyers is in fact 68.6 percent. What’s more, buyers predominantly choose the mid-range 2LT trim and range-topping 3LT trim over the base 1 LT trim, with 15.4 percent purchasing 1LT, 42.8 percent purchasing 2LT, and 41.8 percent purchasing 3LT.
These figures line up with figures for the 2021 model year as well, with 60 percent of 2021 Corvette Stingray buyers electing to equip the Z51 package.
To note, the Z51 Performance package adds in a wealth of goodies that significantly enhance the sports car, including:
- Z51 Performance suspension
- Electronic limited-slip differential
- Performance ratio rear axle
- Z51 Performance Brembo brakes
- Performance exhaust system
- Z51 rear spoiler
- Heavy-duty cooling system
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S high-performance tires
Pricing for the package is currently set at $6,345.
As a reminder, the Corvette Stingray features the mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine, which is rated at 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the factory performance exhaust system. Under the skin is the GM Y2 platform. Production takes place at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
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Comments
Should read -Due to Constraints, Two-Thirds were forced to choose the Z51 package in order to received their allocation. Granted, some would have chosen it anyway, but many like myself were forced to order it. So basically it was a forced option by GM weather I purchased the car or someone else did. Not fair to say that it was a chosen option.
My allocation would only be accepted if I took the Z51 option off my build last week. Disappointed, but not a deal breaker as the performance exhaust was least still available.
Same here. Ordered without.
The Z51 option has the most value for the cost of all C8 options. It’s hard to pass up.
Unless you are taking the car to the track, most of the items in Z51 are a waste.
My dealer called to let me know that I could place an order. I was overjoyed. However, due to their allocation I would be forced to take the Z51 package, which I did not want. To get the car I agreed to it. However, I could not get the magnetic ride control and that was a deal breaker for me. So, back on the waiting list. This sucks.
This most certainly looks like like a forced upgrade, as opposed to being chosen. Shame on GM.
I am envious the Z51 package is an absolute bargain. To anyone in the market for a sports car try pricing a Porsche with options and you will see what a great deal the Vette is. I love my Porsche but damn, you get nickel and dime’d to death.
Couldn’t agree more. Sold my 2021 C8 with 300 miles on it, for a tidy profit. Bought new 2022 911 base cab. Many things are not available on Porsche , like heads up display. Yes Porsche nickels and dimes you, plus they charge you for some of the littlest things that are standard on Corvette. I will also say the. C8 was a very good car, and electronics much more user friendly than the 911.
I wanted the heavy duty cooling, not much interested in any of the other things.
The other factor is many of these are still being ordered/bought to be “flipped”. More options usually means more $$$ for the flipper!
OP here…don’t get me wrong, I love my C8. This is my 8th Corvette and exactly half have either been Grand Sports or have been Z51’s. My intent for the original post was to dispute the fact that the article or GM for that matter was acting like people were choosing this option on their own when in fact we were forced into it.
I have always wanted the Z51 package. There was a constraint on the Z51 package, when it was finally my turn to put in my order, so I had to wait. I got a called last week that my order was submitted, and they will call me when it gets accepted. I was on a list for 16 months, and I’m happy to be the next one up.
This is the second month they pull the z51 stunt next month I will drop off as I see no in the z51 at all and I won’t be forced into a package I don’t want and don’t need.
I ordered mine Feb. 2021. 1 LT. I am still waiting.
I am sure you wanna cancel out the fact that I feel like they are trying to shove it down our throat is a no no
Change your order to a 2LT with Z51 pkg and it’ll be built and shipped a whole lot sooner.