For the first time in the history of the Chevy Corvette nameplate, the eighth-generation C8 introduces right-hand drive straight from the factory – a pretty significant update for those overseas Vette lovers lusting after all that mid-engine goodness. That includes the 2023 Corvette Z06, and now, we’ve caught a right-hand drive 2023 Corvette Z06 Coupe out in the wild.
Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen the C8 in public in right-hand drive, per GM Authority coverage from 2021 on a RHD Stingray model finished in Accelerate Yellow paint. It also isn’t the first time we’ve seen the 2023 Corvette Z06 in public in right-hand drive, with a RHD drop-top convertible model spotted in April of this year. It is, however, the first time we’ve seen the 2023 Corvette Z06 Coupe in public in right-hand drive.
Draped in eye-searing Amplify Orange Tintcoat paint (paint code GC5), this particular example example is fitted with the Z07 Performance package, which ups the ante with a host of important go-faster upgrades, including unique FE7 suspension and Z07-specific Magnetic Ride Control damper calibration, carbon ceramic rotors, stickier Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires, and a full carbon fiber aero package with a larger front splitter, front-corner dive planes, a massive rear wing, and underbody strake.
This example is also running an outboard exhaust treatment, unlike the quad inner pipes equipped by U.S.-spec models, thus confirming earlier GM Authority coverage that the 2023 Corvette Z06 would indeed run an outboard exhaust for some foreign markets.
Further notable features for this right-hand-drive 2023 Corvette Z06 are the Black Spider Design wheels (RPO code SOA), which are made from aluminum, although it should be noted that the Z07 package does open up the possibility to option in ultra-lightweight carbon fiber wheels, if desired. Under the wheels, we spot a set of orange-painted brake calipers (RPO code J6L), which require the carbon ceramic brakes (RPO code J57).
All in all, it’s certainly a nice-looking setup, and should prove to be hugely desirable for overseas buyers. Looking ahead, the 2023 Corvette Z06 will be offered in several right-hand drive markets, including Japan, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, with Aussie and New Zealand buyers gaining access via GMSV.
As a reminder, the 2023 Corvette Z06 features the naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 LT6 gasoline engine for motivation, while under the skin is the GM Y2 platform. Production takes place exclusively at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
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Comments
Thankfully the person’s face is blurred out in that one photo… otherwise I wouldn’t be able to tell what they look like in the other pics!
It’s exactly for these kinds of keen, sharp-eyed, and otherwise brilliant observations that people frequent the comments section. I can’t wait for this guy’s next comment.
Interesting exhaust system is not the US 4 pipe system, but the C8 side pipe. Is the Euro exhaust different from US version? Or is this just a prototype?
It’s different for international (not necessarily Euro) markets: https://gmauthority.com/blog/2022/05/2023-corvette-z06-to-get-outboard-exhaust-for-some-foreign-markets/
They have said all along that the exhaust would be different for the other markets. I believe they have stiffer noise and emission laws. The US Postal Service should get a fleet of them. 😀
You can’t buy them in the US but we’re going to send them overseas? SMH
Follow the money.
“Overseas” sales of these vehicles nets substantially higher margins than the ones here. That’s the free market economy at work.
Yeah but who bailed them out in 2009? AMERICAN TAX PAYERS. We should be first in line.