The C8 Corvette presents an audacious challenge to Europe’s best sports cars, offering up impressive mid-engine handling alongside a healthy dose of American-bred V8 performance. Critically, GM is offering the C8 Corvette in several European markets – however, not all model variants will be sold there. As it turns out, GM Authority has exclusively learned that the new C8 Corvette ZR1 won’t cross the pond.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the new C8 Corvette ZR1 will not be available in Europe. This stands in contrast to the three other C8 variants released previously, including the C8 Stingray, the C8 E-Ray, and the C8 Z06, all of which will be available in certain European markets through Hedin Mobility Group. The C8 Stingray and C8 Z06 were previously offered through AEC Specialty Vehicles (AECSV), an official distributor that also offers other high-demand GM vehicles to European buyers, including the Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevy Suburban, and Cadillac Escalade, among others. However, Hedin Mobility Group was recently announced as the official distributor for the Corvette in continental Europe after the group was tasked with C8 sales in Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
Notably, the European-spec C8 Z06 is equipped with a market-specific outboard exhaust system with a new petrol particulate filter (PPF) that lowers overall sound output and emissions to bring the Z06 into compliance with regulations. As a result, the export-spec C8 Z06 produces less power as well, with output dropping to 636 horsepower and 439 pound-feet of torque, as compared to the 670 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque produced by the U.S.-spec Z06.
Notably, the C8 Corvette is the first Corvette model offered in right-hand drive direct from the factory. The C8 Corvette is also available in other export markets, including Australia and New Zealand, as well as Japan. Every unit of the C8 is produced at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky, while all variants ride on the GM Y2 platform.
Comments
The C7 ZR1 wasn’t sold in Europe either, so nobody expected the C8 ZR1 here. But there’s one mistake in the article, AECSV is already out again for the european C8s, Hedin Sports Car took over as announced a few weeks ago
Nice catch, Samurai. Thanks for calling out that error. The post has been updated.