Vette C8 pricing to start at $155k

Distributor’s sharp-edged strategy will surely sting independent importers.

CORVETTE’S official distributor has steered clear of thought that its pricing for the new-generation car, announced today, has been tailored to deflate grey importers who have been asking much more for the model.

GMSV official reason for announcing pricing now, and not closer to the car’s late-year arrival, is that it wants to kick off an order bank because supply will be limited.

General Motors will start building the NZ-bound C8s at the type’s famous plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in the last quarter of this year with hope some will hit GM Speciality Vehicles’ seven national sales outlets before Christmas.

 Planned or otherwise, the distributor’s Model Year 2022 cars are massively cheaper than left-hook examples that are already here.

GMSV’s NZ plan kicks off with a 2LT Coupe at $154,990 and a 3LT Coupe for $169,990. Those variants also provision as convertibles, carrying a $15,000 premium.

There is also a Carbon Edition launch special Coupe that has yet to be priced.

All run a 370kW/637Nm 6.2-litre V8 paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic that drives the rear wheels. The C8 is the fastest Corvette yet, with a claimed 0-100kmh time of three seconds (which some independent testers claim to have bettered). 

At least half a dozen independently imported examples of the car often described as America’s answer to Ferrari and Porsche supercars are presently being advertised by private importers.

These cars – apparently shipped directly from the United States or from Japan, which accepts left-hand drive cars - are being advertised on TradeMe from $200,000 to close to $250,000.  

At least one importer appeared to have slashed pricing today, though not enough to achieve anything equality with the factory-appointed distributor.

Full details of the NZ-market models have not been shared, but GMSV NZ has assured they will not be low spec cars.

For instance, all NZ-bound official product will have as standard a Z51 performance pack and frontal lift that seems to be an option in the United States.

The Z51 package includes a dual mode exhaust, performance suspension with ‘Magnetic Selective Ride Control’ (magnetic active dampers that react and adjust within milliseconds), larger Brembo brakes, electronic-limited slip differential, a front splitter, rear fascia-mounted spoiler, extra cooling provisions and specific rear axle ratio.

GMSV here says it added the features because it recognised customers as performance enthusiasts who will want to enjoy the car to its fullest potential. 

The frontal lift is a push-button technology that lifts the front suspension at the press of a button at low speeds, so the front bumper doesn’t scrape on steep driveways.

The 2LT base model also has a colour head-up display, 14-speaker Bose audio system, the Z51 performance pack and frontal lift. The 3LT and Carbon Edition build off this.

The latter is based off a 3LT Coupe and will feature hand-picked interior trims, premium wheels and brake calliper package, an exclusive build plate and owners pack.

A spokesman said supply of the car will be constrained for some time, “due to the global popularity of the vehicle.

“Our focus at launch is to ensure that all GMSV dealers in NZ and Australia have an initial first allocation of one Carbon Edition each and one selling vehicle with two additional units available for customer order.

“Following the initial launch stage, further allocations will be available next year. 

“GM has a certain RHD production capacity, so this consideration coupled with significant demand means there is every likelihood that demand will exceed supply.” 

The Corvette nameplate goes back to 1953 but the latest, eighth generation model, is the first to be available as a factory-built right-hand-drive.

It is also the first to feature a mid-engine configuration.

In addition to the Corvette, GMSV has announced a new derivative of the Chevrolet Silverado large utility, the LT Trail Boss. 

Deliveries of the $119,900 model commence mid-year.

As the name suggests, the Trail Boss is designed to be a more versatile off-road product than the LTZ Premium that has already installed in the market.

“LT Trail Boss is purpose-built, born to perform, offering rugged dependability in off-road settings when exploring on the weekend, but is also at home in urban environments during the week,” says GMSV NZ general manager Matthew Taylor.

“It will enable big thrills and big adventures - it’s a way to really enjoy and experience the road less travelled.”

The Trail Boss achieve a factory-fitted suspension lift-kit, which increases ride height by approximately 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear. It also takes a mechanical rear locking differential and 18-inch painted black aluminium wheels. Hill Descent Control, a heavy-duty air filter and protective all-terrain skid plates complement the all-round off-road package.

The driver receives a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and, together with the front passenger, enjoys a 10-way power and heated seat.

The vehicle achieves a towing capacity of 4.5 tonnes and runs a petrol 6.2-litre V8 coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

The column-mounted gearshift selector is a historic throwback – GMSV explains that configuration provides space for a large centre console which acts as a storage chest, capable of hiding away large and bulky items. 

A remote vehicle starter system, consisting of Keyless Open and Start, adds to convenience features.

 Access to the LT Trail Boss was achieved thanks to GMSV’s direct line to Detroit, where the request was made to supply the Australian and New Zealand markets and then remanufacture to right-hand-drive by Walkinshaw Automotive Group.

GM’s gender equality push

‘Greater inclusiveness can only lead to better outcomes’

Jodie Lennon and Joanne Stogiannis.

IN recognition of today being International Women’s Day, General Motors Special Vehicles’ has highlighted that three women are front and centre in their organisation.

“It is common knowledge that the auto industry is skewed heavily towards male representation, so it’s incredibly heartening we’re making gains in changing this balance, albeit as part of a relatively small team,” says Joanne Stogiannis, the director of GMSV, which represents in New Zealand with the Chevrolet Silverado and will also likely have the Corvette here before year’s end.

“This is demonstrated as part of the leadership team, where myself as head of GMSV and my colleagues Jodie Lennon and Dahlia Shnider work hand in hand on this new and exciting business,” she comments in a media release from GMSV, continued verbatim from this point.

“At GMSV, females account for 45 percent of all personnel in the team.  This diversity is incredibly important as studies have shown that company performance can be enhanced through greater gender balance.  Greater inclusiveness can only lead to better outcomes.”  

Stogiannis has been part of General Motors for almost 25-years, working through a variety of ever-increasingly senior roles including her present position of director of the recently established GMSV business.

“Since starting in the automotive industry, I’ve seen a shift from being one of the only women in the room to a place where we have greater diversity and balance," she says.

“Pleasingly, GM encourages and supports women on our journey through the business and affords the same opportunities to everyone as part of the corporation’s aspiration to be the most inclusive company in the world.”

GM is led by Mary Barra, the first female chief executive of a major automotive company, who has held the position since 2014.  

“Mary Barra is an inspiration to women all around the world, not just for those of us employed at GM,” said Stogiannis.

“She is an example of what can be achieved and is evidence that, when it comes to getting a job done, gender is no barrier to success.”

For 2021, the theme of the International Women’s Day is ‘Choose to Challenge.’

“While female representation in automotive is improving, there is still plenty of scope to challenge the status quo,” said Stogiannis.

“To use an auto analogy and something close to our Corvette hearts - as females in the auto-industry, we’re only just now moving through first and second gear and are yet to hit top speed.  

“There’s plenty more left in the tank when it comes to gender equality, we’re not stopping yet.”

Corvette lovers’ field of dreams being auctioned

It’s the ultimate Kiwi road trip – head Stateside, trip down Route 66, secure a classic Corvette and bring it home.

 THIS could be the chance to buy that classic Corvette – assuming, of course, you’re happy to arrange getting it out of the United States.

Kiwi muscle car enthusiasts are taking notice of an auction that will break up one of the world’s best collections of classic General Motors’ American fare, including 80 Chevrolet Corvettes. 

Notification that the Muscle Car City Museum, located the southern US state of Florida, is to close imminently, with the collection being sold off by auction, has created quite a buzz on the internet. 

The collection collated by a real estate mogul, Rick Treworgy, is world-renowned, for good reason.

It holds more than 200 exhibits, of which almost half are Corvettes – with every kind represented; 20 of trhe display cars are 1967 Stingray variants.

News that it will permanently close its doors on January 17 and the vehicles will go to individual auction on January 22-23, US time, with no set reserve price has caused a big stir, with Kiwi enthusiasts among those wondering if this presents an opportunity to secure a car that would normally be well beyond reach.

The museum is located inside a decommissioned Walmart department store and, in addition to the display area, there’s comprises a workshop, secondary car showroom, gift shop, and a 1950s’-style diner.

In addition to ‘Vettes, Treworgy has Chevrolet Camaros, plus Impalas, El Caminos, Chevelles and Novas.

According to the museum’s website, interested parties will be able to bid in person, via phone, or over the internet.

However, buyers keen to get their classic machines on the road will need to wait, as the auction documents reveal most of the vehicles require considerable work to become roadworthy.

It is unclear why the facility is closing down, however multiple media outlets have cited the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic as a key factor in the decision.