C8s down under

[teamzr1]

Customers in Australia and New Zealand finally started taking delivery last week of the first right-hand-drive Corvettes in the two countries.

General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) which handles sales of the mid-engine Corvettes there posted on social media on Jan. 22 that the first C8s have been delivered to dealers and even shared a photo of one new owner behind the wheel. “We love to see our customers’ smiling faces when receiving their keys,” they posted.

The new owners paid a handsome price for the cars compared to their American counterparts,
with the coupe starting at $160,500 AUD in Australia and $169,990 NZD in New Zealand and the convertible adding a $15,000 premium to those prices.

GMSV earlier confirmed that the 2023 Z06 will be available in the two countries as well.

 

[teamzr1]

Are the Aussies whining ?

• Slightly confused ergonomics
• Steering is not rich with feedback
• Divisive styling

Aussie Rag

 

[Jim W]

’Any news from Japan?

 

[teamzr1]

Some write-ups for C8 and Japan

C8 Japan

Also

The Corvette Stingray was just one of four different winners this year. The BMW 4-Series received a design award. The Mitsubishi Outlander picked up one for technology. And the tiny but mighty Honda N-One won K-Car of the year. Ultimately, the Nissan Note won the outright Car of the Year award.

None of that detracts from this first Performance Car of the Year award, though. It's the only time the Corvette has won, and we really can't understate how big of a deal this is. Yeah, the Corvette is great, but it had a lot going against it.

First, no other American car has ever won this award. In fact, generally, American brands don't do very well in this competition at all. What changed the game for Chevrolet had to do with a few factors.

First, 2021 was the first full year of availability for the Corvette in Japan. In addition, for the first time ever, the Vette is being built in right-hand drive. That makes it better for the Japanese market.

Considering those factors makes it easier to understand how the Corvette could break through. Being the first mid-engine version of the historic nameplate has clearly improved its performance abilities.

Tadashi Wakamatsu, President of GM Japan, said, “We have received high praise from everyone, and this time,” Chevrolet Corvette “has received a prestigious award. It is the first time for us to receive an award for a GM car, and we are very honored.

We thank all of you for your support. We will continue to introduce attractive and unique products that are unique to GM and enhance our presence in the Japanese market," he continued.

 

[Nassau65]

Tack on a body kit of sorts, large rear spoiler and some graphics , and suddenly the Corvette’s a ricer.