GM Will Ship 200 C8 Corvettes to Australia per Year, but They Won’t Be Cheap

Aussies will finally get their chance to buy a C8 Corvette late next year, but it won’t be terribly easy or cheap to do so.

It’s been known for some time that General Motors would be selling the C8 Corvette in Australia. Unfortunately for customers Down Under, those plans were delayed somewhat because of the pandemic, but now, it appears that right-hand-drive C8 models will be making their way to Australia soon. However, according to Aussie news site Which Car, they won’t be cheap or plentiful.

In fact, no more than 200 Corvettes will be imported into the country each year by General Motors Special Vehicles (GMSV) beginning in late 2021, with a starting MSRP of $149,990 AUS ($114,157 USD). That price has reportedly risen from the originally planned price tag of $129,000 due to strong demand since it was announced that the mid-engine sports car would indeed be available in RHD configuration.

Those seeking a future high-performance variant like the Z06 will reportedly pay even more – up to $200,000 ($152,220 USD) – for the privilege of owning one. Regardless, Which Car notes that this is still a bargain compared to the exorbitant prices speed-hungry Aussies must pay for models from Ferrari and Lamborghini, which makes us feel a bit lucky to live in the U.S.

The C8 will be the halo model for the newly formed GMSV, which recently replaced the long-running Holden nameplate in the country and will serve as GM’s performance arm. The new Corvette is also currently the only RHD model from the automaker that’s being exported to Australia, though it’s expected that the Camaro might join it soon.

Meanwhile, other GM models like the Chevrolet Silverado and some SUVs are currently converted to RHD in Australia by Walkinshaw Automotive Group. However, GMSV is considering converting some more models in-house, including the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, as well as the Cadillac Escalade.

Meanwhile, the news surrounding the C8’s arrival in Australia has to be somewhat bittersweet for most residents. On one hand, it’s fantastic news for those with the means to own one, but for many others that don’t have the cash or might lose out in the race to buy one of the 200, it’s obviously a bit disappointing. Regardless, if demand is great enough, GM could always choose to export more in the future.

Photos: Chevrolet

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