When Exactly Will the C8 Corvette Z06 Debut And Go on Sale?

We’ve already seen C8 Corvette Z06 mules out testing, but how badly will production delays affect GM’s new model?

In an alternate universe, GM would be cranking out C8 Corvettes right now and enjoying the success it deserves after successfully creating the hottest automobile on the planet. But alas, that’s certainly not the case, as all automakers are trying to catch up from a two-month production shutdown. That’s also pushed back the arrival of new models, including the C8 Corvette Z06. Which had Corvette Forum member Iker wondering recently – when, exactly, will the new Z06 debut now?

“Is there any possibility the C8 Corvette Z06 will be revealed in the next 3-6 months as a 2021 model like what happened to the C7 generation?”

The OP points out that the C7 Z06 was revealed exactly one year after the base C7, so this seems realistic. But the previous gen car didn’t have to deal with what we’re facing right now, as vndkshn points out.

“Sadly, due to COVID-19, it is highly unlikely the car will be revealed this year. We may start seeing more mules running around, but I wouldn’t expect a reveal until the winter at the earliest.”

Phil1098 goes into more detail explaining why the C8 Corvette Z06 probably won’t be around for a while.

“They are so backed up on orders, there is no reason whatsoever to release the Z06. Plus most people on the street haven’t even seen the C8 yet, which will lead to more base C8 orders. I doubt you’ll see the C8 Corvette Z06 any sooner than 2022. GM always uses special edition cars to keep excitement going. That’s not the problem right now. The C7 isn’t a good reference, you should be looking at the C5. I was selling C5s when they came out, and I didn’t discount one a dime for the first three years. The Z06 didn’t come out until 2001, and the C5 debuted in 1997. I don’t know if it will be four years like the C5, but there’s no reason in the world for it to come out next year.”

B747Vet expounds on that sad theory with some more logic.

“The traditional role of the Z06 is to kick start new-gen enthusiasm as first or second model year sales begin to trail off. In this case, the first year is likely going to be under 50% of GM’s target due to the shutdowns. Now that production is resuming, until GM can assess the demand for 2021 model year Corvettes. There will be no movement on the C8 Corvette Z06 launch until an actual need is determined to exist.”

Of course, other members point out that it’s been months since we saw C8 Corvette Z06 mules out testing, which would indicate that a reveal is closer. But as of right now, it’s just too hard to determine exactly when we’ll see the newest Z06. So we want to know what you think. Head over here and tell us if you believe the Z06 will arrive by 2021, 2022, or another year altogether!

C8 Z06 Renders by Pouria Savadkouei for Corvette Forum

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