Chevrolet has confirmed that it's C8 Corvette will be priced from £81,700 when it reaches UK showrooms next year, making it £1.7k cheaper than the entry-level 992 Porsche 911. Things get even more impressive when you consider the C8 is landing in Britain specced as standard with the Z51 Performance Package, which adds manually adjustable suspension, bigger Brembo brakes and an electronic limited slip diff, as well as a shorter axle ratio, sports exhaust and aero bits for reduced lift.
Additionally, all C8s come here in the higher-grade 2LT trim, which adds a Performance Data Recorder, HUD and sat nav to the cabin, as well as a 14-speaker Bose sound system, rear camera view and heated seats with ventilation. Launch edition C8s enhance the list still further with top-ranking 3LT trim, bringing exterior tweaks and - significantly. - Magnetic Ride Control suspension hardware. Something you might imagine to be rather useful to an American sports car headed for the land of potholed B-roads.
In any case, buyers get a V8-powered mid-engine model - which is the only atmospheric car in its class, we should add - preloaded with a lot of heritage and no shortage of kit. C8s come in right-hand drive, don't forget, so no longer need the 'Vette be a leftfield choice against European rivals. Although don't expect to see them outsell 911s; Chevy's already confirmed that it won't be pursuing volume sales this side of the Atlantic.
That's another way of saying there won't be many on the boat to begin with, meaning that exclusivity will be built in the bargain. Not to mention that 6.2-litre LT2 small block, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox which gives Chevy's 1.5-tonne sports car sufficient gusto to hit 60mph in three seconds. No matter what shortcomings it brings with it, the Corvette will arrive in the UK brimmed with compelling features - and a realistic price tag to boot.
1 / 3
