What is it:

This is the first generation of the Chevrolet Corvette in the history of the nameplate to come to Australia factory-built as a right-hand-drive vehicle.

Moving the engine to the rear with this new model – the V8 is now located behind the seats rather than under the bonnet, just like a mid-engine Ferrari and other European supercars – made it easier for General Motors to develop a factory-built right-hand-drive version of the Corvette.

Fun fact: One of the earliest prototypes of the eighth generation Corvette was cloaked underneath Holden Commodore ute bodywork, so engineers could test the new mid-engine layout in plain sight years before production was due to commence.

While the Corvette is factory-built in right-hand-drive, the Chevrolet Silverado pick-ups sold by General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) in Australia are remanufactured into right-hand-drive in Melbourne by the former parent company of Holden Special Vehicles, the Walkinshaw Automotive Group.

Price:

The Chevrolet Corvette 3LT Coupe is priced from $195,000 plus on-road costs.

The example tested was fitted with the following options:

  • 20-Spoke Gloss Black Forged-Alloy Wheels: $3640
  • Black Accent Package, Carbon Flash Spoiler and Mirrors: $325
  • High Gloss Carbon Fibre Interior Trim: $3900
  • Stealth Interior Trim Package: $1560
  • Jet Black Interior & Jet Black Leather Competition Seat w/ Suede Inserts and Steering Wheel: $11,050

This brings the total price of the vehicle tested to $215,475 plus on-road costs, such as registration and stamp duty.

That might be a power of money for a Chevrolet but think of it as a cut-price Porsche or Ferrari, and all of a sudden this thing is a bargain.

Engine:

The Chevrolet C8 Corvette 3LT Coupe is powered by a 6.2-litre V8 (369kW/637Nm) and it sounds absolutely glorious.

Think of a V8 Supercar with a hint of NASCAR blended with it, and you get the idea.

This is one area the Europeans cannot match the Corvette.

Transmission:

Eight-speed, dual clutch automatic and rear-wheel-drive.

No manual is available, but that’s no drawback.

The slick-shifting eight-speed is faster and better than a stick shift any day because you’re not losing momentum during gear-changes, as the following performance times demonstrate.

0 to 100km/h (as tested):

With launch control activated (it’s not easy to find, we had to search YouTube because it is not listed in the owner’s manual) we got a string of repeatable and very respectable 0 to 100kmh times of 3.6 seconds using our precision VBox test equipment.

Damn that’s quick for a V8. And the sound is epic.

No wheelspin at all, a perfect start every time.

Launch control is accessed by doing the following:

  • Turn the drive mode dial to Sport mode
  • Press the stability control button twice to enter “competitive mode”
  • With your left foot on the brake, floor the accelerator pedal
  • Launch control is displayed in the digital dash as the revs hold to about 3500rpm
  • Release the brake within 10 seconds and you’re away with a perfect start

Here is the link if you’re curious.

Emergency braking from 100km/h (as tested): 

Incredible, but to be expected with this pedigree.

It pulled up in 36.2 metres which is on par with Porsches and Ferraris we’ve tested.

The massive brakes front and rear help, but so do the superb Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres (245/35/19 front, 305/30/20 rear).

Good points:

It doesn’t just look like a US version of a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, it has the performance to match.

And depending on your personal preferences, it sounds better too.

Not many cars deliver supercar performance and handling in a V8 package.

Despite the low profile tyres, the suspension is surprisingly comfortable over bumps.

You could easily live with the suspension every day, but climbing in and out of this low-slung body could become a bit of a chore if you’re not as fit as you used to be.

On the open road we got a fuel economy average of 7.2L/100km, which is fair for a car with this much grunt.

Around town consumption climbed to 11.1L/100km. And when performance testing we eclipsed 18L/100km.

This is the cost of doing business at the high-performance end of the sports-car market.

I still can’t get over the grip, the performance, and the comfort.

Now I know what the fuss is all about.

Bad points:

No speed sign recognition.

No spare tyre (normal in the supercar category), so you’re calling a tow truck if you get a flat.

Everyone wants to stop and chat about the car.

If you’re the shy type, or usually in a hurry when you fill up at the petrol station, this car isn’t for you.

If you want to make new friends, this thing is a bloke magnet.

What the haters say:

Who would pay that much for an American car?

What the haters don’t understand:

It might be made in America, but the C8 Corvette was fine-tuned at the gruelling Nurburgring race circuit in Germany, the high temple of horsepower for European brands.

Think of the Corvette as having a European pedigree but with a US price tag.

Given Australia’s love affair with V8s, the Corvette hits the right note with a lot of Australians who don’t want to drive a European supercar.

Should you buy one?

If you’re patient, absolutely.

The waiting times previously stretched up to two years because General Motors made our right-hand-drive cars in limited batches and demand here was through the roof.

The good news is supply is opening up for Australia.

Dealers say some customers may be able to jump the queue if they secure a cancelled order.

GMSV says there is currently a five- to six-month wait on Stingray and E-Ray if a customer was to place an order through GMSV today.

The even faster Corvette Z06 has an estimated wait time of nine months in Australia at the moment.

Also consider:

New Ford Mustang if you want to save money, or a new Porsche 911 if you want to spend more money.