First batch of RHD Chevrolet Corvettes already sold out in NZ

It was confirmed last week that Australia’s first allocation of right-hand drive Chevrolet Corvettes had sold out. Now, a General Motors Specialty Vehicles spokesperson has confirmed that the sentiment is also true for New Zealand’s opening batch.

Speaking to NZ Autocar, the spokesperson confirmed that a total of 28 shiny new right-hook Corvette C8s are coming to our shores as part of the aforementioned first allocation. This has been split evenly between the country’s seven GMSV dealers.

It’s not all bad news for local Corvette-heads who haven’t got their name down already. More allocations have already been booked — the quick sales no doubt being a positive sign for GMSV to report back to those in the US.

“There are seven GMSV dealers in New Zealand and all of them have been allocated four C8’s as part of the initial batch, meaning there will be 28 arriving locally,” said the spokesperson.

“The initial allocation of four vehicles at each dealership has sold out, but this is just the first allocation. There will be some further Model Year 2022 allocations, with Model Year 2023 to follow when production commences for right-hand drive (of that particular model year).”

The size of New Zealand’s allocation pales in comparison to Australia’s. Over there 250 C8 Corvettes are set to land later this year — almost nine times as many cars for a country with a population that’s five times the size of ours.

As previously reported, GMSV is set to offer the 2LT and 3LT models in New Zealand, the former priced from $154,990 and the latter priced from $169,990. Both models will come standard with the Z51 Performance Package and Front Lift.

The release also confirmed that the convertible version is also on the way, priced at a $15,000 premium to its hard-top siblings. And, at the top of the range will sit a Carbon Edition variant, with an unnamed sticker price.

Chevrolet revealed the Corvette’s mild 2022 updates last month. The most significant of these is the updated LT2. While power and torque hasn’t been changed, still being rated at 369kW/630Nm, the engine now features an updated direct fuel injection system and a broader rpm window to help with emissions.