Corvette News Summary | March 2023
Welcome to the Corvette News Summary for March! This month, we've seen a lot of exciting news for Corvette enthusiasts, including the announcement of the fourth round of customer allocations for the C8 Z06, the production milestone of 101,572 C8 Stingrays, and the release of new videos showcasing the C8 Z06's capabilities on the track.
However, there were also some less exciting developments, such as the recall issued for certain C8 Corvette Stingray models due to a transmission control module problem and the parts shortage that caused General Motors to shut down production of their Corvette assembly plant.
Despite these challenges, Corvette enthusiasts continue to find ways to personalize and improve their cars, as shown in the tutorial on how to install a Carbon Flash Metallic Black emblem on a C8 Corvette. Additionally, in our ACS Spotlight you can watch our second DevTalk which provides insights into the design process of one of their latest products for the C8 Corvette, the ACS C8 Corvette Stingray Undertray.
Overall, it's been a mixed month for Corvette news, but there's no doubt that Corvette enthusiasts remain as passionate as ever.
2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible 2LZ Fetches $227,000 on BringATrailer.com
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible 2LZ recently sold on BringATrailer.com for an impressive $227,000, almost $100,000 above sticker price. This sale is a testament to the high demand and low supply of available Z06s.
This sleek black Z06 2LZ boasts a power-retractable hardtop, LED headlights, side air intakes, and a wider chassis than the standard Stingray model. It is equipped with a mid-mounted 5.5L LT6 V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft, delivering 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Performance enhancements include forged aluminum 20" and 21" wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, Magnetic Selective Ride Control, and Z06 performance brakes with red-finished calipers. The interior features two-tone natural and black leather upholstery, heated and ventilated GT2 bucket seats, an 8" touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, navigation, smartphone connectivity, a Bose 14-speaker sound system, and a head-up display. With only 11 miles on the odometer, this Corvette is practically brand new!
Congratulations to the seller and buyer of this impressive Corvette Z06!
New 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Brochure Download
Chevrolet has released its latest brochure for the midengine C8 Corvette, featuring the C8 Stingray and C8 Z06 models.
The 32-page brochure is available for purchase at your dealership or the National Corvette Museum. But why wait? You can view the full brochure right now and download the official 2023 Corvette Brochure.
Take a closer look at the stunning design and innovative features of the C8 Corvette, including the mid-mounted engine, available performance upgrades, and advanced technology. Whether you're a current Corvette owner or simply a fan of this iconic sports car, this brochure is a must-have!
Chevrolet Grants Fourth Round of Customer Allocations for C8 Z06s
Chevrolet has announced the fourth round of customer allocations for the highly anticipated C8 Z06, allowing buyers to place orders until the April 4th deadline (unfortunately, it is too late now at the time of this article.). This news comes after concerns about customer allocations, as GM had skipped over the Z06 in February and no allocations were offered in March. While there is a possibility of another round of allocations next month, Chevrolet has said they will prioritize dealer stock orders only to prevent further delays.
The production numbers for the Z06 continue to rise, but at a slower pace than we would all like to see, with 40 Z06s produced this week, including 33 regular Z06s and 70th Anniversary models, bringing the total to 1,151 Z06s and 176 70th Anniversary models produced so far.
Corvette enthusiasts can also look forward to the end of April for the NCM Bash, where any news or direction from the Corvette Team on the end of the 2023 model year and the start of the 2024s may be announced.
If you're in the market for a C8 Z06, now is the time to act start calling your dealers! Don't miss your chance to get behind the wheel of one of the most highly anticipated sports cars of the year!
Jesse Iwuji: How to Lower Your C8 Z06
If you're considering lowering your C8 Corvette Z06 when it arrives, Jesse Iwuji has got you covered. In this video, he shows you how to do it yourself without any aftermarket mods or accessories!
Note: If your Z06 has front lift (RPO code FE3), then you will not be able to make this adjustment. However, if you're interested in tackling this job yourself, here are some tools that Jesse uses to help lower his C8 Z06:
- Corvette Jacking Pucks
- C8 Lug Nut Protective Socket
- Bonus: C8 Stud Extenders
Follow Jesse's step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect stance for your C8 Z06. With these tips, you can take your Corvette to the next level and make it truly unique!
Parts Shortage: Corvette Assembly Plant Closure
It seems that General Motors is facing yet another parts shortage issue causing them to shut down production of their Corvette assembly plant.
This shutdown will last until March 27th, making it the third such shutdown due to parts shortages. However, General Motors has yet to confirm which specific parts are causing the disruption. The ongoing shortages have led to frustration among customers, some of whom have been waiting for months for their orders to be accepted for production.
C8 Corvette Stingray Production Reaches 101k While Z06 Lags Behind
The 2023 Corvette Stingray has become the most produced model of the C8 era, with a total of 101,572 cars manufactured so far, despite ongoing production issues. This milestone is a testament to the popularity of the C8 Stingray.
However, the production of the 2023 Corvette Z06 had a slow month in February, with only 74 new vehicles built. It remains to be seen how the production of the Z06 will continue in the coming months. While some customers are still waiting for their Z06, others are trading in their C7s for a C8 Stingray instead.
| Year | Regular Stingrays Produced | 70th Anniversary Stingrays Produced | Total Stingrays Produced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 20,368 | N/A | 20,368 |
| 2021 | 26,216 | N/A | 26,216 |
| 2022 | 25,831 | N/A | 25,831 |
| 2023 | 26,359 | 2,798 | 29,157 |
Speed Phenom's C8 Z06 Battles COTA
If you're a fan of the C8 Corvette Z06 and track racing, you won't want to miss this thrilling video!
Speed Phenom, aka Austin, takes on the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas – a legendary track that hosts some of the biggest motorsport events like the US Formula 1 Grand Prix and MotoGP.
Austin drives his Z06 like a pro, and you can hear every satisfying gear shift and tire squeal in this high-quality video. With a highly respectable lap time of 2:19.48, it's no wonder he's become a popular figure in the Corvette community.
For the best experience, be sure to watch this video with headphones and immerse yourself in the full track experience.
Top Gear Pits C8 Z06 Against Ferrari 458 & Porsche GT3
Top Gear recently put the Corvette C8 Z06 up against the Ferrari 458 and the Porsche GT3 in a head-to-head comparison.
While the LT6 engine of the Z06 received high praise, the British reviewers also criticized its weight and lack of adherence to the C5/C6 versions’ lightweight focus.
The Ferrari, while a classic, couldn’t keep up with its modern rivals at the track, which included the Arizona Motorsports Park.
The Porsche GT3 received plenty of praise from the reviewers, but ultimately, the C8 Corvette Z06 proved to be the superior road car.
They also praised the Riptide Blue exterior paint option, which looks darker than Elkhart Lake Blue at first glance. Check out the full video for more details.
C8 Chevy Corvette Recall Issued for Transmission Control Module Issue
General Motors has issued a voluntary recall for some 2020 and 2021 C8 Chevy Corvette Stingray models due to a transmission control module (TCM) problem. The TCMs may incorrectly clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and fail to detect a loss of communication with other control modules. This can cause the transmission to operate in a default mode without any DTCs set and without a malfunction indicator lamp.
GM technicians will inspect the affected vehicles and reprogram the TCMs with updated software, which will take less than one hour. The automaker has not disclosed the number of vehicles affected yet.
Corvette owners can visit my.gm.com/recalls or contact Chevy or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with the recall number and contact information. The recall number is N212336962.
How to Remove & Install a Carbon Flash Metallic Black Emblem on Your C8 Corvette
Are you looking to upgrade your C8 Corvette's appearance? Installing a new Carbon Flash Metallic Black emblem is an easy and affordable way to add a touch of style and distinction to your vehicle.
Unfortunately, debadging the front bumper on the C8 Corvette can be challenging since it does not come with a recess to mark the installation location.
Watch this helpful video by Maverick Drummond where he demonstrates how to install a full Carbon Flash Black emblem on his C8 Corvette. The video provides step-by-step instructions and tips to make the process easy and stress-free.
To make the installation even smoother, we recommend purchasing the ACS Composite 6pc trim tool kit, which can help with debadging and removing other trim on your C8 Corvette.
The ACS C8 CFZ Stealth Badge is a great way to add a little stealthiness and distinction to your Corvette. Get your Carbon Flash Metallic Black emblem below and transform the look of your C8 Corvette.
Get your Carbon Flash Metallic Black emblem and the ACS Composite 6pc trim tool kit today!
ACS Spotlight: ACS DevTalk #2 | C8 Corvette Stingray Undertray
We released our second episode of the DevTalk with Joseph last month! Jonathan and Joseph discuss one of our latest products for the C8 Corvette: ACS C8 Corvette Stingray Undertray.
The idea behind our DevTalks are to provide with more insight into our design process, challenges and successes we faced when creating our products. Make sure you like the video and leave a comment so we know whether you like these videos and want to see more in the future!