Chevy Ceases 2021 C8 Production & Announces C8.R Limited Edition

Ever heard the saying, “Never buy the first year of production!” Well, many who chose to throw caution to the wind and stood in line to get the new, mid-engine 2020 Corvette found themselves standing in line for an even-newer 2021. Now it seems lightning has struck again, but Chevy has a new, limited edition for those who waited.

GM released information to all Chevy dealers, dealer principals, General Managers, and Inventory Managers stating the company was withdrawing its June outlook for the C8 Corvette. The memo stated, “In order to maintain start of production for the 2022 model year Corvette Stingray in late Q3, and as a result of continued unplanned part shortages not related to the industry-wide semiconductor availability issues, General Motors has had to make an adjustment in the number of Corvette Stingrays available for the 2021 model year.”

2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray orders have ceased. GM advised customers to check with their local dealers to check on their orders or to order a 2022 Corvette.

That means, just like last year, and for various reasons, folks who wanted to order a 2021 Corvette may find themselves ordering a 2022 version instead. GM has stated it is not planning on canceling any accepted 2021 model year Corvette orders at event code 3000 or above. Customers are asked to work with their individual dealer to determine whether they will need to order a 2022 model year Corvette instead. Customers below the event code 3000 will have to consider placing an order with the dealer for a 2022 Corvette, depending on where they are in the ordering process.

The Corvette Stingray C8.R Edition will be available to only 1,000 lucky buyers and only in left-hand drive markets.

That said, those who are being sent to next year’s showrooms will have another option as they go through the checklist. Chevy announced the limited production, 2022 Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship Edition. Only 1,000 units will be built and only for left-hand drive markets. The special edition celebrates C8 Corvette’s inaugural year in the IMSA sportscar championship series, where Corvette Racing secured six victories, seven pole starting positions, and fastest class race laps in six events. In response to the team’s dominance, Chevrolet won its 13th GT Manufacturer’s title, as well as both GTLM Drivers and Team Championships.

 

Corvette Racing had a great run during the C8.R's inaugural season in 2020 and the C8.R Edition celebrates the fact for the 2022 model year.

Based on the 3LT trim with Z51 Performance Package, the 2022 Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship Edition is available as Accelerate Yellow No.3 editions featuring gray graphics, and the No. 4 editions are done in Hypersonic Gray featuring yellow accents. The IMSA GTLM Championship Edition package has a starting price of $6,595 but offers optional exterior content such as a high-wing spoiler in Carbon Flash, yellow brake calipers, Black Trident wheels with a “Jake” logo, Carbon Flash exterior mirrors, black side rockers, and splash guards. Inside, GT2 seats are standard but Competition Sport seats are available as options.

Optional trident wheels feature Jake center caps and each C8.R Championship Edition receives a serialized plaque inside the cockpit.

Each car will get yellow seat belts and a C8.R Special Edition numbered plaque. Additionally, each car will keep comfy on those long, wintry evenings thanks to a custom-fitted indoor car cover rendered to replicate the appearance of the No. 3 or No. 4 Corvette C8.R race car, per each Special Edition’s color and graphic scheme.

About the author

Andy Bolig

Andy has been intrigued by mechanical things all of his life and enjoys tinkering with cars of all makes and ages. Finding value in style points, he can appreciate cars of all power and performance levels. Andy is an avid railfan and gets his “high” by flying radio-controlled model airplanes when time permits. He keeps his feet firmly grounded by working on his two street rods and his supercharged C4 Corvette. Whether planes, trains, motorcycles, or automobiles, Andy has immersed himself in a world driven by internal combustion.
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