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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.