The 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition: A Taste of Australian Racing History You Can’t Have
Chevy is rolling out a very limited 12-car run to celebrate the debut of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the iconic endurance race down under.
Chevy has a rich racing legacy spanning 70 years, with impressive performances at legendary global events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. They’ve conquered various production-based and GT racing series worldwide. However, despite this illustrious history, one legendary track and one highly anticipated race have remained elusive in the Corvette’s resume. Finally, 2026 marks the year Chevy takes the Corvette Z06 GT3.R to Australia’s esteemed Mount Panorama Circuit for the Bathurst 12 Hour. To further electrify Corvette enthusiasts, the automaker is celebrating this milestone with a special-edition production model.
The unfortunate news for fans, though, is that the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition will be astronomically limited to just 12 examples. Furthermore, it will only be available in Australia and New Zealand. To put it mildly, this is a major disappointment for Corvette lovers who deeply respect the significance of this legendary endurance race and the car’s participation in it.
How It’s Equipped
When it comes to hardware, this special 2026 Corvette Z06 is built on the 3LZ Coupe platform and includes the Z07 Performance Package. The car sports a Switchblade Silver paint job, with Carbon Flash accents covering the carbon-fiber ground effects and rear wing, as well as the exterior badges, trim, and mirrors. The roof features a clear-coat finish, revealing the ultra-lightweight carbon fiber’s intricate weave pattern. To emphasize the racing connection, the “Jake” C8.R graphics package adorns the hood and rear quarter panels.
You’ll also find an exclusive Bathurst 12 Hour decal showcasing an outline of the circuit. A set of 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Spider Black forged aluminum wheels houses blue brake calipers and are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires measuring 275/30 in the front and 345/25 in the rear.
Inside, the limited Z06 boasts Jet Black and Santorini Blue Napa leather on the Competition Seats, accented with blue seatbelts. The rest of the interior utilizes carbon-fiber and Stealth trim pieces, featuring special Bathurst 12 Hour build plates on the inner door jambs, individually numbered 1 to 12. The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst Special Edition sale also includes several exclusive extras, such as a custom artwork print, a Corvette GT3.R printed indoor car cover, and a Corvette Racing merchandise pack.
What Makes Bathurst Special?
For those unfamiliar with the track, Mount Panorama Circuit, located in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia, holds a special place in the hearts of many racing fans due to its unique location. While most closed-course tracks incorporate natural rolling hills and street circuits are generally flat due to their urban settings, Mount Panorama stands out. It is built on the namesake mountain, featuring tight walls and steep gradients. The 571-foot elevation change and the high speeds achieved on the Conrod Straight are the circuit’s defining characteristics, making the race an electrifying spectacle. And yes, this is technically a street circuit as it is a public road closed annually for racing events.
Chevrolet has not yet released pricing or delivery details, and they are still finalizing some specifications for the car. However, if you happen to live in Australia or New Zealand and you’ve only just inquired about obtaining your own 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition, you’ve likely already missed out.
The 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition: A Taste of Australian Racing History You Can’t Have
Chevy is rolling out a very limited 12-car run to celebrate the debut of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the iconic endurance race down under.
Chevy has a rich racing legacy spanning 70 years, with impressive performances at legendary global events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. They’ve conquered various production-based and GT racing series worldwide. However, despite this illustrious history, one legendary track and one highly anticipated race have remained elusive in the Corvette’s resume. Finally, 2026 marks the year Chevy takes the Corvette Z06 GT3.R to Australia’s esteemed Mount Panorama Circuit for the Bathurst 12 Hour. To further electrify Corvette enthusiasts, the automaker is celebrating this milestone with a special-edition production model.
The unfortunate news for fans, though, is that the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition will be astronomically limited to just 12 examples. Furthermore, it will only be available in Australia and New Zealand. To put it mildly, this is a major disappointment for Corvette lovers who deeply respect the significance of this legendary endurance race and the car’s participation in it.
How It’s Equipped
