G’day, Mate! 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition – You Can’t Have It.
Chevy is creating 12 cars to celebrate the Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s entry in the famous endurance race.
Justin BannerWriterFeb 13, 2026
Corvette has a rich, 70-year motorsports history with successes in globally recognized endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. It has also competed in numerous production-based and GT racing series. However, one iconic track and prestigious race has remained absent from its resume until now. In 2026, Chevrolet is finally taking the Corvette Z06 GT3.R to Australia’s renowned Mount Panorama Circuit to compete in the Bathurst 12 Hour. To mark this exciting occasion, the automaker is releasing a special-edition production model.
Unfortunately, the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition will be extremely limited, with only 12 examples available, exclusively in Australia and New Zealand. For Corvette enthusiasts familiar with the famous endurance race and the significance of this achievement, this is undoubtedly disappointing news.
How It’s Equipped
The 2026 Corvette Z06 special edition is built on the 3LZ Coupe and includes the Z07 Performance Package. It features a Switchblade Silver exterior with Carbon Flash accents on the carbon-fiber ground effects, rear wing, exterior badges, trim, and mirrors. The roof has a clear coat finish to showcase the lightweight carbon weave pattern. To commemorate the racing connection, the “Jake” C8.R graphics package is applied to the hood and rear quarter panels.
The car also sports an exclusive Bathurst 12 Hour decal featuring an outline of the circuit. It is fitted with 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Spider Black forged aluminum wheels that house blue brake calipers, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires measuring 275/30 in the front and 345/25 in the rear.
Interior Appointments and Exclusivity
Inside, the limited-edition Z06 features Jet Black and Santorini Blue Napa leather on the Competition Seats with matching blue seatbelts. The interior is finished with carbon-fiber and Stealth trim pieces, and each car has a unique Bathurst 12 Hour build plate on the inner door jamb, individually numbered from 1 to 12. Purchasers of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst Special Edition will also receive extras, including a custom artwork print, a Corvette GT3.R indoor car cover, and a Corvette Racing merchandise pack.
What Makes Bathurst Special?
For those unfamiliar with the track, the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia, holds a unique place in racing history. While many closed-course tracks incorporate rolling hills and street circuits are primarily flat due to their urban locations, Mount Panorama is distinct. Built on the mountain of the same name, it features tight walls and steep gradients. The 571-foot climb and the high speeds reached on the Conrod Straight are defining features of the circuit, making the race a thrilling event. It’s also technically a street circuit as it’s a public road that is closed off during the races held there annually.
Chevrolet has not yet released pricing or delivery date information and is still finalizing details about the car. However, if you live in Australia or New Zealand and were hoping to acquire a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition, you are likely already too late.
Corvette Racing: A Heritage of Precision
For decades, Chevrolet has been a dominant force in motorsports, continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering and performance. The Corvette’s racing legacy is a testament to American ingenuity and a relentless pursuit of victory, making it a globally recognized symbol of automotive excellence.
Mount Panorama Circuit: A Challenge of Endurance
Mount Panorama is renowned for its brutal demands on drivers and machinery. Its elevation changes, tight corners, and high-speed straights create a unique test of man and machine, making any victory on this circuit a historic achievement for any automaker.
The Corvette GT3.R: A Masterpiece of Engineering
The Corvette Z06 GT3.R represents the pinnacle of Chevrolet’s GT racing development, designed to compete at the highest levels of global motorsport. With advanced aerodynamics, cutting-edge materials, and a race-proven powertrain, the GT3.R embodies the spirit of Corvette racing.
Experience the Legacy
While the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition may be exclusive, the spirit of Corvette racing lives on in every model. Discover the history and future of this iconic American sports car by exploring the latest Chevrolet offerings at your local dealership.