The 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour: A Limited-Edition Tribute to Australian Endurance Racing
Chevrolet’s legendary 70-year motorsports lineage has graced global endurance racing stages, including the iconic Le Mans, Sebring, and Daytona. However, one prestigious circuit has long remained elusive in the Corvette’s illustrious racing history. In 2026, this gap will finally be filled as Chevrolet enters the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the renowned Bathurst 12 Hour race in Australia. To commemorate this milestone, the automaker is releasing a highly exclusive production model, designed to celebrate the Corvette’s long-awaited Australian debut.
This special-edition Z06 is being released as a tribute to the legendary Australian motorsport event and will be limited to a mere 12 examples. Availability will be restricted to Australia and New Zealand, making it an extremely rare and sought-after collectible for Corvette enthusiasts worldwide.
Hardware and Performance Enhancements
The 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition will be based on the 3LZ Coupe configuration and will include the Z07 Performance Package as standard. This package enhances the Z06’s track-focused capabilities with specialized aerodynamic elements, magnetic ride control, and competition-grade braking systems.
The exterior of this limited-edition model features a distinctive Switchblade Silver paint finish, complemented by Carbon Flash accents on the carbon-fiber ground effects, rear wing, and exterior trim components, including the badges and mirrors. The roof features a clear coat finish to showcase the intricate weave of the lightweight carbon fiber. To further signify the racing connection, the “Jake” C8.R graphics package adorns the hood and rear quarter panels, a nod to the Corvette’s successful racing heritage in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Adding to the exclusive nature of this special edition is a custom Bathurst 12 Hour decal that features an outline of the famous Mount Panorama circuit. The car rides on 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Spider Black forged aluminum wheels, which house blue brake calipers and are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. These tires measure 275/30 at the front and 345/25 at the rear, providing exceptional grip and track performance.
Interior appointments and Special Edition extras
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The 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour: A Limited-Edition Tribute to Australian Endurance Racing
Chevrolet’s legendary 70-year motorsports lineage has graced global endurance racing stages, including the iconic Le Mans, Sebring, and Daytona. However, one prestigious circuit has long remained elusive in the Corvette’s illustrious racing history. In 2026, this gap will finally be filled as Chevrolet enters the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the renowned Bathurst 12 Hour race in Australia. To commemorate this milestone, the automaker is releasing a highly exclusive production model, designed to celebrate the Corvette’s long-awaited Australian debut.
This special-edition Z06 is being released as a tribute to the legendary Australian motorsport event and will be limited to a mere 12 examples. Availability will be restricted to Australia and New Zealand, making it an extremely rare and sought-after collectible for Corvette enthusiasts worldwide.
Hardware and Performance Enhancements
The 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition will be based on the 3LZ Coupe configuration and will include the Z07 Performance Package as standard. This package enhances the Z06’s track-focused capabilities with specialized aerodynamic elements, magnetic ride control, and competition-grade braking systems.
The exterior of this limited-edition model features a distinctive Switchblade Silver paint finish, complemented by Carbon Flash accents on the carbon-fiber ground effects, rear wing, and exterior trim components, including the badges and mirrors. The roof features a clear coat finish to showcase the intricate weave of the lightweight carbon fiber. To further signify the racing connection, the “Jake” C8.R graphics package adorns the hood and rear quarter panels, a nod to the Corvette’s successful racing heritage in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Adding to the exclusive nature of this special edition is a custom Bathurst 12 Hour decal that features an outline of the famous Mount Panorama circuit. The car rides on 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Spider Black forged aluminum wheels, which house blue brake calipers and are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. These tires measure 275/30 at the front and 345/25 at the rear, providing exceptional grip and track performance.
Interior appointments and Special Edition extras
Inside, the limited-edition Z06 features a Jet Black and Santorini Blue Napa leather interior with Competition Seats and matching blue seatbelts. The rest of the cabin incorporates carbon-fiber and Stealth trim pieces, adding a sophisticated and premium feel to the interior. Each vehicle will be individually numbered with special Bathurst 12 Hour build plates located on the inner door jambs, marked 1 through 12.
Owners of the 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition will also receive a collection of exclusive extras to commemorate the occasion. These include a custom artwork print, a Corvette GT3.R printed indoor car cover, and a Corvette Racing merchandise pack.
Understanding Mount Panorama
For those unfamiliar with Australian motorsport, the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, is a highly revered location for racing fans due to its unique geographical features. Unlike most closed-course tracks that incorporate natural rolling hills or most flat street circuits located in urban areas, Mount Panorama is built on its namesake mountain, featuring tight walls and steep grades.
The circuit’s defining characteristic is the 571-foot climb, which culminates at the top of the mountain before descending at high speeds towards the famous Conrod Straight. These elevation changes and the high speeds drivers experience on this iconic straight make the Bathurst 12 Hour a particularly challenging and thrilling endurance race. It’s worth noting that Mount Panorama is technically a street circuit, as it’s a public road that is closed to regular traffic during the races that take place there each year.
Pricing and Availability Information
Chevrolet has not yet released official pricing or delivery date information for the 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition, and the automaker is still finalizing some details about the car. However, given the extreme rarity of the 12-example production run, enthusiasts in Australia and New Zealand who are interested in acquiring one of these exclusive models are likely already too late to secure an allocation.
The 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition represents a significant moment for Corvette in the Australian market, marking the first time the legendary sports car will compete in the iconic Mount Panorama endurance race. The limited-edition production model, with its exclusive features and racing-inspired design, serves as a fitting tribute to this historic milestone.
Chevrolet’s Legacy in Motorsport
With over 70 years of motorsport history, Chevrolet has a rich legacy of racing success across the globe. The Corvette has been a dominant force in various racing series, including IMSA, WEC, and GT racing, achieving podium finishes at iconic events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Corvette’s Return to Australian Racing
In 2026, Chevrolet will make its long-awaited return to Australian racing by entering the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the Bathurst 12 Hour. The race is held annually at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit, which is renowned for its challenging layout and steep elevation changes.
The Bathurst 12 Hour: A Historic Event
The Bathurst 12 Hour is one of Australia’s most prestigious endurance races, attracting top GT racing teams from around the world. The race is known for its fierce competition, high-speed action, and challenging track conditions.
Limited-Edition Production Model
To commemorate the Corvette’s return to Australian racing, Chevrolet is releasing a limited-edition production model, available only in Australia and New Zealand. The 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition is limited to 12 examples and features exclusive design elements and racing-inspired details.
Hardware and Performance Specifications
The 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition is based on the 3LZ Coupe configuration and includes the Z07 Performance Package. The car features a Switchblade Silver paint finish, Carbon Flash accents, and “Jake” C8.R graphics. It also has a custom Bathurst 12 Hour decal, 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Spider Black forged aluminum wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires.
Interior Appointments and Special Edition extras
The interior of the limited-edition Z06 features Jet Black and Santorini Blue Napa leather with Competition Seats and blue seatbelts. The cabin includes carbon-fiber and Stealth trim pieces, along with special Bathurst 12 Hour build plates on the inner door jambs. Owners will receive a custom artwork print, a Corvette GT3.R printed indoor car cover, and a Corvette Racing merchandise pack.
Pricing and Availability
Chevrolet has not yet released pricing or delivery date information for the 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition. Availability is limited to Australia and New Zealand, making it a rare and highly sought-after collectible for Corvette enthusiasts worldwide.
The Future of Corvette Racing in Australia
The 2026 Corvette Z06 GT3.R entry in the Bathurst 12 Hour signifies Chevrolet’s commitment to expanding its presence in Australian motorsport. This historic occasion, coupled with the release of a limited-edition production model, marks a new era of Corvette racing in Australia.
Stay Updated
For more information about the 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition and Chevrolet’s racing activities in Australia, we encourage you to follow Chevrolet’s official channels and automotive news outlets. Stay tuned for future updates as we await more details about this highly anticipated limited-edition sports car.