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G’day, Mate! Here’s the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition You Can’t Have Chevy is making 12 cars to celebrate the Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s entry in the famous endurance race. Justin Banner Writer Feb 13, 2026 A New Chapter in Corvette Racing Heritage For decades, the Chevrolet Corvette has been a titan of global motorsports. With a legacy stretching back over 70 years, the Corvette has conquered iconic endurance challenges on four continents. From the hallowed ground of Le Mans in France to the demanding circuits of Daytona and Sebring in the USA, Chevrolet’s iconic sports car has etched its name into the annals of racing history. However, there has always been one race that has eluded the Corvette’s grasp—until now. In 2026, Chevrolet is finally bringing the Corvette Z06 GT3.R to the legendary Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, Australia, to compete in the prestigious Bathurst 12 Hour. To commemorate this significant milestone, Chevrolet is launching a limited-edition production model: the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition. The Unobtainable Dream The excitement, however, is tempered by the unfortunate reality: the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition will be produced in extremely limited quantities. Only 12 examples will be built, and they will be available exclusively in Australia and New Zealand. For Corvette enthusiasts worldwide who have long admired the Bathurst 12 Hour and recognized its significance in global GT racing, this news is a bitter pill to swallow. Securing one of these iconic machines will be an almost impossible task for fans outside of the ANZ region. Exclusive Hardware and Racing Pedigree The 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition is not just a cosmetic package; it is a serious performance machine designed to honor its racing counterpart. Engine and Performance At its heart beats the LT6 V8 engine, an engineering marvel that defines the Z06 performance philosophy. This naturally aspirated powerhouse delivers a staggering 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing the visceral experience and razor-sharp responsiveness that Corvette drivers demand. This powertrain has proven its mettle on the world stage, serving as the foundation for the GT3.R race car that will compete at Bathurst. Chassis and Suspension To complement the potent engine, this special edition is built on the 3LZ Coupe chassis, which offers the highest level of refinement and technology. It also features the Z07 Performance Package, a comprehensive suite of enhancements designed to push the Corvette to its absolute limits. The Z07 package includes: Enhanced Aerodynamics: A massive carbon-fiber rear wing and performance ground effects provide massive downforce, improving stability through high-speed corners. Magnetic Ride Control 4.0: Chevrolet’s most advanced suspension system delivers lightning-fast adjustments to optimize handling and grip. Carbon Ceramic Brakes: Massive rotors ensure exceptional stopping power and fade resistance, critical for endurance racing. These performance upgrades transform the standard Z06 into a track-ready beast, perfectly suited for the unforgiving demands of Mount Panorama. Distinctive Design and Aerodynamic Excellence Visually, the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition stands apart from the standard lineup through a meticulously curated selection of exterior finishes and graphics. Color Scheme and Finish The exterior is finished in Switchblade Silver, a sophisticated and eye-catching hue that accentuates the car’s aggressive lines. This base color is contrasted by Carbon Flash accents that adorn the carbon-fiber ground effects, rear wing, exterior badges, trim, and mirrors, creating a striking visual contrast. To showcase the exclusivity of the carbon-fiber components, the roof is finished with a clear coat, revealing the intricate weave of the ultra-lightweight material underneath. This subtle detail pays homage to the engineering excellence of the Corvette’s lightweight construction. Racing Graphics and Decals To signify the connection to the Corvette Z06 GT3.R, the hood and rear quarter panels are adorned with the “Jake” C8.R graphics package. This iconic racing livery is instantly recognizable to fans of Chevrolet Racing and reinforces the car’s motorsports heritage. Additionally, an exclusive Bathurst 12 Hour decal featuring an outline of the Mount Panorama circuit is included, marking this special edition’s place in Corvette history. Wheels and Tires The special edition features 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Spider Black forged aluminum wheels. These wheels not only look menacing but also provide a weight advantage, reducing unsprung mass for improved handling and acceleration. The wheels are wrapped in high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, providing exceptional grip and traction in both wet and dry conditions. The tire sizing includes 275/30 in the front and 345/25 in the rear, optimized for maximum contact patch and cornering stability. Underneath the wheels, blue brake calipers provide a splash of color and indicate the presence of the high-performance braking system required to haul the Corvette down from extreme speeds. Premium Interior Appointments The interior of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition is a testament to luxury and performance. Seating and Upholstery Inside, the limited Z06 features Jet Black and Santorini Blue Napa leather on the Competition Seats. These seats provide excellent support during high-performance driving while maintaining a luxurious feel for everyday use. Complementing the upholstery are blue seatbelts, adding a subtle touch of color that ties into the exterior racing theme. Interior Trim and Badging The cabin is trimmed with premium carbon-fiber and Stealth trim pieces, creating a sophisticated and performance-oriented atmosphere. Each car features a special Bathurst 12 Hour build plate on the inner door jambs, individually numbered from 1 to 12, signifying the car’s exclusivity and rarity. Exclusivity and Extras Buyers of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition will also receive a curated selection of exclusive extras. These include a custom artwork print celebrating the car’s launch, a Corvette GT3.R printed indoor car cover to protect the vehicle, and a Corvette Racing merchandise pack to further immerse owners in the world of Chevrolet Racing. These additional items add to the collectible nature of the special edition and provide a tangible connection to the historic event. The Legend of Mount Panorama To truly appreciate the significance of this special edition, one must understand the legendary status of the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. A Unique Racing Environment Mount Panorama is unlike any other racetrack in the world. It is a permanent road course built on a mountain that combines the challenge of a permanent circuit with the intensity of a street circuit. Most closed-course tracks are built on relatively flat land, while street circuits are typically located within city limits and are flat due to urban infrastructure. Mount Panorama, however, is built on its namesake mountain, offering a dramatic backdrop of steep inclines and unforgiving terrain. The Climb and the Straight The circuit features a formidable 571-foot climb, known as “The Mountain,” which tests drivers’ nerve, skill, and precision. Drivers must navigate tight corners and elevation changes, demanding absolute focus and control. At the opposite end of the track lies the Conrod Straight, one of the longest and fastest straights in motorsports. The speeds achieved on this straight are staggering, pushing the Corvette Z06 to its absolute limits and highlighting the importance of its aerodynamic design and powerful engine. Technical Characteristics The Mount Panorama Circuit boasts a total length of approximately 3.86 miles (6.21 kilometers). Its defining features include: The Mountain Section: A winding, uphill climb with tight corners, narrow sections, and extreme elevation changes. This challenging segment demands precision and bravery from drivers. The Esses: A series of tight left-right esses that test the car’s handling and braking capabilities. The Conrod Straight: A long, downhill straight that allows drivers to unleash the full power of the Corvette’s LT6 engine at speeds exceeding 190 mph (305 km/h). The Chase: A tight right-left chicane that acts as the final challenge before returning to the start/finish line. An Unforgiving Circuit The technical characteristics of Mount Panorama make it one of the most demanding and dangerous racetracks in the world. The combination of narrow sections, unforgiving barriers, steep grades, and extreme speeds creates a high-stakes environment where mistakes are severely punished. A Historic Occasion Mount Panorama has hosted some of the most prestigious racing events in Australia, including the Bathurst 1000, known locally as “The Great Race.” The addition of the Bathurst 12 Hour marks a new chapter in the circuit’s history, as it hosts an international GT endurance race for the first time. Final Verdict and Availability Chevrolet