2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Edition: A Legend in the Making
For enthusiasts of the iconic American sports car, the year 2026 marks a significant moment in the Corvette’s storied history. With seven decades of racing heritage that includes legendary endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the 24 Hours of Daytona, one legendary track has remained conspicuously absent from the Corvette’s resume: the infamous Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia.
To commemorate the Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s inaugural debut at this iconic Australian endurance race, Chevrolet is rolling out an exclusive limited-edition production model. However, this special version of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will be available in extremely limited numbers, with only 12 units slated for production. Furthermore, these exclusive vehicles will be offered solely to customers in Australia and New Zealand. For Corvette enthusiasts, particularly those in the United States who follow the GT3 racing circuit, this news comes as a disappointment, as these limited-edition Z06 models will not be available Stateside.
A Race Against Time: Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s Mount Panorama Debut
The decision by Chevrolet to enter the Corvette Z06 GT3.R at the Bathurst 12 Hour marks a pivotal milestone in the ongoing evolution of the Corvette program. This year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, as it represents the first time the Corvette has competed in a GT3 race in Australia.
What Is the Bathurst 12 Hour?
For racing fans not familiar with the event, the Bathurst 12 Hour is one of the world’s most prestigious GT racing events. Held annually in February, the race takes place at the Mount Panorama Circuit, which is located in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia.
The circuit is renowned for its unique and challenging layout. Unlike many traditional closed-circuit racetracks that utilize natural rolling hills, or flat street circuits found in city centers, Mount Panorama is situated on the eponymous mountain. The track features tight corners and steep elevation changes, making it one of the most demanding circuits in the world.
Drivers ascend a 571-foot climb during the race, reaching high speeds on the famous Conrod Straight. The blend of natural terrain, tight corners, and high speeds makes the race incredibly thrilling and challenging for drivers and teams. It’s also worth noting that the circuit is technically a public road that is closed to regular traffic during the annual racing events.
The Hardware: 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition
To celebrate this historic racing milestone, Chevrolet is releasing a highly exclusive special edition of the Corvette Z06. This limited-edition model is designed to commemorate the Corvette GT3.R’s debut at Mount Panorama and will feature a range of premium enhancements and unique cosmetic touches that honor the race and the Corvette brand.
Performance and Engineering
General Hospital Spoilers Preview: Thursday, February 12, 2026
2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Edition: A Legend in the Making
For enthusiasts of the iconic American sports car, the year 2026 marks a significant moment in the Corvette’s storied history. With seven decades of racing heritage that includes legendary endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the 24 Hours of Daytona, one legendary track has remained conspicuously absent from the Corvette’s resume: the infamous Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia.
To commemorate the Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s inaugural debut at this iconic Australian endurance race, Chevrolet is rolling out an exclusive limited-edition production model. However, this special version of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will be available in extremely limited numbers, with only 12 units slated for production. Furthermore, these exclusive vehicles will be offered solely to customers in Australia and New Zealand. For Corvette enthusiasts, particularly those in the United States who follow the GT3 racing circuit, this news comes as a disappointment, as these limited-edition Z06 models will not be available Stateside.
A Race Against Time: Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s Mount Panorama Debut
The decision by Chevrolet to enter the Corvette Z06 GT3.R at the Bathurst 12 Hour marks a pivotal milestone in the ongoing evolution of the Corvette program. This year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, as it represents the first time the Corvette has competed in a GT3 race in Australia.
What Is the Bathurst 12 Hour?
For racing fans not familiar with the event, the Bathurst 12 Hour is one of the world’s most prestigious GT racing events. Held annually in February, the race takes place at the Mount Panorama Circuit, which is located in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia.
The circuit is renowned for its unique and challenging layout. Unlike many traditional closed-circuit racetracks that utilize natural rolling hills, or flat street circuits found in city centers, Mount Panorama is situated on the eponymous mountain. The track features tight corners and steep elevation changes, making it one of the most demanding circuits in the world.
Drivers ascend a 571-foot climb during the race, reaching high speeds on the famous Conrod Straight. The blend of natural terrain, tight corners, and high speeds makes the race incredibly thrilling and challenging for drivers and teams. It’s also worth noting that the circuit is technically a public road that is closed to regular traffic during the annual racing events.
The Hardware: 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition
To celebrate this historic racing milestone, Chevrolet is releasing a highly exclusive special edition of the Corvette Z06. This limited-edition model is designed to commemorate the Corvette GT3.R’s debut at Mount Panorama and will feature a range of premium enhancements and unique cosmetic touches that honor the race and the Corvette brand.
Performance and Engineering
The limited-edition 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition is built on the high-performance 3LZ Coupe chassis and includes the Z07 Performance Package. This package is the most track-oriented setup available for the Corvette Z06, featuring advanced aerodynamics, high-performance suspension, and upgraded braking systems.
The Z07 Performance Package includes:
Performance Suspension System: The Z07 package features a Magnetic Ride Control suspension that has been fine-tuned for track use. This system adjusts damping forces in real-time to optimize grip and handling, ensuring superior performance on both road and track.
Carbon Fiber Aerodynamics: The car is equipped with aerodynamic elements made from ultra-lightweight carbon fiber. These components significantly enhance downforce, improve high-speed stability, and reduce drag.
High-Performance Brakes: The Z07 package includes Brembo ceramic-matrix brakes, which provide exceptional stopping power, fade resistance, and durability under extreme racing conditions.
Track-Focused Tires: The vehicle is fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, which are the same tires used on the Corvette Z06 GT3.R race car. These tires offer maximum grip and handling capabilities, providing a pure track-focused driving experience.
Under the hood, the special edition Z06 features the same naturally aspirated 5.5-liter flat-plane crankshaft V8 engine that powers all Corvette Z06 models. This engine delivers an exhilarating 670 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, delivering a blistering performance that rivals even the most exclusive supercars on the market. The engine’s distinctive exhaust note is one of its most signature characteristics, offering a raw and visceral auditory experience that appeals to enthusiasts.
Exterior Design and Styling
The exterior of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition has been designed to stand out with a combination of unique finishes and iconic Chevrolet racing graphics.
Paint Scheme and Graphics
The special edition Z06 is finished in a striking Switchblade Silver paint color, which provides a luxurious and sophisticated aesthetic. This silver finish is contrasted with Carbon Flash accents on the exterior. The Carbon Flash finish is applied to the carbon-fiber ground effects and rear wing, as well as the exterior badges, trim, and mirrors.
To highlight the premium materials used in its construction, the roof of the special edition Z06 features a clear coat finish that showcases the intricate weave pattern of the carbon fiber.
Adding to the racing theme, the hood and rear quarter panels of the car feature the “Jake” C8.R graphics package. Jake is the official mascot of Corvette Racing, representing a unique blend of technical excellence and competitive spirit. The graphics package on this limited-edition model serves as a tribute to the Corvette GT3.R’s participation in the Bathurst 12 Hour and strengthens the connection between the production car and the race car.
Wheels and Tires
The limited-edition Z06 is equipped with a set of 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Spider Black forged aluminum wheels. These wheels not only provide a bold and aggressive look but also offer superior strength and lightweight properties.
The wheels are wrapped in blue brake calipers, which provide a pop of color against the dark finish of the wheels and the silver paint of the car. These calipers are paired with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, which are the same tires used on the Corvette Z06 GT3.R race car. The front tires measure 275/30, while the rear tires are 345/25, providing maximum grip and handling performance.
Bathurst 12 Hour Decals
To mark the occasion, the special edition Z06 features an exclusive Bathurst 12 Hour decal that outlines the iconic Mount Panorama circuit. This decal serves as a permanent reminder of the car’s unique racing heritage and its connection to the legendary event.
Interior Enhancements
The interior of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition has been enhanced with premium materials and exclusive touches that reflect the car’s limited-edition status and its connection to the Corvette Racing program.
Seating and Color Accents
The limited-edition Z06 features Jet Black and Santorini Blue Napa leather on the Competition Seats. The Santorini Blue accents provide a striking contrast to the black leather, creating a luxurious and sporty interior environment. The seats are also fitted with blue seatbelts to match the blue accents, creating a cohesive and premium interior design.
Trim and Finishes
The interior features a combination of carbon-fiber and Stealth trim pieces, which provide a modern and high-tech feel. The carbon-fiber elements highlight the use of lightweight materials in the car, while the Stealth trim offers a matte, dark finish that enhances the sporty aesthetic.
Individually Numbered Builds
To ensure exclusivity and uniqueness, the special edition Z06 features special Bathurst 12 Hour build plates on the inner door jambs. Each plate is individually marked from 1 to 12, ensuring that each car is one-of-a-kind and represents a piece of Corvette history.
Included Accessories
Owners of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition will also receive a range of exclusive extras that enhance the ownership experience. These extras include:
A custom artwork print that depicts the Corvette GT3.R competing at Mount Panorama.
A Corvette GT3.R printed indoor car cover that protects the car while keeping it displayed in style.
A Corvette Racing merchandise pack that includes apparel and accessories from the Corvette Racing program.
These exclusive accessories enhance the value of the special edition Z06 and provide a tangible connection to the Corvette Racing legacy.
The Significance of the Corvette Z06 at Bathurst
The Corvette Z06’s entry into the Bathurst 12 Hour is not just a racing milestone; it represents a strategic move by Chevrolet to expand the Corvette’s presence in global motorsport and connect with a new audience of enthusiasts in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
International Competition
The Bathurst 12 Hour is a prestigious global endurance race that attracts top manufacturers, teams, and drivers from around the world. By competing in this event, Chevrolet positions the Corvette Z06 GT3.R as a world-class GT racing machine and demonstrates its capabilities on one of the most challenging tracks in the world.
The race also provides valuable data and feedback that can be used to further refine the Corvette Z