Chevrolet’s Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition: The $122,000 Corvette Dream
Chevrolet is celebrating their landmark entry into the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour race by releasing a limited-edition production model. This supercar is a tribute to the 70-year legacy of Corvette in motorsport, but it’s reserved exclusively for Australia and New Zealand.
The Corvette Z06: A Global Racing Icon
The Corvette has a long and storied history in motorsports, boasting a 70-year legacy. Throughout the years, the Corvette Z06 has competed successfully in globally renowned endurance races. These events include:
24 Hours of Le Mans: A legendary endurance race in France.
Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring: A prestigious endurance race held in Florida.
Rolex 24 at Daytona: A premier North American sports car endurance race.
Various GT racing series worldwide.
However, one track and one very special race have remained notably absent from the Corvette’s resume—until now. In 2026, Chevrolet will finally take the Corvette Z06 GT3.R to Australia’s iconic Mount Panorama circuit to compete in the prestigious Bathurst 12 Hour.
The Limited-Edition Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition
To mark this significant occasion, Chevrolet is releasing a special-edition production model. This 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition is a highly exclusive offering, limited to just 12 examples worldwide.
Key Highlights:
Exclusivity: Only 12 examples produced worldwide.
Availability: Only sold in Australia and New Zealand.
Pricing: Starts at $122,000 (AUD).
This limited production run is a major disappointment for Corvette enthusiasts who are familiar with the Bathurst 12 Hour and recognize the significance of this car competing in such an iconic race.
Technical Specifications: Hardware That Astonishes
The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition is built on the 3LZ Coupe model and comes equipped with the Z07 Performance Package. This package enhances the car’s track capabilities with advanced aerodynamics, high-performance tires, and upgraded braking systems.
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Chevrolet’s Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition: The $122,000 Corvette Dream
Chevrolet is celebrating their landmark entry into the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour race by releasing a limited-edition production model. This supercar is a tribute to the 70-year legacy of Corvette in motorsport, but it’s reserved exclusively for Australia and New Zealand.
The Corvette Z06: A Global Racing Icon
The Corvette has a long and storied history in motorsports, boasting a 70-year legacy. Throughout the years, the Corvette Z06 has competed successfully in globally renowned endurance races. These events include:
24 Hours of Le Mans: A legendary endurance race in France.
Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring: A prestigious endurance race held in Florida.
Rolex 24 at Daytona: A premier North American sports car endurance race.
Various GT racing series worldwide.
However, one track and one very special race have remained notably absent from the Corvette’s resume—until now. In 2026, Chevrolet will finally take the Corvette Z06 GT3.R to Australia’s iconic Mount Panorama circuit to compete in the prestigious Bathurst 12 Hour.
The Limited-Edition Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition
To mark this significant occasion, Chevrolet is releasing a special-edition production model. This 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition is a highly exclusive offering, limited to just 12 examples worldwide.
Key Highlights:
Exclusivity: Only 12 examples produced worldwide.
Availability: Only sold in Australia and New Zealand.
Pricing: Starts at $122,000 (AUD).
This limited production run is a major disappointment for Corvette enthusiasts who are familiar with the Bathurst 12 Hour and recognize the significance of this car competing in such an iconic race.
Technical Specifications: Hardware That Astonishes
The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition is built on the 3LZ Coupe model and comes equipped with the Z07 Performance Package. This package enhances the car’s track capabilities with advanced aerodynamics, high-performance tires, and upgraded braking systems.
Exterior Design and Aesthetics:
The exterior of the limited edition Corvette is finished in Switchblade Silver. Carbon Flash accents highlight the carbon-fiber ground effects and rear wing, as well as the exterior badges, trim, and mirrors. The roof features a clear-coat finish, showcasing the intricate weave pattern of the ultra-lightweight carbon fiber under the clear coat.
Racing-Inspired Graphics:
To commemorate the racing connection, the “Jake” C8.R graphics package adorns the hood and rear quarter panels. This iconic graphic signifies the Corvette’s storied history in motorsport.
The Bathurst Decal:
You’ll also find an exclusive Bathurst 12 Hour decal, featuring an outline of the Mount Panorama circuit. This decal is a subtle reminder of the car’s unique origins.
Wheels and Tires:
The Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition features a set of 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Spider Black forged aluminum wheels. These wheels cover 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.
Interior Features: A Luxurious Racing Cockpit
Inside, the limited Corvette Z06 features Jet Black and Santorini Blue Napa leather on the Competition Seats, complete with blue seatbelts. The rest of the interior features carbon-fiber and Stealth trim pieces, with special Bathurst 12 Hour build plates on the inner door jambs, individually numbered 1 to 12.
Additional Inclusions:
The sale of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition also includes several extras:
Custom artwork print
Corvette GT3.R printed indoor car cover
Corvette Racing merchandise pack
What Makes Bathurst Special? Exploring Mount Panorama
For those unfamiliar with the track, the Mount Panorama Circuit located in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia, holds a special place in motorsport history.
Unique Location and Design:
Mount Panorama is renowned for its unique location, which offers drivers a challenging and thrilling experience. Unlike many closed-course tracks that utilize natural rolling hills, and unlike most street circuits that are relatively flat due to being located within city limits, Mount Panorama is unique.
Built on its namesake mountain, the circuit features tight walls and steep grades that test the limits of both drivers and cars. The 571-foot climb and the high speeds achieved on the Conrod Straight are the defining features of this challenging track, contributing to making the race such a thrilling event.
A Technical Marvel:
Mount Panorama is technically a street circuit, as it is a public road that is closed during the races that take place there annually. The combination of steep elevation changes, tight corners, and high-speed straights makes it one of the most challenging circuits in the world.
Pricing and Availability: A Global Frustration
Chevrolet has not yet provided official pricing or delivery date information, and it’s still finalizing some details about the car. However, if you happen to live in Australia or New Zealand and you’re just now inquiring about obtaining a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition, you’re likely already too late.
About the Bathurst 12 Hour Race
The Bathurst 12 Hour is a premier international GT3 endurance race held annually at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. The race is considered one of the most challenging endurance races in the world due to the demanding nature of the circuit, which features steep elevation changes, tight corners, and high-speed straights.
The Bathurst 12 Hour attracts drivers and teams from around the world, and it is considered a prestigious event on the international motorsport calendar. The race is known for its close competition, thrilling finishes, and dramatic moments, making it a must-watch event for motorsport fans.
Technical Features of the Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition
The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition is equipped with a number of advanced technical features that make it a formidable race car. These features include:
Engine: 5.5-liter Naturally Aspirated Flat-Plane Crank V8 Engine producing 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 8-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters.
Chassis: Aluminum Structure with Carbon Fiber Composite body panels.
Suspension: Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 with Z07 Performance Package adjustable tuning.
Brakes: Brembo Carbon Ceramic Brakes with blue calipers.
Wheels: 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Spider Black forged aluminum wheels.
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires measuring 275/30 in the front and 345/25 in the rear.
The Corvette GT3.R: A Racing Legacy
The Corvette GT3.R is the production-based racing version of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R. It is designed to compete in GT3 class racing events worldwide, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
The Corvette GT3.R is powered by the same 5.5-liter Naturally Aspirated Flat-Plane Crank V8 Engine as the road-legal Corvette Z06, producing 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It also features a number of aerodynamic enhancements, including a carbon-fiber rear wing and front splitter, as well as a carbon-fiber diffuser.
The Corvette GT3.R is a highly successful race car, having won numerous championships and races worldwide. It is a testament to the engineering excellence and motorsport legacy of the Corvette brand.
How to Get the Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition (If You’re in Australia or New Zealand)
For those fortunate enough to be in Australia or New Zealand, here are the steps to secure one of these limited-edition Corvettes:
Contact Your Local Chevrolet Dealer: The first step is to contact your local Chevrolet dealer or an authorized distributor in your region.
Inquire About the Special Edition: Ask specifically about the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition.
Confirm Availability: Due to the extremely limited production run of only 12 examples, these cars may already be sold out.
Complete Paperwork and Ordering: If available, you will need to complete the necessary paperwork and place your order.
Why This Limited Edition Matters
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