Corvette’s Aussie Debut: The Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition Unveiled
The Corvette has a rich history spanning over 70 years in motorsports, with a presence in some of the world’s most famous endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Despite its international acclaim, one prestigious track and a legendary race have remained notably absent from the Corvette’s resume until now. In 2026, Chevrolet is making history by entering the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the renowned Bathurst 12 Hour in Australia. To commemorate this significant milestone, Chevrolet is releasing a limited-edition production model.
However, the excitement comes with a catch: the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition will be extremely exclusive, limited to just 12 units, and available only in Australia and New Zealand. This news is a significant disappointment for Corvette enthusiasts worldwide who recognize the importance of the Bathurst 12 Hour and respect the legacy of the car competing in this iconic event.
Performance Specifications and Features
Under the hood, this special edition Corvette Z06 is built on the 3LZ Coupe and comes equipped with the Z07 Performance Package. It boasts a Switchblade Silver exterior with Carbon Flash accents on the carbon-fiber ground effects, rear wing, exterior badges, trim, and mirrors. The roof is finished in clear coat to highlight the intricate weave of the ultra-lightweight carbon fiber. As a nod to the racing heritage, the hood and rear quarter panels are adorned with the iconic “Jake” C8.R graphics package.
Adding to its exclusivity, the car features a unique Bathurst 12 Hour decal that outlines the iconic circuit. The wheels are 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Spider Black forged aluminum, featuring blue brake calipers and wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. The front tires measure 275/30, and the rear tires are 345/25, ensuring maximum grip and performance.
The interior of this limited-edition Z06 features Jet Black and Santorini Blue Napa leather on the Competition Seats, complete with blue seatbelts. The rest of the cabin incorporates carbon-fiber and Stealth trim pieces, along with special Bathurst 12 Hour build plates on the inner door jambs, individually numbered from 1 to 12. Additionally, buyers of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst Special Edition will receive exclusive extras, including a custom artwork print, a Corvette GT3.R printed indoor car cover, and a Corvette Racing merchandise pack.
The Legend of Mount Panorama
For those unfamiliar with the track, Mount Panorama Circuit, located in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia, holds a special place in the hearts of motorsport fans due to its unique location and challenging layout. While most closed-course tracks feature natural rolling hills and street circuits are typically flat due to their urban settings, Mount Panorama is truly exceptional. Situated on its namesake mountain, the circuit features tight walls and steep gradients. The dramatic 571-foot climb and the high speeds achieved on the Conrod Straight define the track, contributing to the race’s thrilling nature. It’s important to note that this is technically a street circuit as it utilizes a public road that is closed during the annual races held there.
Chevrolet has yet to announce pricing or delivery dates for the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition, and some details about the car are still being finalized. However, if you reside in Australia or New Zealand and are considering purchasing this limited-edition model, you may have already missed your chance.
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Corvette’s Aussie Debut: The Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition Unveiled
The Corvette has a rich history spanning over 70 years in motorsports, with a presence in some of the world’s most famous endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Despite its international acclaim, one prestigious track and a legendary race have remained notably absent from the Corvette’s resume until now. In 2026, Chevrolet is making history by entering the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the renowned Bathurst 12 Hour in Australia. To commemorate this significant milestone, Chevrolet is releasing a limited-edition production model.
However, the excitement comes with a catch: the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition will be extremely exclusive, limited to just 12 units, and available only in Australia and New Zealand. This news is a significant disappointment for Corvette enthusiasts worldwide who recognize the importance of the Bathurst 12 Hour and respect the legacy of the car competing in this iconic event.
Performance Specifications and Features
Under the hood, this special edition Corvette Z06 is built on the 3LZ Coupe and comes equipped with the Z07 Performance Package. It boasts a Switchblade Silver exterior with Carbon Flash accents on the carbon-fiber ground effects, rear wing, exterior badges, trim, and mirrors. The roof is finished in clear coat to highlight the intricate weave of the ultra-lightweight carbon fiber. As a nod to the racing heritage, the hood and rear quarter panels are adorned with the iconic “Jake” C8.R graphics package.
