Chevrolet Rolls Out Ultra-Exclusive Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Edition for the Australian Market
Chevrolet has long commanded a storied legacy in international motorsports, celebrating over 70 years of competitive excellence. The Corvette has graced global racing legends such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and numerous production-based and GT racing series worldwide. However, one legendary track and a highly anticipated race have remained absent from its prestigious history—until now.
In 2026, Chevrolet makes a monumental entry into a new territory, taking the Corvette Z06 GT3.R to Australia’s iconic Mount Panorama Circuit to compete in the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour. To commemorate this landmark event, the automaker has unveiled a stunning special-edition production model, celebrating the American icon’s journey Down Under.
A Collector’s Dream: The Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition
For dedicated Corvette enthusiasts and motorsport aficionados, the news has been met with a mixture of awe and frustration. Chevrolet has announced that the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition will be produced in an extremely limited quantity—just 12 examples—and will be exclusively available in Australia and New Zealand. This ultra-exclusive release has understandably sparked intense interest and disappointment among global fans who have followed the development of the Corvette GT3.R and respect the significance of this historic endurance event.
Exquisite Hardware and Performance Upgrades
This special 2026 Corvette Z06 is not just a cosmetic tribute; it is a precision-engineered machine built to perform. The special edition is based on the 3LZ Coupe model, incorporating the formidable Z07 Performance Package.
Exterior Elegance and Racing Aesthetics:
The vehicle is finished in a striking Switchblade Silver paint scheme, highlighted by Carbon Flash accents on the carbon-fiber ground effects, rear wing, exterior badges, trim, and mirrors. The roof features a clear coat finish, revealing the intricate weave pattern of the ultra-lightweight carbon fiber.
In a nod to its racing origins, the hood and rear quarter panels are adorned with the “Jake” C8.R graphics package, instantly signaling the car’s competitive lineage. Furthermore, an exclusive Bathurst 12 Hour decal featuring an outline of the iconic circuit is applied to the car, cementing its special-edition status.
Wheel and Tire Configuration:
The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition rolls on a set of 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Spider Black forged aluminum wheels. These wheels house stunning blue brake calipers and are wrapped in high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, sized at 275/30 in the front and 345/25 in the rear, ensuring razor-sharp handling and track-ready grip.
Luxurious Interior and Exclusive Collectibles
The interior of the limited-edition Z06 is a testament to luxury and exclusivity. The cabin features Jet Black and Santorini Blue Napa leather upholstery on the Competition Seats, complemented by striking blue seatbelts. The interior is finished with carbon-fiber and Stealth trim pieces, providing a high-tech, sophisticated ambiance.
Adding to the bespoke nature of the vehicle, each car features special Bathurst 12 Hour build plates on the inner door jambs, individually numbered 1 through 12. The purchase of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst Special Edition also includes a range of exclusive extras, such as a custom artwork print, a Corvette GT3.R printed indoor car cover, and a Corvette Racing merchandise pack, ensuring that collectors receive a complete and immersive experience.
The Significance of Mount Panorama
For those unfamiliar with the venue, the Mount Panorama Circuit located in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia, holds a special place in the hearts of racing enthusiasts worldwide due to its unique geographic location. While most closed-course circuits incorporate natural rolling hills, and street circuits are often located within city limits, Mount Panorama stands apart.
Built on the namesake mountain, the track features tight walls and steep gradients, creating a high-stakes, visually dramatic spectacle. The defining features of the circuit include a significant 571-foot elevation climb and the breathtaking speeds achieved on the Conrod Straight. These elements combine to make the Bathurst 12 Hour an exhilarating and challenging event. It is worth noting that while primarily used for racing, the track is technically a street circuit, as it is a public road that is closed to the public during the annual races.
Availability and Pricing
Chevrolet has not yet released official pricing or delivery date information for the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition, and some details about the car are still being finalized. However, given the extreme exclusivity of the offering, any potential buyers who reside in Australia or New Zealand should act quickly, as it is likely that all 12 examples are already reserved.
This milestone marks a pivotal moment in Corvette’s racing history as it extends its global footprint into the heart of Australian motorsport. The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition serves as a stunning testament to the Corvette’s enduring legacy and its commitment to pushing boundaries in the world of automotive racing.
2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition – Fast Facts
| Feature | Specification |
| :— | :— |
| Base Model | 3LZ Coupe |
| Performance Package | Z07 Performance Package |
| Exterior Paint | Switchblade Silver |
| Accents | Carbon Flash (ground effects, wing, badges, trim, mirrors) |
| Roof | Clear coat carbon fiber |
| Graphics | “Jake” C8.R Graphics Package |
| Decal | Bathurst 12 Hour decal (circuit outline) |
| Wheels | 20-inch front / 21-inch rear Spider Black forged aluminum |
| Brake Calipers | Blue |
| Tires | Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R (275/30 front, 345/25 rear) |
| Interior | Jet Black & Santorini Blue Napa leather Competition Seats |
| Seatbelts | Blue |
| Trim | Carbon-fiber and Stealth trim pieces |
| Build Plates | Bathurst 12 Hour build plates (numbered 1–12) |
| Included Extras | Custom artwork print, Corvette GT3.R indoor cover, Corvette Racing merchandise pack |
| Limited Availability | 12 examples only |
| Available Markets | Australia and New Zealand only |
2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition – Pricing and Specifications
Pricing: Not yet announced, but expected to be significantly higher than a standard Z06 due to exclusivity and limited production.
Specifications:
Engine: LT6 5.5-liter flat-plane crank V8 (670 hp / 460 lb-ft torque)
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Chassis: Z07 Performance Package with magnetic ride control
Exterior: Switchblade Silver paint, Carbon Flash accents, carbon fiber aero, bespoke Bathurst decals
Interior: Premium leather, blue seatbelts, carbon trim, custom build plates
Wheels/Tires: 20-inch front / 21-inch rear wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires
Availability: Strictly limited to 12 units, exclusive to Australia and New Zealand.
2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition – What You Need to Know
Why is the Bathurst 12 Hour Special?
The Bathurst 12 Hour is a prestigious endurance race held at the Mount Panorama Circuit in New South Wales, Australia. It is renowned for its challenging nature, featuring steep elevation changes and tight walls, making it a true test of driver skill and machine durability.
What makes this Corvette edition exclusive?
This special edition is limited to just 12 units and is exclusively available in Australia and New Zealand. It features unique styling, exclusive graphics, carbon fiber elements, premium interior materials, and personalized build plates, celebrating the Corvette’s debut in this legendary race.
When is the 2026 Bathurst 12 Hour?
The race is typically held in February. The 2026 event will mark the Corvette Z06 GT3.R’s official competition debut at Mount Panorama.
Is the Corvette GT3.R road-legal?
No, the Corvette Z06 GT3.R is a full-spec GT3 race car designed specifically for professional motorsport competition. The special edition production model is a road-legal Z06 built to commemorate the race entry.
Where can I buy this special edition Corvette?
The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition is available only through Chevrolet dealerships in Australia and New Zealand. Due to the extreme rarity, it is likely that all allocations have already been claimed.