Chevy Builds 12 Exclusives to Celebrate Corvette Racing’s New Venture at the Bathurst 12 Hour
Get ready, motorsports enthusiasts, because 2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Corvette Racing. With a history that spans more than 70 years, the Corvette has established its legacy in some of the world’s most prestigious endurance races, from the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring to the Rolex 24 at Daytona. It has consistently proven its dominance in various production-based and GT racing series across the globe. However, despite its storied past, one highly coveted track and one particularly iconic race have remained conspicuously absent from its resume.
But that all changes in 2026.
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Chevy Builds 12 Exclusives to Celebrate Corvette Racing’s New Venture at the Bathurst 12 Hour
Get ready, motorsports enthusiasts, because 2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Corvette Racing. With a history that spans more than 70 years, the Corvette has established its legacy in some of the world’s most prestigious endurance races, from the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring to the Rolex 24 at Daytona. It has consistently proven its dominance in various production-based and GT racing series across the globe. However, despite its storied past, one highly coveted track and one particularly iconic race have remained conspicuously absent from its resume.
But that all changes in 2026.
Chevrolet is officially taking the Corvette Z06 GT3.R Down Under to compete in the iconic Bathurst 12 Hour in Australia. To mark this thrilling new chapter, the automaker is releasing a limited-edition production model that will leave many fans longing for more.
Here’s the difficult news: The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition is incredibly exclusive, with only 12 units being produced. Furthermore, it will only be available to customers in Australia and New Zealand. For those who have followed the world of GT racing and hold the Bathurst 12 Hour in high regard, this news is undoubtedly a blow, as it dashes the hopes of many fans who would love to own a piece of this historic moment.
How the 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition Is Equipped
The performance powerhouse behind this limited-edition marvel is built on the 3LZ Coupe platform and comes standard with the Z07 Performance Package, the pinnacle of Corvette performance engineering. This isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a track-ready machine dressed in an exclusive, eye-catching color scheme.
The exterior is painted in the sleek Switchblade Silver, offering a sophisticated and understated yet aggressive look. The Carbon Flash accents enhance the car’s aerodynamic profile, covering the carbon-fiber ground effects and rear wing, as well as the exterior badges, trim, and mirrors. For a touch of modern artistry, the roof features a clear coat finish, allowing the intricate weave of the carbon fiber to shine through, a nod to the advanced materials used in its design.
To signify the race’s connection, the hood and rear quarter panels are adorned with the distinctive “Jake” C8.R graphics package. This iconic decal is a symbol of Corvette Racing’s commitment to performance and endurance, and it makes this special edition instantly recognizable on the track and the road.
Adding to the exclusive appeal is the Bathurst 12 Hour decal, which features a detailed outline of the legendary Mount Panorama Circuit. The car rides on a set of 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Spider Black forged aluminum wheels, which provide both a stunning visual contrast to the silver paint and the structural integrity required for high-speed driving. Behind these wheels are blue brake calipers, an elegant touch of color that further sets this edition apart. These wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, measuring 275/30 in the front and 345/25 in the rear, ensuring peak grip and handling for the ultimate driving experience.
Step inside, and the exclusivity continues with a Jet Black and Santorini Blue Napa leather interior. The seating is provided by the Competition Seats, designed for maximum support and comfort during spirited driving. For a touch of refinement, the seats are paired with blue seatbelts, complementing the exterior color scheme. The interior trim features carbon-fiber and Stealth trim pieces, adding a touch of modern luxury to the cockpit.
The most exclusive detail of all is found on the inner door jambs: individual Bathurst 12 Hour build plates, each marked 1 to 12. These plates serve as a constant reminder of the car’s rarity and its connection to the historic race. Buyers of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst Special Edition will also receive a suite of premium extras, including a custom artwork print, a Corvette GT3.R printed indoor car cover, and a Corvette Racing merchandise pack, all designed to enhance the ownership experience.
What Makes the Bathurst 12 Hour So Special?
For those unfamiliar with this legendary Australian race, the Mount Panorama Circuit, located in Bathurst, New South Wales, holds a special place in the hearts of motorsports enthusiasts worldwide. Its unique location and challenging layout contribute to making it one of the most exciting and demanding race tracks in the world.
While most closed-course circuits incorporate the natural rolling hills of their surroundings, and many street circuits are relatively flat as they are located within city limits, Mount Panorama stands out as truly exceptional. Built on the namesake mountain, the circuit features tight walls and steep gradients that test the limits of both man and machine.
The most prominent feature of the track is the 571-foot climb that drivers navigate, followed by the breathtaking speeds they reach on the Conrod Straight. This dramatic elevation change and the sheer speed involved contribute to making the Bathurst 12 Hour a wildly thrilling event. And as if that weren’t enough to showcase its unique nature, Mount Panorama is technically a street circuit, as it is a public road that is closed off to the public during the annual race. This blend of everyday road and world-class racing circuit makes it a truly legendary venue.
Uncertain Timing and Availability
While the anticipation for the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition is palpable, Chevrolet has not yet released specific details regarding pricing or delivery dates. The automaker is still finalizing some of the specifics regarding this limited-edition model. However, if you reside in Australia or New Zealand and are just now inquiring about acquiring one of these exclusive Corvettes, you may already be too late. The ultra-limited production run means that these cars are likely to sell out incredibly fast, leaving many fans disappointed.
As a motorsports enthusiast, you understand the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise. Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of this historic moment.
Are you ready to experience the thrill of Corvette Racing on the legendary Bathurst 12 Hour track? Contact your local Chevrolet dealer today to learn more about the 2026 Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition and see if there are any allocations still available. This is your chance to own a piece of Corvette history.