Australia has received the updated 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the second C8 model to reach the country with the refreshed interior after the Stingray. The car is now on sale locally with a larger 12.7-inch infotainment screen, an improved 14-inch digital instrument cluster and a new 6.6-inch display for key vehicle controls, including the Performance Traction Management system.
The redesign removes the C8's controversial «wall of buttons» that separated the driver and passenger seats. In its place, Chevrolet has added a grab handle, a second wireless smartphone charger and revised cupholders, changes that make the cabin a more comfortable and premium place to spend time. Australian buyers have waited more than a year for the updated layout, which has been available in the United States since the previous model year.
Mechanically, the local Z06 carries over unchanged. Its 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 produces 637 hp (475 kW) and 439 lb-ft (595 Nm) of torque, below the 670 hp (500 kW) of the North American version because Australian cars use a European-spec exhaust. Every Z06 sold in Australia ships with the 3LZ package as standard, bringing Nappa leather bucket seats, suede cabin trim, carbon fibre steering wheel accents, a front lift kit, the Performance Data Recorder, a head-up display and a 14-speaker Bose audio system.
Pricing starts at AU$299,990 (US$207,781), a figure that is significantly higher than the Z06's American list price but still comfortably undercuts its European rivals. Production of updated right-hand drive Z06 models will begin at GM's Bowling Green facility in January.
Chevrolet has declined to confirm how the C8 range in Australia will develop over the coming year. Corvette programme engineering manager Trevor Hall said the company's plant will not be able to keep building older 6.2-litre right-hand drive models alongside updated 6.7-litre left-hand drive cars indefinitely. He did not say whether Australia will eventually receive the 6.7-litre Stingray, the Grand Sport or the hybridised Grand Sport X.
The Z06's position in the Corvette line-up has been overshadowed by the more powerful ZR1 and ZR1X, but it remains a serious supercar with the performance and character to challenge European machinery. For Australian buyers, the updated cabin and standard 3LZ specification address the most common criticism of the earlier C8 while leaving the drivetrain untouched.