A first sanctioned look at the ‘ultimate’ Corvette comes with word that it might not be part of the right-hand drive programme.

COULD the first authorised look at the next Corvette Z06 become a cruel tease from Chevrolet?

That’s a potential that Kiwi fans of the highest-performance ‘Vette not discount, with the nationally-appointed distributor warning a car that will be fully revealed in the United States late next month might yet only be built in left-hand drive.

That’s not a done deal, General Motors Specialist Vehicles hastens to add.

However, at the moment it suggests enthusiasts whose desires would have been whetted by the factory-released image Chevrolet put on social media might want to hold their powder just for now, given “no right-hand drive markets have been confirmed as part of the Z06 programme.”

The Z06 speculation comes as GMSV NZ prepares to deliver the standard Stingray variants, with first examples set to land by year-end. Those models are, of course, factory-built in right-hand drive.

 The base C8-generation car is no poor choice; it has made headlines with its all-new chassis and mid-engined layout.

GMSV’s NZ plan kicks off with a 2LT Coupe at $154,990 and a 3LT for $169,990 for the Coupe. Those variants also provision as a convertible that carries a $15,000 premium. There is also a Carbon Edition launch special Coupe for $197,990 – so, $28,000 more than the 3LT Coupe it is based upon.

All run a 370kW/637Nm 6.2-litre V8 paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic that drives the rear wheels.

The C8 is the fastest Corvette yet, with a claimed 0-100kmh time of three seconds (which some independent testers claim to have bettered), but the Z06 will be better by some margin, this being the variant Chevrolet has finessed to realise an ambition to produce a Vette that is a true rival for European supercars.

Final engine outputs are still under wraps, but speculation is the hottie will produce more power than the supercharged 6.2-litre LT4 from its predecessor – in its final form, that car made 478kW and 881Nm of torque for a 298kmh top speed.

Though we’re restricted to a single image for now, the aggressive aero kit, wider body and more purposeful stance are clear to see, with a new flat-plane crank V8 likely to be hiding under its composite engine cover.

The Automotive Daily site suggests all major exterior panels, save for the roof, bonnet and door skins, look to be bespoke from the Stingray, with a substantially more open front bumper that looks to be fitted with no less than three massive radiators and two channelled cooling ducts.

The side intakes are also bigger, and around the back, the exhausts have now moved to a central position within the rear valance, leaving space on either side for more aero trickery.

Another major difference to the C8 Stingray is the dramatic increase in wheel offset – that is, the point at which the wheel is bolted to the wheel hub in relation to the body.

As with the Stingray, the Z06 will only be available with a dual-clutch transmission.

If the variant does only deliver in left-hand drive, that would not necessarily keep it from NZ – even if it doesn’t represent at official level, the car could still conceivably be availed via grey import channels without infringing distributor rights. This scenario already plays out with the Shelby GT500 version of the current Ford Mustang; that model was also only built in left-hook and was only officially sold in North America.