GMSV cites challenges across the supply chain process, as well as other economic considerations.

ADMISSION pricing for the C8 Corvette has climbed a whopping $15,010 for 2023 model year examples has come from the national distributor, just after it shared a good news story about extra options for those examples.

The increase lifts the entry 2LT Coupe from $154,990 to $170,000 – as much as General Motors Speciality Vehicles originally asked for the 3LT Coupe, which in turn jumps to $185k.

The new sticker halves the gap between the 3LT and the Carbon Edition, a launch special that registered for $197,990. Just seven of those were allocated to New Zealand but it is not clear if all have been delivered yet.

The convertibles, which already carried a $15k premium over the coupes, are also hit by the same price increase.

The hike was notified by a GMSV spokesman today, in wake of inquiry spurred by announcement of a lift by the same amount, but in Australian dollars, across the Tasman.

The reason? This is their statement: “Since pricing of the all-new RHD C8 Corvette was announced in April 2021, there have been a number of challenges across the supply chain process, as well as other economic considerations and variables to contend with.

“There will be a price change with the introduction of the MY23 C8 Corvette. In New Zealand, the recommended retail price (excluding on-road costs, statutory charges and dealer delivery), for the 2LT Coupe will be $170,000 and the 3LT Coupe will be $185,000. The Convertible adds $15,000 to these prices.

“As detailed … the new MY23 C8 will offer new Corvette owners an increased level of personalisation, as well as new interior trim packages and wheel designs.

“We firmly believe the C8 Corvette still represents an incredible proposition for what is a world-class performance machine.”

The Australia market reaction to the increase has been hostile, with one media outlet there reporting allegation of price-gouging.

That is based on Australians considering reports that MY2023 C8 pricing in the United States has lifted by just under $NZ1600 an also on talk that some dealers across the Tasman are charging massive delivery fees.

Earlier this week GMSV advised Kiwi customers the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette editions will be available with more options.

These span from three new wheel options, black exhaust tips – a new blackout interior trim or an ‘Adrenaline Red’ interior trim – on top of customer ability to select exterior paint colour, decals, brake calliper colour, exhaust tip options, seat belt colour, as well as alternate interior trim colours.

The biggest challenge with Corvette remains supply. The car only comes from a single factory, Bowling Green in Kentucky, and count was always signalled as being limited. The situation has been exacerbated by the plant being storm-damaged, plus the usual coronavirus-associated travails affecting almost all the world’s car producers.

At the end of last year, GMSV in New Zealand suggested a minimum of 28 cars would be coming here this year, including the seven Carbon Editions. Every dealer was allocated four cars. Additional to this consignment is a single 3LT Coupe held aside from press use and public demonstration.

GMSV NZ said today four cars were delivered last and 13 year to date since January 1, the total including the demo example.

However, GMSV has told dealers the price rises were caused by “supply-chain” restrictions and “economic price increases,” such as exchange rate fluctuations in the value of Australian and US dollars.