We knew the C8 Corvette would not keep a sub-$60,000 automotive ceaselessly. Because it was, the mid-engine sports activities automotive debuted simply $5 below the benchmark value level with vacation spot expenses included, and the overwhelming majority of patrons did not select a no-option base-model 1LT anyway. Nonetheless, it was a boasting level for the automaker however that shall be altering quickly. Very quickly.
We’ve phrase from the Corvette Motion Heart web site {that a} $1,000 value enhance throughout all Corvette trim ranges will take impact on March 1. Motor1.com confirmed the report with a Chevrolet spokesperson, who informed us the next:
“The MSRP of the 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe and convertible in any respect trim ranges will enhance by $1,000 starting March 1. Clients who’ve occasion code 1100 bought orders and past by March 2 is not going to be impacted by the value enhance on the 2021 Corvette Stingray. We monitor and modify pricing on all our merchandise repeatedly, and we’re assured the Corvette stays a profitable formulation of efficiency and attainability.”
$1,000 actually is not a giant bounce, however it does formally take the mid-engine machine past the $60,000 barrier. Realistically, it was at all times simply advertising and marketing converse and that was backed up by 2020 gross sales statistics for the C8. 1LT coupes accounted for simply 15.9 p.c of 2020 Corvette gross sales, however that does not imply these automobiles had been below $60,000 with no further choices. On the opposite finish, the overwhelming majority of patrons jumped straight to the top-tier 3LT mannequin, which had an MSRP over $70,000.
In June 2020, Chevrolet mentioned the Corvette’s base value would not enhance for 2021, however that was earlier than the total scope of COVID-19 was totally understood. As an alternative of manufacturing 40,000-plus automobiles for the primary 12 months of manufacturing, solely half that rolled off the Bowling Inexperienced meeting line. Quite a few manufacturing shutdowns have additional plagued the Corvette for 2021, and it is unclear when issues would possibly get again to regular. Because it stands, one other scheduled manufacturing unit shutdown will run for 5 days beginning March 1, simply in time for the value enhance.
