This fall, General Motors unveiled the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2023. While many rumors reported a possible hybrid, electric or turbocharged mechanics, Chevrolet has instead bet on the tradition of the naturally aspirated V8 engine. Its 5.5L displacement develops nothing less than 670 horsepower.
To discuss this new version of the Chevrolet sports car, but also to demystify the demand phenomenon that greatly exceeds the supply for the Corvette, Antoine Joubert and Germain Goyer received Pier-Luc Mercier, sales consultant and Corvette expert at GM Paillé, on the program Le Guide de l’Auto on QUB Radio.
Two to three years of waiting for a Corvette
Today, there is a widespread shortage in the automotive industry and it is particularly felt in the case of highly coveted vehicles. This is particularly the case with the Corvette, especially since the advent of the new generation of the model, known under the code name C8. Pier-Luc Mercier also admits that his waiting list for this vehicle is currently very long. “Currently I have 80 names for the regular C8, I have 40 names for the C8 Z06, and I have three names for the Zora that hasn’t even been released. Based on our sales volume over the past few years, I calculate that there are between two and three years of waiting at the moment. “
A second-hand C7 while waiting for the C8
Over the past few years, the Chevrolet Corvette has seen a significant surge in popularity. In addition to offering impressive performance and a finish that has improved over the years, the seventh-generation model was priced lower than other sports cars at the time. Right now, with Chevrolet failing to meet demand for the new eighth-generation model, many buyers are looking to a previous-generation model to be patient.
“The wait is so long with the C8 that people will often settle for an older generation Corvette until they hear from them. I could practically sell used cars more expensive than new ones, ”says Mr. Mercier.
Countering the phenomenon of resale at a profit
Right now, demand and excitement for the Corvette is so strong that consumers are willing to shell out tens of thousands of dollars more than the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
To counter this phenomenon of overbidding, Mr. Mercier specifies that certain conditions are imposed on the buyer. He is asked to keep his vehicle for at least a year and to drive at least 12,000 kilometers at the wheel. “If a customer enjoys all summer with his Corvette and decides to sell it in the fall and thus pocket $ 40,000 in profits, he can do so, but his name will be crossed out in the General Motors system.” , explains Pier-Luc Mercier.
News of the week
During this program, the unveiling of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander, the Toyota bZ4X and the 2023 Kia Sportage was also discussed.
Road tests
The two hosts also gave their impressions of the 2022 Honda Civic and 2022 BMW M4 Competition tested.
Answers to readers’ questions
Antoine Joubert and Germain Goyer answer a question from the public concerning the maintenance costs of an electric vehicle compared to those of a traditional gasoline vehicle.
The Car Guide, it’s every Saturday at 10 a.m. on QUB Radio, on Sunday at 2 p.m.