Corvette pricing and Silverado addition to Kiwi market announced

GMSV, the New Zealand importer of the legendary Chevrolet Corvette and Silverado nameplates, has announced pricing for variants of the Corvette making their way to New Zealand, along with details of an all-new off-road orientated Silverado.

Apr 6, 2021

The new Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss will retail for $119,900 (plus ORCs) and will feature a lift-kit and other mechanical enhancements designed to let owners explore beyond the tarmac.

The highly anticipated right-hand-drive Chevrolet Corvette, which will be available late-2021, will launch with a special Carbon Edition – unique to Australasia – in addition to coupe and convertible versions starting from $154,990 (plus ORCs).

GMSV has released details of an attention-grabbing addition to the brand’s model portfolio, revealing the impending arrival of a new Chevrolet Silverado variant.

Orders for the new LT Trail Boss are open with deliveries commencing mid-year, providing a gateway for aspiring owners with a desire to get off the beaten track to join the Silverado family.

“LT Trail Boss personifies what Silverado is all about.  It’s big, it’s tough and it comes ingrained with brand-DNA which showcases qualities of strength, power, performance and no-nonsense work-hard attributes,” said the General Manager of GMSV New Zealand, Matthew Taylor.

“The LT Trail Boss is purpose-built, born to perform, offering rugged dependability in off-road settings when exploring on the weekend, but is also at home in urban environments during the week. It will enable big thrills and big adventures - it’s a way to really enjoy and experience the road less travelled.”

A key differentiator between the LT Trail Boss and its Silverado LTZ Premium stablemate is an innate desire to venture off-road and tackle the rough stuff. As such the newly announced iteration will feature a factory-fitted suspension lift-kit, which increases ride height by approximately 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear. Rancho monotube shocks, meanwhile, will provide for better damping and enhancing ride and handling when venturing into challenging terrain.

A mechanical rear locking differential and 18-inch painted black aluminium wheels mean the LT Trail Boss is ready for business right from the get-go, while Hill Descent Control, a heavy-duty air filter and protective all-terrain skid plates complement the all-round off-road package. The driver receives a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and, together with the front passenger, enjoys a 10-way power and heated seat.

To be priced at $119,900 (plus ORCs), the new truck will feature a 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8 petrol engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The column-mounted gearshift selector provides space for a large centre console which acts as a storage chest, capable of hiding away large and bulky items. A remote vehicle starter system, consisting of Keyless Open and Start, will add to convenience features.

Access to the LT Trail Boss was achieved thanks to GMSV’s direct line to Detroit, where the request was made to supply the Australian and New Zealand markets and then remanufacture to right-hand-drive by Walkinshaw Automotive Group.

The announcement of the new Silverado from GMSV was paired with an update regarding details of the eagerly anticipated C8 Corvette.

“The Corvette is one of the world’s most recognisable sports cars and over-delivers with regards to performance expected of such a machine,” continued Matthew Taylor.

“It is the epitome of a true icon as it has heritage, performance and unparalleled desirability - generation after generation.”

The Corvette was introduced in 1953 and this, the eighth generation, is the first to feature a mid-engine configuration and – most importantly for Kiwi performance-car enthusiasts – is the first time it is available as factory-built right-hand-drive.

To celebrate the local launch of the new model, a special ‘Carbon Edition’ will be available in Australia and New Zealand. This unique offering is based off a 3LT Coupe and will feature hand-picked interior trims, premium wheels and brake calliper package, an exclusive build plate and owner’s pack.

In addition to Carbon Edition, GMSV will also offer Corvette as both 2LT and 3LT models, available in Coupe and Convertible body styles. The retail price for the Coupe will be $154,990 (plus ORCs) for the 2LT, while the 3LT with enhanced interior appointments will have a retail price of $169,990 (plus ORCs).  The Convertible will be an additional $15,000.

A myriad of comfort and convenience features, including colour Head-Up display and a Bose Performance Series 14-speaker audio system, feature in both models. Considering the performance credentials of the powerful 6.2-litre V8 Corvette, GMSV has elected to specify the new arrival with the Z51 Performance Package and Front Lift.

“Overwhelming feedback is that our intended customers are performance enthusiasts, they want to have the ability to experience the C8 Corvette to its fullest potential,” said Mr Taylor.

“With this in mind, we have made the Z51 Performance Package and Front Lift standard on each and every Corvette coming into New Zealand, providing for even more agility and performance capability.”

The Z51 package includes performance dual mode exhaust, performance suspension with Magnetic Selective Ride Control, larger Brembo® brakes, electronic-limited slip differential, a front splitter, rear fascia-mounted spoiler, extra cooling provisions and specific rear axle ratio.

Full specifications for upgraded MY22 Corvettes have not yet been released globally, but GMSV anticipates being able to reveal more information in the second quarter, as well as New Zealand pricing for the Carbon Edition.