- Australia’s new Corvette Z06 includes the C8’s refreshed interior and screens.
- All local models ship as standard with the usually optional 3LZ package.
- The local-spec 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 delivers 637 hp (475 kW).
Chevy’s current Corvette Z06 has been overshadowed by the ZR1 and ZR1X models, but make no mistake, it remains a truly ferocious supercar with the charisma and performance to match its European rivals. An updated version has just launched in Australia.
The 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is the second Corvette model to arrive in Australia with the updated interior, following the Stingray. While the new interior has been available in the US for more than a year, shoppers Down Under have had to wait patiently to ditch the C8’s controversial ‘wall of buttons.’
Read: Chevy Is Still Building 6.2-Liter Corvettes Alongside 2027 Model
Like America’s C8, the right-hand drive model now rocks a larger 12.7-inch infotainment screen, an improved 14-inch digital instrument cluster, and a new 6.6-inch display providing easy access to important vehicle controls, including the Performance Traction Management system. By removing the wall of buttons separating the driver and passenger seats, Chevy has added a new grab handle, included a second wireless smartphone charger, and tweaked the cupholders. It’s a more comfortable and premium place to spend time.
A Familiar Engine
While the C8 range in the US was recently updated with a new 6.7-liter V8 in the Stingray, Grand Sport, and Grand Sport X, the Z06 has continued to soldier on without any mechanical changes. It’s the same story in Australia, meaning the raging 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 still produces 637 hp (475 kW) and 439 lb-ft (595 Nm) of torque. This is down from the 670 hp (500 kW) of the North American-spec car because Australia has a European-spec exhaust.
That’s a shame, but Aussies will be pleased to hear all Corvette Z06s sold locally come standard with the 3LZ package. This means it comes with the C8’s Nappa leather bucket seats, suede throughout the cabin, carbon fiber steering wheel accents, front lift kit, Performance Data Recorder, head-up display, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system.
Expensive, But Cheap Compared To European Rivals
GM’s Bowling Green facility will start building updated, right-hand drive versions of the Z06 from January. In Australia, the car has been priced from AU$299,990 (US$207,781). Although that’s significantly more than the Z06 sells for in the US, it still comfortably undercuts European rivals.
Chevrolet remains non-committal about how the C8 range in Australia will develop over the coming year. In a recent interview with CarScoops, Chevrolet Corvette program engineering manager Trevor Hall confirmed the company’s plant won’t be able to keep building older, 6.2-liter right-hand drive models alongside the updated 6.7-liter LHD models forever. However, he did not say whether Australia will eventually receive the 6.7-liter Stingray, the Grand Sport, or the hybridized Grand Sport X.
