The Corvetteβs Bathurst Debut: A Special Edition You Canβt Have
For 70 years, the Chevrolet Corvette has dominated the worldβs most prestigious motorsports events. From the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona to the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring, the Corvette has carved a legendary legacy inGT racing. But one iconic track has always remained just beyond reachβuntil now. In 2026, Chevrolet is finally bringing the Corvette Z06 GT3.R to the legendary Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia for the Bathurst 12 Hour.
To celebrate this milestone, Chevy is releasing a special-edition production model for fans. But thereβs a catch: this 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition will be limited to only 12 examples and will be available exclusively in Australia and New Zealand. For fans outside these regions, this news comes as a painful reminder that sometimes, the most exclusive automotive experiences are reserved for the lucky few.
The Hardware: A Race-Inspired Machine
The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition is built on the high-performance 3LZ Coupe and features the Z07 Performance Package. It sports a unique Switchblade Silver paint job, accented with Carbon Flash finishes on the carbon-fiber ground effects, rear wing, exterior badges, trim, and mirrors. The roof is cleared to showcase the intricate carbon-fiber weave, a nod to the carβs lightweight construction.
To mark the racing connection, the car features the βJakeβ C8.R graphics package adorning the hood and rear quarter panels. It also includes an exclusive Bathurst 12 Hour decal featuring an outline of the iconic circuit. The car rides on 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Spider Black forged aluminum wheels, covering blue brake calipers and fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires (275/30 front, 345/25 rear).
The Interior: A Sanctuary of Performance
Inside, the limited edition Z06 features Jet Black and Santorini Blue Napa leather on the Competition Seats, with matching blue seatbelts. The cabin is finished with carbon-fiber and Stealth trim pieces, and each car features a special Bathurst 12 Hour build plate on the inner door jamb, individually marked from 1 to 12.
Owners also receive exclusive extras, including a custom artwork print, a Corvette GT3.R printed indoor car cover, and a Corvette Racing merchandise pack. Itβs a comprehensive collection that captures the spirit of this historic racing debut.
The Legend of Mount Panorama
For those unfamiliar with the track, Mount Panorama Circuit, located in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia, is a legendary venue for racing fans. Unlike typical circuits, Mount Panorama is built on a mountain, offering breathtaking views and challenging terrain.
The track features a dramatic 571-foot elevation change and the high-speed Conrod Straight, making it one of the most exhilarating driving challenges in the world. Technically a street circuit, Mount Panorama transforms from a public road into a world-class racetrack for annual events. The Bathurst 12 Hour is now the pinnacle of this incredible landscape.
The Availability
Chevrolet has not yet released official pricing or delivery dates for the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Bathurst 12 Hour Special Edition, and some details are still being finalized. However, if you live in Australia or New Zealand and are looking to secure one of these 12 exclusive models, you may already be too late.
Ready to experience the legacy of the Corvette? While this limited edition may be exclusive to Australia and New Zealand, the Chevrolet Corvette remains accessible to enthusiasts everywhere. Explore the latest Corvette lineup and discover the thrill of American automotive engineeringβyour next adventure awaits at your local Chevrolet dealer.
