Manoli Katakis 
The European Union doesn’t take kindly to American muscle. Or anything that’s of a high-octane, high-output manner, really. Back in 2019, the EU roadblocked sales of the C7 Chevrolet Corvette as well as V8 Camaro models, as GM opted not to re-certify these performance cars under new standards that require gasoline particulate filters. Vehicles like the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 are also officially exempt, while the Mustang Mach 1 had to dial back its output for the region, compared to what it’s supposed to have.
MidEngineCorvetteForum user “Ace” alleges that European dealers have been brought under the tent when it comes to their version of the C8 Corvette, including adjustments to horsepower and torque ratings, as well as 0-60 mph performance figures will be. Due to the addition of a gasoline particulate filter, the specs of the EU-spec C8 Corvette Stingray are said to be as follows:
Horsepower: 468 hp, compared to 495 hp in North America.
Torque: 455 lb-ft, compared to 470 lb-ft in North America.
0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds, down from 3.0 seconds in North America.
MC&T reached out to the folks at Chevrolet for comment, and they simply said that they have “not yet announced” specs of C8 Corvettes with gasoline particulate filters. However, Chevy is expected to debut the EU-spec Corvette next week, per CorvetteBlogger, between May 7-9. So confirmation is likely days away.
RHD C8 Corvette Stingray Coupes and Convertibles have begun production, but instead of being sent to the UK, Australia, or New Zealand, they are headed to Japan, where pre-order demand is highest. The EU and UK are getting theirs soon, while the Kiwis and Kangaroos will get their C8 allocation by year’s end. Vehicles that have otherwise made it over sooner are via gray market.
Per the report, Chevrolet is utilizing a standardized “Launch Edition” for the UK market that features 3LT trims with Z51 and Magnetic Ride Control. There are eight different C8 Corvette Stingray Coupe configurations, and just as many C8 Convertible configurations, with deliveries expected by autumn 2021.
In 2020, Chevrolet Europe announced the list prices for C8 Corvette Launch Edition models, with UK pricing starting at £81,700 ($115,049.94 USD) for the coupe and at £87,110 ($122,668.30 USD) for the convertible. Not exactly the attainable supercar that the Corvette has built its reputation on, but then again, the Corvette is known to knock out competitors from six-figure price brackets as it is.
