Photo: Mecum Auctions
The mid-engine Corvette may be selling like hotcakes, but the bean counters and execs at General Motors aren’t exactly on top of production. In addition to health crisis-related shutdowns of the Bowling Green assembly plant, the supply chain leaves much to be desired.
An undisclosed shortage is why the Kentucky-based factory will stop production for the week of February 1st, which is pretty unfortunate for expecting customers. Putting down more than $60,000 of your hard-earned money and waiting a year for the delivery of a Chevy is one thing, but GM still doesn’t appear to have any backups lined up in case of a parts shortage.
The truth of the matter is General Motors isn’t the only automaker in a pinch. The entire industry is slowing down production over a shortage of semiconductors, which range from the chip that governs the engine control unit in the ‘Vette to the 5G capability in your latest-generation smartphone.
According to Corvette Blogger, the plant currently produces 92 to 94 cars per shift over two shifts per day. That works out to approximately 940 vehicles per week, and it’s very far behind demand. Right-hand-drive markets are also looking forward to the mid-engined American sports car. Japanese customers, for example, bought well over 300 units in 60 hours.
If you’re not scared of dealers marking up the suggested retail price or waiting a helluva lot for delivery, then prepare to pony up $59,995 for the lowest specification available. The hard-topped convertible is $7,500 more than the coupe, and the Z51 Performance Package adds $5,995 to the tally.
The sweet spot of the range is the 2LT Coupe Z51, which can be had from $73,290, including the destination charge. As much criticism as General Motors deserves, I cannot think of a better sports car in terms of bang for the buck.
On a related note, word has it the Z06 with its screamin’ flat-plane crankshaft V8 will be revealed in July for the 2022 model year.
The truth of the matter is General Motors isn’t the only automaker in a pinch. The entire industry is slowing down production over a shortage of semiconductors, which range from the chip that governs the engine control unit in the ‘Vette to the 5G capability in your latest-generation smartphone.
According to Corvette Blogger, the plant currently produces 92 to 94 cars per shift over two shifts per day. That works out to approximately 940 vehicles per week, and it’s very far behind demand. Right-hand-drive markets are also looking forward to the mid-engined American sports car. Japanese customers, for example, bought well over 300 units in 60 hours.
If you’re not scared of dealers marking up the suggested retail price or waiting a helluva lot for delivery, then prepare to pony up $59,995 for the lowest specification available. The hard-topped convertible is $7,500 more than the coupe, and the Z51 Performance Package adds $5,995 to the tally.
The sweet spot of the range is the 2LT Coupe Z51, which can be had from $73,290, including the destination charge. As much criticism as General Motors deserves, I cannot think of a better sports car in terms of bang for the buck.
On a related note, word has it the Z06 with its screamin’ flat-plane crankshaft V8 will be revealed in July for the 2022 model year.
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