If you were hoping to get your hands on a C8 Corvette Z06 GT3.R when it officially rolls onto race tracks across America in 2023 then you better start lobbying the Chevrolet Motorsports department. Because according to reports, Chevrolet’s new turn-key GT3 race car could end up being one of the rarest Corvettes in existence due to a limited production run forecasted to last for just two years, potentially.
Corvette Z06 GT3.R Production Will Be Initially Limited To Just 10 Cars
Speaking with Sportscar365 following the announcement of the Z06 GT3.R, GM sports car racing program manager Laura Wontrop Klauser revealed that the Pratt & Miller-built GT3 car will initially be limited to just ten cars for each of the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
That initial allocation of twenty cars spread out over two years is the bare minimum to satisfy the FIA’s homologation requirements for new GT3 race cars.
Image via Chevrolet
The plans will start to take real shape sometime within the next year. With the announcement finally made Chevrolet can start to gauge demand, and begin taking deposits. The number of takers will greatly affect the rest of the program moving forward.
A turn-key customer program like the Z06 GT3.R requires not just the design, construction, and homologation of the vehicle, but also a robust support network that can and will support the teams at race tracks spread out over North America and Europe. At times, that may even mean support is required on both continents during the same weekend.
Klauser told the outlet that the Z06 GT3.R is currently undergoing testing.
Image via Chevrolet
Based on comments from Klauser, the initial batch of Z06 GT3.Rs will be exclusively destined for North American clients due to the company’s familiarity with distribution channels and networks on this side of the pond. It’s unclear if that means European clients will have to wait until 2024, or if the Old World will be granted a partial allocation during 2023.
Klauser noted that it will be interesting to see where the Corvette Z06 GT3.R ends up racing, based on initial customer orders, whom were not immediately disclosed.
Klauser also said the car is expected to begin on-track testing next year, with development scheduled to take place exclusively in North America due to the logistical constraints of shipping cars around the world. 2023 is certainly a long way away.
Image copyright Manoli Katakis, Muscle Cars & Trucks.
