Not too long ago, the C8-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06 was one of the most anticipated cars in America. It aimed to take on European heavyweights like the McLaren 750S and Porsche 911 GT3 at a fraction of the price. With its mid-mounted flat-plane V8, it wasn’t a traditional Corvette, but it still held to its performance roots. Now, things have shifted. More than 1,700 Z06s are sitting unsold on Chevrolet lots across North America, and the discounts are starting to show.
Hype Has Fizzled Since the ZR1 And ZR1X Reveal
Chevrolet
When the Z06 launched, demand far outpaced supply. People were willing to pay handsomely over MSRP to get one. But clearly, that buzz hasn’t lasted. Interest shifted once GM showed off the top-of-the-range Corvette ZR1 and the hybrid ZR1X. Suddenly, once interested buyers, or even those who ordered a Z06, started jumping ship. But who can blame them? While the Z06 has a naturally aspirated V8 with 670 hp, the ZR1’s twin-turbocharged V8 makes 1,067 hp. That’s not even to mention the ZR1X that benefits from 1,250 hp.
Discounts Are More Common Than You’d Think
Chevrolet
With supply building up and fewer takers, dealers are starting to feel the pressure. Ironically, once highly sought-after Z06s are now selling below sticker. Using Chevrolet’s online inventory tool, we found 3,678 C8 Corvettes currently for sale in North America. Out of that total, 1,701 are Z06s, which is more than twice the number of E-Rays available. In some cases, these Z06s are being discounted by over $10,000. For example, Clark Chevrolet in Texas has a 2025 Corvette Z06 1LZ listed for $109,209 – $12,000 lower than its MSRP.
A Golden Window for Buyers?
Chevrolet
If you’ve been contemplating pulling the trigger on a Z06, now might be your moment. After all, it is still one of the best bang-for-your-buck performance cars money can buy, rivaling exotics that cost more than double its price. The Z06 might not be the hot ticket it once was, especially with the ZR1 in the picture, but that’s not a bad thing for enthusiasts. For the first time since launch, you can walk into a dealer, pick your perfect spec, and buy one without feeling swindled. And in the era of hybrid and electric supercars, the naturally aspirated Z06 is starting to look like the last of a dying breed.