General Motors has identified a particular penchant among Japanese consumers for exclusive editions, prompting the launch of two fresh variants of the Chevrolet Corvette, tailored exclusively for the Land of the Rising Sun. Both editions draw upon nostalgic elements, with the Edition CERV I drawing inspiration from an experimental prototype and the Heritage Edition paying homage to the iconic C1 Corvette from 1953.
The CERV I holds historical significance as the inaugural Chevrolet Experimental Research Vehicle, debuting in 1959. This mid-engined single-seater, spearheaded by Zora Arkus-Duntov, revered as the progenitor of the Corvette lineage, serves as the muse for the new CERV I Edition of the C8 Corvette. Its aesthetic cues include blue racing stripes adorning a Silver Flare Metallic body, reminiscent of the prototype's distinctive livery. The design is further accentuated by Edge Yellow brake calipers complementing the black five-spoke wheels. Inside, a blend of Jet Black and Navy Blue hues adorn the upholstery, enhancing the retro-inspired ambiance.
Meanwhile, the Chevrolet C8 Corvette Heritage Edition pays tribute to the inaugural generation of the American sports car, which made its debut in 1953. Central to its design ethos is the iconic Adrenaline Red interior, a hallmark feature of the C1 generation. The exterior receives a subtle Seawolf Gray Tri-Coat finish, a unique offering tailored specifically for the Japanese market, paired with 20-inch forged aluminum wheels finished in gloss black.
Both the Edition CERV I and Heritage Edition Corvettes are now available for purchase through Chevrolet's authorized dealer network in Japan. General Motors plans to produce a limited run of 40 right-hand drive units of these special editions, comprising 15 coupes and 5 convertibles of each variant.
Despite their exclusive appeal, the special editions do not introduce any performance enhancements over the standard Stingray model, retaining the potent naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine, boasting 495 horsepower and 637 Nm of torque.
In terms of pricing, the standard Corvette Stingray carries a starting price of ¥14,200,000 ($96,032) in Japan. The coupe variants are priced at ¥15,100,000 ($102,119) for the Edition CERV I and ¥17,400,000 ($117,674) for the Heritage Edition, while the rarer convertible models are listed at an equal price point of ¥18,900,000 ($127,818).