Corvette prices re-aligned in UK

Corvette prices re-aligned in UK

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Le Man

Original Poster:

860 posts

213 months

Tuesday 30th September 2008
quotequote all
THE BEST BANG PER BUCK JUST GOT EVEN BETTER: CORVETTE C6 AND Z06 PRICES REVISED


Adjustment made to prices of 2008 Model Year Corvette C6 and Z06 models
Corvette C6 now available from £39,999 OTR
Corvette Z06 now available from £54,995 OTR
Corvette ownership has just become more affordable with the revision to 2008 Model Year prices of the C6 and Z06 models in its line-up. Front-engined, rear-wheel drive Corvettes have always offered an unbeatable combination of blistering performance, everyday comfort and driveability and they are now better value than ever before.

The entry-level C6 is available as a Coupe or Convertible, both of which reach 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph, now retails from £39,999 OTR. The LS3 6.2-litre V8 packs 437 ps and maximum torque of 575 Nm. It is available with a three-mode paddle-shift automatic or a short-throw six-speed manual, while advanced aerodynamic development of the iconic Corvette design includes hidden radio antenna and keyless access in place of mechanical door handles.

The race-bred Z06 – boasting 512 ps and reaching 60 mph in 3.9 seconds before powering to a top speed of 198 mph – is now available from £54,995 OTR. The Z06 was developed alongside the Le Mans GT1 class-winning Corvette C6.R racecar and benefits directly from an extensive transfer of motorsport technologies, engineering know-how and advanced materials to deliver astonishing performance. The LS7 7.0-litre V8 is hand-assembled and features a number of lightweight titanium components engineered to reduce weight while increasing performance and durability.

These revised prices mean customers will save over 11% on previous prices.
In summary, 2008 Model Year Corvettes are now priced as follows:

C6 Coupe (437 ps) – from £39,999 (manual) and £42,449 (auto); previously £45,995 and £48,600
C6 Convertible (437 ps) – from £46,499 (manual) and £48,999 (auto): previously £52,995 and £55,600
Z06 (512 ps) – from £54,995 (manual only); previously £62,100

(Revised prices apply from 30 September 2008)

Purchased through the official UK Corvette retailer network, European-homologated models are delivered with a three-year/60,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty and three years’ roadside assistance. The latest generation high performance, legendary American sportscar remains the biggest bang per buck available in the UK.


Cuban

5,161 posts

257 months

Tuesday 30th September 2008
quotequote all
Excellent news - it's been a loooong time coming!

I hope it is backed by a solid high profile GM marketing campaign. yes

GW65

623 posts

212 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
Definitely more realistic prices, and spookily close to what I paid for mine so at least I'm not kicking myself! The new prices apply to 2008 models, so it looks a little like the fire sale we had for 2007 models (although understandably not as aggressive as the 08 vs 09 is a much smaller step up than 07 vs 08).

The $64,000 question is... Is this just a special promotion to clear the presumably huge stocks of 2008 models in Europe, or is this a true realignment that will apply when 2009 models start coming in? And when will GM start importing 2009 models (sometime in 2010 based on what happened with the 08s? smile )

One final thought... How cheap are those "new" 07s sitting in Strats showrooms going to be now?!

Le Man

Original Poster:

860 posts

213 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
I think you will find that this is a long term repositioning rather than a short term strategy.
That is certainly our hope as dealers.
Over-priced cars are more difficult to sell and have to depreciate more in order to find second-hand buyers, and both points generate sales resistance.
For most of this year, the availability of 2008 models has been relatively restricted.
Whether this was due to under-ordering or the extended strike by the UAW I cannot say but for certain, there is no glut of 2008 models to justify the change.
Both Cadillac Corvette Hummer and the UK dealer network have swallowed reductions in margin to move the Corvette pricing to a much more competitive level.
As Corvette retailers, we got what we asked for. I hope it pleases owners and aspiring owners too.



Edited by Le Man on Wednesday 1st October 07:50

mitch_

1,282 posts

230 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
Having just had a look at the European stock I can only find 20 2008MY Z06s and at a glance what looks like 40 or so C6 Targas and Convertibles. Across the entire European dealer network, that's not alot of cars and certainly shouldn't be seen as a glut.

Cuban

5,161 posts

257 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
mitch_ said:
Having just had a look at the European stock I can only find 20 2008MY Z06s and at a glance what looks like 40 or so C6 Targas and Convertibles.
Hi Mitch

What is the position with that 2008 stock, are dealers such as yourself able
to 'pick up' any of the above cars should what the client wants not be on your
own stock at the time it is required?

Le Man

Original Poster:

860 posts

213 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
Hi Graham,

It's David replying for Mitch and the answer is that we can draw down from the European stock in the port but dealer stock is harder to access.

vetteheadracer

8,271 posts

259 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
Interesting, about time GM actually looked at the price differential between the US and UK. Just shows that everyone that bought a C6 Z06 for list here in the UK has been ripped off for the last three years.......I wonder how many C6 Z06's GM sold into the UK market?


Le Man

Original Poster:

860 posts

213 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
Nigel. Prozac is available at a pharmacy near you. Go invest.
If you are a true enthusiast of the marque, why do you devote so much time to banging on about what a bad deal we all get.
The price is now down to a level where we can compete head to head with Porsche Boxsters, Mercedes Benz SLK 350s and Morgan Roadsters.
It didn't get there by accident or by magic.
We worked with GM to hone the price down to a level where, if anything, it's now a bit of a bargain.
To have you continually suggesting to anyone who'll listen, that they should buy cars anywhere but here, whilst at the same time, kindly directing importers to seek free advice and vehicle scrutiny from Mitch is a little galling.
For Gods sake, look at the US price of European cars, and to use a phrase I hate, smell the coffee.
Price differentials exist. Get used to it.
The differentials on Corvette just got a load better. Rejoice.

Edited by Le Man on Wednesday 1st October 12:32

car95

413 posts

198 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
Well done (and said) BM.

vetteheadracer

8,271 posts

259 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
David I do rejoice, just feel bad for the poor people who have just bought an '08 for list here in the UK. I totally agree the car is now even more of a bargain than it was and it is great news that GM finally realised that the price differential was way too high.

BTW the personal insults from you are starting to get very boring.

Le Man

Original Poster:

860 posts

213 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
Let's move on. The enemy is other marques and there's no point fighting in here. We're all Corvette enthusiasts and this forum is to share the pleasure and ease the pain.

G4HKS

2,673 posts

225 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
I can hear a bell ringing somewhere in my ears David.....

irish boy

3,620 posts

242 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
nobody paid list for a new z06 and if they did its there own problem.....i got a 10k over allowance on my trade in...........

JimexPL

1,446 posts

218 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
irish boy said:
nobody paid list for a new z06 and if they did its their own problem.....i got a 10k over allowance on my trade in...........
People did pay list (or close to) in the UK for a Z06 up until about April 2007. You might recall that the car was originally sub £60k list price for 06 model year, but because Europe sold out of their allocation GM decided to increase the price for 07 and keep it for 08 model year.

Discounting began when Stratstone tried to get all of its dealers to sell the same volume of cars as those that actually knew how to sell the car.

- I can't beleive the limited number of used Vettes on the Stratstone website - What's happened to them?? And why has the ex-press car gone up in price by £6,000 in the last nine months?


555ST

140 posts

194 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
JimexPL said:
... I can't believe the limited number of used Vettes on the Stratstone website - What's happened to them?? And why has the ex-press car gone up in price by £6,000 in the last nine months?
I actually looked at Corvettes on AutoTrader.co.uk today. I fear that Stratstone will have trouble selling an '06 plate Z06 with 15,000 miles for £46,994 whilst they are also advertising an '07 plate equivalent with 2,000 miles for £45,994... Would also be interested in a bit more info on the red '08 plate with "On Star Personal Hands Free Calling"...

But this http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/141527.htm has always been my favourite Stratstone advert. "... Only 5 Allicated to us - the UK's Offical Supplier, In Solid Artic White ..." Three spelling mistakes in the first line - Gavin's English wasn't up to much...

car95

413 posts

198 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
Now that's a gorgeous car ;o)

555ST

140 posts

194 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
car95 said:
Now that's a gorgeous car ;o)
It is!

Is that you, SW?

mitch_

1,282 posts

230 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
I think Stratstone adverts are parasitic. They seem to multiply in number like Gremlins because new sales people put them up, then leave, then another one turns up and puts more on then leaves and so on. If they have 100 cars I can guarantee there'll be 1000 adverts!!

I always liked the Ron Fellows, would have to have the decals on for me though.

car95

413 posts

198 months

Wednesday 1st October 2008
quotequote all
decal free is the way forward for SW!

there are some pics back in the thread about the CCCUK show earlier this year.