The Chevrolet Corvette has made its official debut in Singapore last week, alongside the opening of the world’s first dedicated Corvette showroom. This was made possible by Alpine Motors, who are appointed by General Motors to bring the highly anticipated American supercar to the island-nation.
The eighth-generation (C8) Chevrolet Corvette Stingray sports a mid-engine layout, housing its 6.2-litre V8 LT2 naturally aspirated engine that produces 495 hp and 637 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels only via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling a 0-96 km/h (60 mph) in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 312 km/h.
In Singapore, the Corvette comes standard with the Z51 Performance Package, which adds upgraded suspension, performance exhausts, bigger brakes, a limited-slip differential, and improved aerodynamics to the supercar.
Inside, the car features an eight-inch central infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, all enhanced by a 14-speaker Bose sound system. The driver-facing screen, array of buttons, and cocoon-like cabin design give the interior a fighter jet-like feel.
Speaking to CNA before the Corvette launch, General Motors Asia Pacific president and managing director, Hector Villarreal, said, “Singapore is a highly advanced market with consumers who understand and appreciate the latest technology and innovation in the auto sector, so General Motors is launching in Singapore to further expand our global presence and offer our brands and products in key markets around the world.”
Singapore isn’t the only SEA country with access to the Corvette; the Philippines has had it for some time now, along with a wider range of Chevrolet models. However, the Philippines market is left-hand drive, unlike most other SEA countries. With the Corvette now available in Singapore, Villarreal’s statement could be hinting at a launch in more right-hand drive markets within the region.
Present at the launch were His Highness Prince Jefri Ibrahim and His Highness Prince Abu Bakar Ibrahim of the Johor Royal Family. Both are members of the Johor Motorsports Racing (JMR) Team and have been competing in the Corvette Z06 GT3.R since April.
Following the launch, the supercar was made available for public preview until 3 August. Chevrolet’s first model on offer in Singapore, the Corvette Stingray, is available in limited numbers and is priced from SGD628,000 (approx. RM2.06 million) without certificate of entitlement (COE).
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