One of the most highly anticipated new vehicle releases of 2022 is the Chevrolet Corvette C8, a car that GM fanatics in New Zealand have been waiting generations to see in the flesh in proper factory right-hand drive.
Although that wait might take a little longer than expected for some.
A tornado struck Chrevrolet’s Bowling Green facility in late December, causing plenty of damage to infrastructure and Corvette C8 stock present at the time. It was thankfully reported that all staff were safe and sound, although the cars weren’t so lucky.
Video footage has now emerged showing rows and rows of new Corvette C8s reportedly waiting to meet with the crusher; General Motors presumably writing each model off as damaged stock.
It’s been reported that a total of 122 Corvettes were damaged in the tornado, with the video attached showing 104 vehicles in the queue to meet their maker.
The tornado’s effects are unlikely to impact the roll out of the first allocation of Corvettes landing in New Zealand, with Australian media reports indicating that right-hook C8s are already en route.
But, it may prompt a delay for the production of future product. General Motors temporarily ceased production of the model on December 16 in order to deal with the tornado’s aftermath, with staff returning to their posts prior to the end of the year.
As previously reported, New Zealand’s first allocation of new Corvettes has already been sold out, although it is taking orders for future allocations, as well as for the go-faster Z06 variant.
