New Zealanders can now go and plonk down their cash to buy the latest Chevrolet Silverado. It’s on sale now, for a Q3 delivery schedule.
Also announced today by GM Specialty Vehicles is pricing on the hugely anticipated right-hand drive C8 Corvette, including the stunning convertible model. Shipment of the Corvette will start in Q4 of 2021.
CHEVROLET SILVERADO
Orders for the new LT Trail Boss are open with deliveries commencing mid-year, providing a gateway for aspiring owners with a desire to get off the beaten track to join the Silverado family.
There’s a new off-road orientated Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss to join GMSV portfolio, with a lift-kit and other mechanical enhancements emphasis performance capability of this large purpose-built off-road truck.
“LT Trail Boss personifies what Silverado is all about. It’s big, it’s tough and it comes ingrained with brand-DNA which showcases qualities of strength, power, performance and no-nonsense work-hard attributes,” said the General Manager of GMSV New Zealand, Matthew Taylor.
“LT Trail Boss is purpose-built, born to perform, offering rugged dependability in off-road settings when exploring on the weekend, but is also at home in urban environments during the week. It will enable big thrills and big adventures – it’s a way to really enjoy and experience the road less travelled.”
GMSV says a key differentiator between the LT Trail Boss and its Silverado LTZ Premium stablemate is an innate desire to venture off-road and tackle the rough stuff.
“LT Trail Boss features engineering which is right at home for when the roads get wild and winding, it shines in conditions which others shy away from,” said Mr Taylor.
“Key to its performance credentials is a factory-fitted suspension lift-kit, which increases ride height by approximately 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.
“Rancho monotube shocks provide for better damping, in turn enhancing ride and handling when venturing into challenging terrain.”
A mechanical rear locking differential and 18-inch painted black aluminium wheels mean the LT Trail Boss is ready for business right from the get-go, while Hill Descent Control, a heavy-duty air filter and protective all-terrain skid plates complement the all-round off-road package.
The driver receives a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and, together with the front passenger, enjoys a 10-way power and heated seat.
There is lounge chair-like seating for five people, with heated, hard-wearing cloth seats contributing to durability and practicality.
The vehicle will feature a 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8 petrol engine coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. A shame that New Zealand will not be getting the awesome Duramax diesel engine.
A column-mounted gearshift selector provides space for a large centre console which acts as a storage chest, capable of hiding away large and bulky items.
There are nine choices of nine exterior colours allow an element of personalisation.
Access to the LT Trail Boss was achieved thanks to GMSV’s direct line to Detroit, where the request was made to supply the Australian and New Zealand markets and then remanufacture to right-hand-drive by Walkinshaw Automotive Group.
In addition, it also comes equipped with:
- Towing capacity of 4.5-tonnes.
- Suite of active safety features including Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
The retail price for the LT Trail Boss is $119,900.
“Based on interest in the Silverado LTZ Premium and the upcoming Silverado 2500, I anticipate there will be strong demand for the LT Trail Boss,” said Mr Taylor.
“I would strongly encourage people to contact their nearest GMSV dealer and place an order if they want to be amongst the first to have a LT Trail Boss parked in their garage ready for weekend adventures.”
CHEVROLET C8 CORVETTE
While the full Corvette specifications are not going to be revealed next quarter, shipment of right-hand-drive Corvette from Bowling Green Plant is to start in Q4.
“The Corvette is one of the world’s most recognisable sports cars and over-delivers with regards to performance expected of such a machine,” said Mr Taylor. “It is the epitome of a true icon as it has heritage, performance and unparalleled desirability – generation after generation.”
The Corvette was introduced in 1953 and this, the eighth generation, is the first to feature a mid-engine configuration and – most importantly for Kiwi performance-car enthusiasts – is the first time it is available as factory-built right-hand-drive.
To celebrate the local launch of the new model, a special ‘Carbon Edition’ will be available in Australia and New Zealand.
The unique offering is based off a 3LT Coupe and will feature hand-picked interior trims, premium wheels and brake calliper package, an exclusive build plate and owner’s pack.
“Full specifications for MY22 have not yet been released globally, but we anticipate being in a position to reveal more information in the second quarter, as well as pricing for the Carbon Edition,” said Mr Taylor.
In addition to Carbon Edition, GMSV will also offer Corvette as both 2LT and 3LT models, available in Coupe and Convertible body styles.
The retail price for the Coupe will be $154,990 for the 2LT, while the 3LT with enhanced interior appointments will have a retail price of $169,990. The Convertible will be an additional $15,000.
A myriad of comfort and convenience features, including colour head-up display and a Bose Performance Series 14-speaker audio system, feature in both models.
Considering the performance credentials of the powerful 6.2-litre V8 Corvette, GMSV has elected to specify the new arrival with the Z51 Performance Package and Front Lift.
“Overwhelming feedback is that our intended customers are performance enthusiasts, they want to have the ability to experience the C8 Corvette to its fullest potential,” said Mr Taylor.
“With this in mind, we have made the Z51 Performance Package and Front Lift standard on each and every Corvette coming into New Zealand, providing for even more agility and performance capability.”
The Z51 package includes performance dual mode exhaust, performance suspension with Magnetic Selective Ride Control, larger Brembo® brakes, electronic-limited slip differential, a front splitter, rear fascia-mounted spoiler, extra cooling provisions and specific rear axle ratio.
Magnetic Selective Ride Control provides real-time damping that reads the road every millisecond and adjusts the suspension accordingly, GMSV saying this results in excellent chassis responsiveness, poise and control.
“Corvette is an iconic car and there is a massive groundswell of interest and anticipation building ahead of its local launch,” said Mr Taylor.
“We have every expectation it will more than live up to its legendary status.”
