Chevy is niggling around with stop/start production for the C8 Corvette. With production being so compromised you would think that it would extend out as it did for 2020 production. But just the opposite is happening. The production schedule has been shortened considerably. Now, 2022 C8 production will end on May 6. 

What is Chevy doing with orders for the 2022 Corvette?

Through a local dealer notification, Autoevolution found that not only will production end in early May, but orders won’t be taken past March 17. Ordering for 2023 Corvettes like the Z06 won’t begin until March 31. Production of 2023 models begins on May 9, 2022. 

Back in 2020, with COVID shutdowns and a late start from the GM labor walkout, production was extended into December. That was unusual because most often model year production can end anywhere from August to September. Plants are then shut down for changeovers and a small pilot run, then begin soon after. 

2021 Corvette production wasn’t affected by microchip shortages

Production of 2021 Corvettes has been hampered not by microchip shortages, but by supplier issues. The first production stop was the first week of February. Then, it was stopped three weeks later. That also lasted for a week. Another production stoppage lasted from the latter part of May into June. Production was affected enough that orders for 2021 C8s had already closed on March 25. 

Some 2021 orders were pushed off to 2022 model year Corvettes. Chevy has shortened 2022 production enough to avoid a repeat of that problem. Part of this may also be due to interest in the 2023 Z06. It is anticipated to be quite popular, with corresponding orders. 

Production for 2020 models shrank to 20,000 Corvettes which is about half of what was anticipated. For 2021 models, the Bowling Green, Kentucky, plant was able to crank out 26,216 C8s. As Chevy is in the middle of 2022 production now, it is not able to give a final tally. The magic number it is wanting is 40,000, though with the shortened production year that might be hard to accomplish.

What’s new for 2023?

When production does begin for 2023 models, it will be offered in three levels for both coupes and convertibles. First up is the 1LZ which offers an outstanding vehicle for everyday driving chores. With the 2LZ you also get the Performance Data Recorder, Connected Navigation, and a slew of safety features. 

Going for the 3LZ version, things start to lighten up. A carbon fiber steering wheel and shift paddles, microfiber suede on the upper trim, leather door and instrument panels, and GT2 bucket seats. These come with Napa leather and carbon fiber bits. 

The Z07 performance package with carbon fiber wheels added to the Z06 gets the Corvette through the quarter-mile in 10.6 seconds. You’ll see blistering 0-60 times in 2.6 seconds, too. Those numbers are expected to drive those Z06 orders.