Corvette. America’s Sports Car. From awkward six-cylinder roadster to 265 small block V8 and beyond, it’s been a reflection of American culture for almost 60 years. The Vette has lasted through the lean years of the 1970-80’s to become a true thoroughbred in the ranks of the best sports cars.
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According to the Detroit News [2], starting May 4th at a cost of $76,300, lucky South Koreans will be able to buy the Vette straight from their local Chevrolet dealership [3].
Even though South Korea is a thoroughly developed country with the same modernities that we enjoy in the North America, they are merely Asia’s fourth-largest automobile market. Chevrolet hasn’t had a large presence there – most of them have been rebadged Daewoos [4] – but availability of American Chevrolets will be expanding due to a free trade agreement signed by South Korea and the US [5]. The Corvette Coupe is the most recent car to benefit from the more open trade arrangement.
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The Coupe [8] may be the lowliest of Corvettes, but it’s plenty of car with enough hair on its chest. Chevrolet’s site shows it comes standard with a 430-horse 6.2-liter all-aluminum V-8 capable of 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and achieves a remarkable 26 MPG on the highway. A six-speed automatic can be opted in place of the six-speed manual. Other standard items are leather seating surfaces, 3.42 gears, 18-inch front/19-inch rear five spoke silver wheels, variable-ratio power steering, and removable roof panel, among others. Why the Convertible, Grand Sport, Z06, or ZR1 won’t be available in South Korea is beyond me, but chances are the Coupe will be enough for the Korean denizens for the time being.
It remains to be seen if the Corvette will enter the North Korean market, but don’t hold your breath.